Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Kali Mountford (Labour). It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Thursday, 30 November 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Manufacturing Sector

Question: What steps his Department is taking to raise the level of skills in the manufacturing sector.

Answer: The Government are working with partners to improve skills levels across manufacturing. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister recently announced approval of the new national skills academy for manufacturing, thus fulfilling yet another manifesto commitment. The academy will develop a genuinely employer-driven training opportunity, with training and education programmes that will set national standards for delivery, helping employers to raise skill levels and meet the demands of global competition.

Secondary information