Low skill levels are a frequent topic of conversations particularly in the service / repair sector.

As part of the recommendations in the recent Leitch Report a ‘pledge’ scheme for employers to voluntarily train eligible employees up to level 2 (the equivalent of 5 GCSE at grades C and above) is proposed.

If this is not seen to be operating satisfactorily by 2010 then legislation should be introduced to force employers to do so. As a measure of success of the ‘pledge’ system Lord Leitch saw the level 2 target for adults rising from 69% to more than 90% by 2020.

Further recommendations seek to jump-start the motivation to achieve a better-educated workforce.