The SkillsActive Wales Sector Offer Workforce Development across Wales Active Leisure and Learning Sector August 2009 This document is to be targeted at both employers and key stakeholders to outline SkillsActive s offer across Wales active leisure and learning sector. The document clearly articulates the process of robust workforce development planning and the support that can be provided to the sector from across the SkillsActive group. SkillsActive is also part of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, which is an organisation comprising all 25 licensed SSCs that together articulate the voice of the employers of around 90% of the UK s workforce. 1
The SkillsActive Wales Sector Offer Workforce Development across Wales Active Leisure and Learning Sector SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Active Leisure and Learning, licensed by Government to be the voice of skills issues and solutions for the sector. SSCs are independent, employer-led, UK-wide organisations designed to build a skills system that is driven by employer demand. Working in partnership with employers and key stakeholders, SkillsActive leads and supports the industry s drive to succeed, by ensuring the supply of skills to meet the needs of industry. Active leisure and learning is made up of five sub-sectors: sport and recreation health and fitness play work the outdoors caravans SkillsActive represents the organisations that employ (paid staff) and deploy (volunteers) in the following areas of work: Development, Governance, Leadership, Officiating, Performance Sport, Coaching, Instruction, Management and Operations In, for example, the following roles: Coaches Managers Instructors Grounds staff Officials Sports scientists Administrators Sports development officers Recreation assistants Playworkers Lifeguards Volunteer managers/coordinators Activity leaders Front of House staff Delivered in, for example, the following: Fitness facilities, leisure centres, outdoor centres, playwork settings, voluntary clubs, national governing bodies, local authorities, trusts and commercial operations. 2
SkillsActive Group Vision MORE PEOPLE, BETTER SKILLED, BETTER QUALIFIED SkillsActive Group Mission DELIVERING THE WORKFORCE FOR THE NATION S WELL BEING SkillsActive s unique contribution is to lead the development of the expanding skilled and qualified workforce of paid industry professionals and active volunteers needed to deliver the increases in active participation that will ensure the industry s on-going success and continued growth. Skills Priorities for the Industry The 5 priorities listed below were identified and agreed across the UK by employers through the Sector Skills Agreement. Key objectives and activities have emerged from the SkillsActive Wales Action Plan 2008-2011, which will help employers to improve the quality and range of their service offer. Each priority will be supported by a range of core commitments: 1. To improve recruitment and retention of the workforce Each occupation in the sector will be accurately defined by SkillsActive through the production of up to date National Occupational Standards. The Basic Skills deficit will be addressed across Wales. Clear career progression routes will be developed. Qualifications and training will be mapped against the National Standards to support these pathways. The usage of on-line tools to support workforce development will be promoted. 2. To upskill and professionalise the existing workforce Employers have acknowledged the need to build capacity within the sector. This will be addressed by joint working between employers, employees and government: The Step Up Sector programme for the health and fitness sector (funded by the Assembly Government) will be evaluated and future opportunities to upskill the sector will be considered. The successful work of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) will be developed. Professional registers and licensing arrangements will be developed where there is employer demand. Progression routes to management and will be improved and management and leadership standards in the industry will be raised. An integrated package of CPD will be created through industry (SSC) endorsement. 3
3. To match training supply to employer demand A UK programme of vocational reform will be delivered, based on the employer-led Sector Qualification Strategy, and Action Plan for Wales. Qualifications based on Credits and bite-size training will be accessible and available. Apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications will be developed to build a coherent framework that meets employment needs. Opportunities to develop an Academy model for Wales will be explored through the emerging Sector Priorities Fund. Working closely with HEFCW, graduates will be increasingly competent and able to enter the workforce due to the development of better relationships with individual HEIs. 4. To redirect and secure new funding for training to meet employment needs The contribution of the sector in meeting a range of government objectives will be promoted so it can be fully reflected in the funding support to its workforce. Innovative solutions to investment in the skills development of the workforce will be promoted. Funding for credit accumulation and shorter technical qualifications will be unlocked through negotiations with government. 5. To increase sector investment in our people An integrated model of investment in skills development, shared between Government, employers and individuals will be promoted across the UK focussed on a coherent framework of qualifications and training agreed by the industry through the SSC. Employers will be able to develop there own workforce using new and innovative workforce development tools. 4
