Skills pilot for women

The UK economy could benefit by between £15 billion and £23 billion each year if gender segregation in the workplace is tackled, according to the Women and Work Commission Report (Feb 2006). In response to this, the LSC is investing £20 million on a Train to Gain Level 3 pilot, which will offer funding for businesses to train women to the equivalent of 2 A levels in vocational skills. The pilot will take place in London. Train to Gain offers businesses free and impartial advice and funding to match employers skills needs with relevant training to be delivered at a time and place to suit them. This means that more women can train on the job and acquire the skills they need to succeed. It is hoped that the £20 million investment in the pilot will increase the numbers of women in London with higher levels of skills, which will in turn help them to progress in their careers. Key sectors to be targeted will include engineering, business and finance, manufacturing, transport, logistics, ICT and management. The pilot will aim to get more women trained to a higher level so that they can take up more senior positions. Currently, women represent just 16% of managers and senior officials in full time jobs (just 5% part-time). Baroness Margaret Prosser, the chair of the Women’s National Commission said: “With this investment there is real opportunity for both women and their families; for business and the economy of our country in the future, as we will be making use of all our talent rather than just some of our talent.” And Philippa Langton (pictured), regional director for skills at the LSC said: “We are one of the most successful economies in the world and London’s productivity rate is off the page, yet we have the lowest employment rate in the country, just 69% compared to 74% nationally. A large portion of Londoners not currently working are women, particularly lone parents. “Londoners need to get some of the really fantastic job opportunities that are taking place in London. Such as Cross rail, where 70,000 – 170,000 high level jobs are predicted, as well at the 2012 Games. With the appropriate training and support, women could move up and take on those high level jobs – there is a lot of wasted talent in our society at the moment.” Skills Minister, David Lammy MP added: “We need more women to progress into advanced skills jobs; this is good for them and their families, and for their employers and the local economy. I am very pleased that this innovative women's pilot in London is affording more women the chance to progress and more employers the opportunity to tap an under developed pool of talent.”