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.
So 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 participation on their boards and other committees.
Which of them are relevant to me and my training needs?
SSCs are licensed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES). 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.
ConstructionSkills 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 our 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.