Partner Article

North East sees rise in education participation

The North East has seen a marked increase in participation and success rates for young people in Further Education (FE), according to new research. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North East also said that the number of adults taking part in Work Based Learning has increased.

Figures for LSC funded provision in the region for 2006/07 show that the number of young people studying for a Level 2 qualification (the equivalent of five good GCSEs) has increased by 7.7% since the previous year. In addition, more than 10,000 individuals started an Apprenticeship.

Chris Roberts, Regional Director, LSC North East, said: “It is excellent news that more people are in learning and achieving results in Further Education and Work Based Learning. It has never been so important for young people and adults to equip themselves with skills and qualifications they need to enable them to succeed in work and life and these figures show that we are making real progress in the North East.”

As well as the success rates for young people and adults, almost 14,000 employees’ learning was funded through the Train to Gain service during 2006/07.

Mr Roberts added: “The jointly funded LSC North East and One NorthEast Train to Gain service has been a great success in the North East and has helped drive up the skills of the workforce. Thankfully, more and more employers are beginning to realise the sound commercial sense of training their workforce.

“Skilled individuals mean a skilled workforce, crucial ingredients for a successful economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .