The Sector Skills Councils
There are currently 25 Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in existence. Their role is to support employers and other social parters, including unions, to be clear about the skills the sector workforce needs and encourage training providers to help deliver these skills.
What are SSCs?
They are Employer-led organisations whose remit is to find out what the skills needs of their sector are and then arrange for training providers to deliver at a quality, cost and convenience that meets the requirements of 'their ' sector. All SSCs have union nominees on their boards and other committees.
Why are they important for you and your members?
Sector Skills Councils have information about training and skills needs in their sectors. They also have information about qualifications and can sometimes help or advise with funding and subsidies for vocational training. They are a key resource for ULRs seeking to signpost members to careers advice and training information.
What SSCs are relevant to you and your members?
SSCs are licensed by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills. They will have a huge amount of information about courses, funding and careers advice. You can also find information about the SSCs and their work at the SSC Alliance. The SSCs most relevant for our members are:
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries (broadcast, film, video, interactive media and photo imaging). Most BECTU members fall within their remit.
Creative & Cultural Skills (CCskills) is the Sector Skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing, literary and visual arts. Most BECTU members working in theatre fall within their remit.
Construction Skills is the Sector Skills Council for construction. They represent every part of the construction industry, from architects to bricklayers, in every part of the UK. A small number of BECTU members fall within their remit.
e-skills UK is a not-for-profit , employer-led organisation, licensed by government as the Sector Skills Council for IT & Telecoms, and lead body for Contact Centres.
Asset Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Property, Facilities Management, Housing and Cleaning industries and their main aim is to "improve and develop skills in these sectors".
Lifelong Learning UK is the Sector Skills Council responsible for the professional development of all those working in community learning and development; further education; higher education; libraries, archives and information services; and work-based learning.