TODAY'S working environment is ever changing. Employers are making
increasing demands on their employees in terms of flexibility.
Individuals no longer expect a steady predictable career path with the
guarantee of a job for life. Skill Choice, the national Assessment and
guidance credit Initiative is the latest concept to arrive in an
increasingly competitive employment marketplace and can assist both
individuals and employers face up to change and take advantage of the
experience they have and plan for the future.
While in England and Wales, 13 Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs)
are involved in Skill Choice, only one Scottish pilot exists -- a
collaborative project being three Local Enterprise Companies (LECs):
Renfrewshire Enterprise, Enterprise Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway
Enterprise.
How does it work? Skill Choice has two main elements: guidance and
assessment planning. Through the three LECs, funding is available for
the process of reviewing skills, achievements and potential. This forms
the basis of an action plan for future career development.
For the individual, this can mean a review of career options. For the
employer, the service involves considering existing skills within the
workforce, identifying training needs and discovering potential for
development to meet the business needs.
Assessment planning involves reviewing existing skills in relation to
vocational qualifications. Many people have abilities, which are not
recognised through formal qualifications. Gaining credit for existing
skills can assist in achieving that recognition.
''Skill Choice represents a significant change in focus in people
development,'' said Helen McCrum, manager of ReDirect, a subsidiary of
Renfrewshire Enterprise providing adult career guidance services. ''It
emphasises the need for companies and individuals to plan and manage
career development. Making use of existing expertise is important, if
organisations and individuals are to realise their full potential.''
Isobel Brown of ATLAS (Ayrshire Training and Learning Advisory
Service) explained: ''Skill Choice services will be of interest to
adults, mostly those in employment, who are changing careers, aiming for
promotion, perhaps even facing redundancy, or those who are returning to
work after a break.''
For employers, there is recognition of the need to achieve a skilled
and motivated workforce, not only flexible and willing to adapt to
changing needs, but given the opportunity to improve qualifications and
abilities. Making fuller use of existing expertise and experience is
also an important component. ''Employers who are keen to invest in their
people, to introduce vocational qualifications or indeed to offer
redundancy counselling services will benefit from the support available
through this initiative,'' said Rosalyn Allen, Dumfries and Galloway
Enterprise. ''In particular, we can offer assistance to the small and
medium-sized company which may not have the expertise for staff
development planning.''
There are three main contact points for information on Skill Choice:
in Renfrewshire, ReDirect; ATLAS in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway
Enterprise.
''The development of a network of guidance and assessment providers is
a key feature of Skill Choice,'' said Helen McCrum. ''We ensure that we
have a range of expertise available to meet demand. At ReDirect, we work
with the client to produce a development plan which recognises skills
and experience and assists in deciding on action to meet future needs.
As in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway we also refer to other
providers dealing with specific skill areas.''
A voucher system is in operation for the individual accessing guidance
and assessment services. ''We feel that we should encourage clients to
value career planning and assessment,'' said Isobel Brown. ''For
individuals, the costs will vary depending on the type of service
chosen, but typically they will contribute around #30 for career
planning and #25 for assessment planning services.''
For organisations using Skill Choice for their employees, staff from
ReDirect, ATLAS, and Dumfries and Galloway Enterprise are available to
discuss company needs, recommend suppliers and assist in arranging
contracts for delivery.
''Flexibility is important in delivering the Skill Chance service in
companies,'' said Helen McCrum. ''If an employer feels that he or she
has the expertise to deliver guidance and assessment in-house, then we
will still be able to discuss financial support.''
How has Skill Choice been working so far? ''The timing of this
initiative is right in terms of changes taking place in working life,''
said Helen McCrum. ''Employers are recognising the need to find
innovative ways of developing staff, particularly since fewer layers of
management mean fewer prospects for movement upwards within companies.''
To take advantage of Skill Choice for yourself or your business,
contact: Renfrewshire, Ms Helen McCrum, ReDirect, 041 848 9699;
Ayrshire, Ms Isobel Brown, ATLAS, 0563 72194; Dumfries and Galloway
Enterprise, 0387 54444.
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