Skills Minister calls for a new Arts and Craft Movement
The minister was at the RSA where to deliver a speech on how practical and skills have evolved through history and the role they must now play…
The minister was at the RSA where to deliver a speech on how practical and skills have evolved through history and the role they must now play in contributing to both the growth of the economy and an individual’s employability prospects and wellbeing.
John Hayes, said:
“For decades, people have been calling for greater parity of esteem between academic and vocational qualifications. But those calls have invariably fallen on deaf ears. Instead, we’ve seen the demotion of practical learning.
“The Arts and Crafts movement recognised the unbreakable link between satisfaction in work and quality of life - between craft and beauty.
“It’s been clear since even before guilds and livery companies existed that different sectors require specific skills, and that it therefore makes sense for sectoral bodies to be closely involved in designing training and qualifications and in setting standards.
“I know that the sector skills councils, trade organisations, livery companies and others are keen to build on the good work they already do. That’s why the Government will work to establish a circle of Guilds to be at the heart of the re-evaluation of the power of practical learning”
In his speech to an audience of RSA fellows, employers and members of the FE and skills sector, the minister called for a “revaluation” of the way that skills are seen and the value they add to individual employment prospects, life experience, national economic prospects and the character of a civil society and to the economy in order to stimulate and maintain growth.
The four ways in which the minister says the system can grow are:
- Continuing and intensifying efforts to re-establish the apprenticeship as the primary form of practical training;
- Re-evaluating and redefining what sector led skills system with a place for Guilds might look like;
- Continue to support and protect adult community learning and the role it plays in enriching the lives of individuals and contribute to local communities; and
- Break down the barriers to progression so the route for any individual from basic skills to higher learning is accessible and effective.
The government is now working to support a new award for excellence in the crafts, John Hayes added.
He said:
“I think it is right that excellence should be rewarded and the Government will work over the next few months with those working to support the crafts, including the various charities under the Patronage of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, to encourage and reward excellence in this area.”
John Hayes said that it is time to debate the way practical skills are taught, learnt and valued. A website will be set up where comments on the minister’s speech and the points from his speech can be submitted.
Notes to editors
-
The minister is speaking at the RSA from 5pm on October 26th. If you are a member of the media and would like to attend, please contact the BIS press office using the details below.
-
The minister’s speech will be available from the BIS website from 5pm.
-
The skills debate, as well as a Youtube video and a podcast of the speech, will be available on the BIS website from Wednesday 27 October: [http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Oct/FE-skills-apprenticeship-debate](http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Oct/FE-skills-apprenticeship-debate)
-
BIS’ online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.
Notes to Editors
Contact Information
Name BIS Press Office Job Title
Division COI Phone
Fax
Mobile
Email NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Name Alex. Hamilton Job Title
Division Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Phone 020 7215 5976 Fax
Mobile