Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) / National Training Organisations (NTOs)
National
Training Organisations (NTOs):
NTOs
were launched in 1997 to integrate the multi-layered system of Lead
Bodies (LBs), Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) and Occupations
Standards Councils (OSCs) into a unified network. NTOs operated
as independent, employer-led organisations working with Government
to promote education and training. They have been deeply involved
in the creation of National Occupational Standards and Modern Apprenticeship
Frameworks. On a national level, the NTO National Council represented
the interests of the network of NTOs.
Role
of NTOs
| * |
Identifying
skills shortages / training needs on an industry-wide scale
and
advising on training solutions; |
| * |
Influencing
education and careers guidance; |
| * |
Developing
occupational standards, NVQs
/ SVQs
and advising on the National
Qualification
Framework; |
| * |
Fostering
partnerships within and beyond the industry, with Government
and LSCs. |
In
general, NTOs were closely associated with specific business sectors,
industries or public services. There were some, however, that cover
broader groupings, such as those related to administration or management.
These broader occupational bodies were known as 'all-sector' NTOs
and provide support for sector-based NTOs.
By
the end of 2001, there were 71 NTOs (down from 76 in the middle
of the year 2000), covering about 94% of the workforce.
The
individual NTOs have also had responsibility for issuing the official
certification of the Modern Apprenticeship completion certificates,
although Awarding
Bodies issue individual vocational qualifications taken during
the period of the course.
Sector
Skills Councils (SSCs):
NTOs
are due to be replaced by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in April
2002.
SSCs
are independent, UK wide organisations and are designed to give
employers a stronger voice in the planning and delivery of learning
and skills. The councils have been developed by groups of influential
employers and will be largely employer-led, but will also actively
involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders
in the industrial or business sector.
Each
SSC has four key goals:
·
reducing skills gaps and shortages;
· improving productivity, business and public service
performance;
· increasing opportunities to boost the skills and
productivity of all sectoral workers, including action
on equal opportunities;
· improving learning supply, including apprenticeships,
higher education and national occupational standards.
There
will be considerably fewer SSCs than NTOs and each SSC will cover
a wider scope of occupations. The Sector Skills Development Agency
(SSDA) will take responsibility for sectors not covered by a SSC.
For
further information on the establishment of SSCs, reference can
be made to the SSDA website at http://www.ssda.org.uk.
