Chemical firms tackle skills gaps

The unions Amicus, Prospect and the T&G, together with the TUC's learning and skills organisation unionlearn, have developed a new Sector Skills Agreement with Cogent - the sector skills council for the chemicals, nuclear, oil, gas, petroleum and polymers industries.

The agreement is based on the results of a two-year investigation into skills gaps and shortages, aimed at identifying the training needed in Cogent's industries. It introduces a new apprenticeship scheme which TUC deputy general secretary Frances O' Grady says will "give young people, older people and those who have not traditionally thought about a career in this industry, the chance to learn and enter a profession".

Unionlearn director Liz Smith said she was delighted that the agreement will build on the work of unions and their learning reps to change attitudes to learning.

Describing the agreement as an "unprecedented tool for getting employers committed to the drive for skills", Cogent chief executive Joanna Woolf added that unions "have a central role to play" in its implementation. "We look forward to working with them and their representatives on our board."