Employer Investment Fund to Support Ambitious Skills Programmes in the UK

Cogent, the Skills Council for the science-based industries (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, nuclear, petroleum and polymer industries) has announced the launch of a series of UK-wide employer-led and owned skills programmes co-funded by the second round of the Employer Investment Fund (EIF), which is managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

The £4.8m EIF investment is across three extensive programmes, which have been shaped by the employers themselves and are aimed at raising employer ambition and investment in skills. They are central to a strategy for growth, in which skills are a key lever in delivering economic expansion across the UK.

Tom Crotty, Director of Ineos, and Chair of Cogent’s Board said: “This is really great news for employers across the process, life sciences and nuclear industries. Their leadership has been central to securing funding for these successful bids which are centred around what employers want.

“The EIF is a positive force and a key investment in skills. Through this investment Cogent will work with employers to raise ambition on skills increasing the productivity and competitiveness of these vital, strategic global industries. This approach to investment led by the UKCES ensures the best return on Government funds and clear employer ownership of the programmes so essential for success.”

The EIF funding is set to replace previous “core” grant funding which all Sector Skills Councils will see come to an end in March 2012. It means that Government funds are even more transparently invested in tangible deliverables linked to higher skill levels across the workforce.

The EIF funding is contestable, and all the bids submitted to the UKCES have been the subject of a thorough evaluation against some robust criteria. Central to this is the requirement for the proposals to be underpinned by employer input, as well as contribution in time and money. All the programmes must be sustainable and must leave a lasting legacy.

Cogent CEO, Joanna Woolf added: “The allocation of funding under EIF will see us achieve real traction with employers in the science-using sector. The employers in turn will feel more “ownership” for these initiatives and the solutions they themselves have designed.

“The projects will build further momentum from employers from the very large to the very small and will lead to higher skill levels across the Sector, as well as ensuring those skills are applied in the workplace, based on the very highest of standards.”