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Boost for caravan skills
A significant step forwards was taken last week, as a new and closer relationship was formed between Caravan Industry Training (CITO) and SkillsActive, to maximise caravan sector access to full training and skills support, and to strengthen its voice in the training lobby.
Back row, Jenny Pritchard (CEO CITO), Stephen Studd (CEO SkillsActive), Ros Pritchard (DG BH&HPA) and John Lally (DG NCC), Seated: Peter Draper (Chair NCC), Elaine Clowes (Chair SkillsActive), Mike McCann (Chair BH&HPA) and James Kennedy (witness)
CITO - 06/10/2008
Having been working in close cooperation with the sector skills council for several years, the Trade Associations decided that it was in the best interests of the industry’s employers and employees for their training organisation to be fully integrated within the wider sector skills council.
Elaine Clowes, Chair of SkillsActive, welcomed the change. “We are delighted by the growing investment in training and skills within caravan businesses, and SkillsActive is totally committed to ensuring that the industry’s training needs are met. SkillsActive’s position as the sector skills council means that this closer involvement will benefit every caravan business, with access to training specifically designed to meet their needs”.
Mike McCann, BH&HPA Chairman was looking forward to the advantages of close integration with the sector skills council. ”SkillsActive will ensure caravan parks’ place on the government’s training map; there is a lot of good training going on, and we have excellent skilled staff doing a fantastic job. This new phase for CITO will make sure that the government is aware of the contribution that our industry makes, and what we need to influence further improvement.”
NCC Chairman Peter Draper also confirmed his support. “The 25 SSCs work as a network. NCC covers the whole of the caravan supply chain, and no single SSC can meet all the needs of our diverse membership. However, SkillsActive are already co-operating on a project with the Institute of the Motor Industry to develop new qualifications for caravan workshop staff. This joined-up thinking can only be to the benefit of all.”
With their base within the NCC office in Aldershot retaining access to industry expertise, CITO’s achievements will be enhanced by the support of the sector skills council. The NCC and BH&HPA will continue to direct CITO’s work and Chief Executive Jenny Pritchard confirmed “Our priority remains to serve our industry but we will be able to achieve so much more from within SkillsActive. Instead of knocking on the door from the outside, we will be working from within, with SkillsActive’s resource and support. SkillsActive have welcomed us unequivocally, valuing our contribution and helping us meet our industry’s growing requirements.”
