London’s position as one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world is in part based on its business success. That success would not be possible without skilled workers, and London can boast the most highly qualified workforce in the country. To retain its position as a leading global city, London must not only continue to draw people to work in London, but it must ensure that it provides opportunities for Londoners to take advantage of its healthy economy. The LSC has a pivotal role to play in this along with its providers and partners.
We must address the huge levels of deprivation in London often brought about by worklessness which can be a direct result of poor skills. We know that many people need significant help with the very basic skills needs, such as literacy and numeracy along with help to achieve their first level 2 qualification. Alongside this we must meet the needs of employers, who are not only calling for staff with good basic skills, but also higher level skills up to and beyond level 3.
The LSC in London has a clear goal; to equip people with the right skills to get on in life and we have set out clear priorities:
- Improve educational opportunities for all young people
- Tackle London’s skills gap
- Integrate skills with regeneration
- Equip Londoners with skills to benefit from investment in the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
- Upskill the public sector workforce
- Transform the learning and skills sector through agenda for change
- Improve our effectiveness at a regional and local level
In London we have achieved much, but we are not complacent. The challenge in London is far greater than elsewhere in the country. We have some really exciting times ahead as the capital prepares to host the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games along with many other major regeneration projects including Terminal 5, Battersea Power Station, King’s Cross and Stratford City. Couple this with the vibrant economy, the large-scale investments in public sector infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, colleges and so you can start to draw a picture of the next 5 to 10 years for London.
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