SIP Policy Update January 2016

Welcome to the latest Policy Update from the SIP, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the world of skills, training and education.

SIP Chair attends the launch of the Apprentice Delivery Board

The Prime Minister has announced that a new Apprenticeship Delivery Board will be established, bringing together some of the country’s leading businesses.

The SIP, represented by Chair Malcolm Skingle, has put forward a proposal to George Freeman, Minister for Life Sciences, on the role a SIP Group Apprenticeship Scheme(s) could play to ensure successful implementation of the Apprenticeship levy in the science industries.

A new £1,000-a-year immigration skills levy is “expected to be introduced” on all firms for each skilled migrant they recruit from outside Europe.

New National Living Wage

From 1st April 2016 workers in the UK aged over 25 earning the minimum rate of £6.70 per hour will see a 50p increase. The National Living Wage supports the government’s vision of a “higher wage, lower welfare, lower tax society.”

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Funding to grow Greater Manchester’s Science-based Apprenticeships

New Economy Manchester has awarded Cogent Skills £200,000 from the City Deal Fund to deliver a project on behalf of the Science Sector, which will see Greater Manchester employers in these industries supported to take on a total of 300 new Laboratory Technician Apprenticeships.

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New National Mentoring Campaign

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a “new generation of high-flying mentors” will be created to help struggling teenagers fulfil their potential and improve their life chances.

Devolved Administrations

A skills round-up from the Devolved Administrations