Work with Sector Skills Councils

In the South East region, The Network is developing partnership approaches with Sector Skills Councils. One of these partnerships is with Skillsmart, the retail Sector Skills Council. As part of this initiative, at the beginning of 2004 The Network undertook a survey to establish the level of basic skills provision within the retail sector in the South East region and to capture information on the range of programmes providers were offering.

What was the aim of the research?

The aim was to ascertain the scope and breadth of retail provision in the South East region by Further Education and work-based providers and to find out what progression opportunities were available.

What methodology was used?

A bespoke questionnaire was designed and issued and telephone interviews were used as follow up. These methods were designed to give a broad view of basic skills provision in the retail sector; provide data on the breadth and scope of provision and to suggest whether basic skills were integrated into other forms of training. The survey also sought to consider take-up of the National Tests.

What were the findings and what recommendations were made?

It was found that case study information is a valuable way of encouraging employers and providers to engage in basic skills provision but that time restraints and a lack of resources often made this difficult for providers to do. The Network has therefore subsequently offered consultancy support to gather these case studies. Responses also indicated that the take-up of the National Tests was low, although providers did indicate that progress was tracked and accredited by using other means.

Overall, the results allowed stakeholders to see the extent and nature of the training provided and gave them a clearer picture of the provision. Subsequently, this will allow The Network to target future training events and has informed continued work with Skillsmart.

What are the next steps?

In conjunction with Skillsmart, The Network has joined local retail forums to continue looking at what support can be offered to providers and HR managers. The Network are also continuing to offer consultancy support.

How can I get further information?

For further information or for a copy of the report please email admin@workplaceLLNnetwork.co.uk.

If you would like sector specific work to be undertaken for you...

Please also contact The Network on the contact details above.