Established in April 2001, our work covers further education and sixth forms, work based learning for young people, workforce development, adult and community learning, information, advice and guidance for adults, and education business links.

Our vision is that, by 2010, young people and adults in England will have the knowledge and productive skills matching the best in the world.

Creation of the Learning and Skills Council

In June 1999, the Government published the 'Learning to Succeed' White Paper. This set out a vision whereby all individuals, irrespective of their background or education levels would be given the chance to learn new skills, fulfil their potential and improve the quality of their lives at home and at work.

Businesses would be able to recruit trained, talented and motivated staff in order to compete more effectively and more confidently. Skills shortages would be narrowed. Employers could plan ahead, and career paths could be mapped. The Learning and Skills Council is now working towards this vision.

As Bryan Sanderson, the Council Chairman has said, "We have a colossal task in front of us; to champion the power of learning to transform peoples lives."

This is the scale of the task: there are almost six million adults in the UK with no qualifications; 26% of adults in the UK have undertaken no learning in the last three years and there are seven million adults in the UK with serious basic skills needs in literacy, numeracy or basic IT.

On April 2, 2001, the Learning and Skills Council replaced the Training and Enterprise Councils and the Further Education Funding Council. The council has an initial annual budget of £5.5 billion with the target of making this vision a reality for around five million learners each year. The council operates through 47 local offices and a national office in Coventry.

Further Information

See the Learning and Skills Council's website: www.lsc.gov.uk