Skill Sectors / Community and Information Services - News

Test Your Work Skills in 10 Minutes

26 July 2010

In this time of insecurity and financial austerity, it’s sometimes good to remind ourselves of the transferability of our skills between different roles. Why not take a free test to find out how you score. If you score highly, it may boost your confidence, and reinforce your CV. if you score poorly, there are many helpful hints and materials to work with on the web site, and so you can go back and edit your responses at any time to re-assess your transferable skills

It’s free of charge, and comes out of a project between the University Campus Suffolk and Essex University.

If you are interested in taking part – e-mail: s.barnes@ucs.ac.uk with a note to forward to you the web address of this free assessment.

BCC: Strong skills base essential for growth of UK firms

22 July 2010

The Government has launched a consultation on the future direction of skills policy, called “Skills for Sustainable Growth”. Commenting, Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“A skilled and knowledgeable UK workforce is fundamental to the development of a rich and diverse economy.

“Employers want the public sector to focus limited resources on basic employability skills, focused apprenticeships and the leadership and management skills needed to help grow small businesses. While we are pleased to see an emphasis on the apprenticeship programme - a vital recruitment resource for many smaller firms - the economy is still fragile, and expectations that businesses will be taking on a high number of apprentices may be premature.

“Employers have long complained that there is a mismatch between the skills on offer and their business needs. These simplification plans must root out this mismatch – because getting the right skills to businesses means growth in productivity, jobs and tax revenue.”