Amicus slams government's skills policy

Manufacturing union Amicus has accused the government of failing to provide young people with basic work skills.

New research by the union and Cranfield University has found that many students are gaining low-level vocational qualifications which employers do not value.

Government departments disagree over what counts as a "higher-level" qualification - and even if the government meets its targets for improving young people's skills by 2020, the research shows that the UK's skills level will be mediocre in comparison with other countries.

While the research applauds the government for focusing on improving manufacturing skills, it points to a lack of understanding about policies and structures needed to achieve this aim.

"The government strategy for manufacturing skills has got it wrong," said Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson. "The government needs to adopt a clearer vision of business needs and work with employers and learning institutions to ensure that the system delivers them."

* Support from Amicus members at Cadbury Trebor Bassett has enabled two former MG Rover engineering apprentices to complete their training at the confectionery firm.

Shop steward Fred Sherwood clubbed together with 120 colleagues last year to pay the salaries of Jamie Bright and Trang Ly so that they could join Cadbury and finish their apprenticeships. And now both of them have been offered permanent jobs at the company's Bournville site.

Bright, an Amicus member himself, said he was "really chuffed" to have found a full-time job, adding: "If it wasn't for Amicus, I wouldn't be here today."