The SkillsActive Offer to Wales Active Leisure and Learning Sector Increasing demand for skills SkillsActive is working to create a culture where both employers and individual employees recognise the need for professional development and improved skills. Through up to date analysis of the labour market, SkillsActive can identify and predict skills needs in the sector and advise employers on recruitment and retention, whilst driving effective investment from policy makers and funding agencies. Improving the supply of solutions Whilst working to increase the demand for skills, it is crucial that this increased demand can be met. SkillsActive is working with funding agencies, training providers and policy makers to maintain and improve qualifications, apprenticeships and vocational programmes. SkillsActive has the authority to set standards and approve qualifications across the active leisure and learning sector, which will help to improve the recognition it currently realises in mainstream education and funding systems. Building effective partnerships SkillsActive is in a unique position that it can work as the central link between all active leisure and learning sector partners, as well as represent the needs of the sector to the Government, maintain communications with awarding bodies, service providers, funding agencies and policy makers. Key Services 1. Identify and Articulate Need - helping to provide information about our people through researching our workforce and using online resources to make workforce planning easier. 2. Ensure Solutions are in Place - working to endorse fit for purpose, industry-driven training and qualifications solutions including apprenticeships. 3. Access Relevant Funding to Meet Need - through our unique relationship with DCELLS and other agencies, levering additional new monies into active leisure. 4. Deliver Training, Support and Solutions Working with training providers and key sector bodies to deliver the quality training required for Wales active leisure and learning industry, and adopting an advocacy and brokerage role where appropriate. 5. Track Training Delivered and People Developed SkillsActive Passport; an online, verified CV that can record and authenticate education and development and log voluntary hours. Structure SkillsActive has created a UK-wide Group structure to enable it to increase its effectiveness in addressing the priorities articulated by our employers. This structure includes SkillsActive SSC (SSC), the National Skills Academy (in England) and SkillsActive Services (SAS). SkillsActive currently has three members of staff based in Wales including a National Manager, a Development Officer for 14-19 Reform, and a Workforce Development Manager. REPs, which is part of the SkillsActive group of companies, also has a Register Manager based out of SkillsActive s Cardiff office. 5
Robust Workforce Development Track Training Completed and People Developed Active Passport Identify and Articulate Need Workforce Research (individual and organisational) SkillsActive Analyser Ensure Solutions are in Place Development of Sector Preferred Training and Qualifications Deliver Training, Support and Solutions Brokerage, Products and Services The Process The Offer Access Relevant Funding to Meet Need Funding Levered to Support Sector Workforce 6
Identify and Articulate Need To establish how many people operate within the sector/organisation, the roles they perform and the skills they need (both now and for the future). Sector Offer Details Outcomes SkillsActive has a team of experts who can help the sector, organisations and individuals to identify and articulate need by: Providing access to a bespoke online training needs analysis tool SkillsActive Analyser 1. Making available research that details the current skills requirements of your current and future workforce 2. Carrying out tailored research specific to a particular organisation 3. Examining and reporting on the existing market for training provision 4. Providing the contact and broker research with other partners that impact on the delivery of your services 5. Providing assessment resources and a tool kit on how to develop the literacy and numeracy skills needs of your people Organisational and individual training needs assessment. SkillsActive is tasked by Government to obtain information from people working in our sector and translate this into Labour Market Intelligence (LMI). This includes gaps and shortages in skills and future skills requirements. E.g. we need x more coaches and need to train x fitness instructors. In order to know more about your people, SkillsActive can advise on or carry out bespoke data collection, develop research tools or simply help you to make the most of the data you already hold. However, this would be a charged service. Core to developing our services is our ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing service offers. This could include measuring the impact of volunteers and volunteering, enjoyment and satisfaction, quantity and quality, personal development, money matters, social impacts and sense of community People can quickly identify how they need to develop and where to get assistance. Organisations can identify skills issues. LMI is recognised as being the best form of workforce data in any sector. Using this information we are able to promote the value and needs of the sector to Government to support the development of people across the sector. Being able to provide a statistical baseline not only provides organisations with a good starting point for planning, it can often attract funding to projects Your provision or service is monitored and statistics along with qualitative research support your work, identify areas for development and provide evidence for funding applications 7
Ensure Solutions are in Place By establishing that you have a programme of qualifications, training and development in place for your people (both now and for the future delivery of your plan). Sector Offer Details Outcomes SkillsActive has a team of experts who can help the sector/organisations to ensure the solutions are in place by: 1. Reviewing existing and developing new standards in partnership with the sector and lead agencies 2. Developing new qualifications and training identified as crucial for the whole sector, a particular group or sub-sector 3. Identifying the qualifications that the industry agrees to be a priority for public funding 4. Working with employers and deployers to identify the entry level qualifications required 5. Ensuring existing frameworks meet the needs of the sector, e.g. apprenticeships, foundation degrees. SkillsActive carries out research, involving technical advisory groups across the sector to ensure that relevant qualifications are being delivered that meets the needs of the sector. SkillsActive also carries out analysis of the type of qualifications people are enrolling on, their availability and success rates. Working with a range of partners and organisations to ensure that the relevant qualifications and training are in place. The PDB and SAFE are two groups of national partners, key stakeholders and employers aiming to lead the industry on; setting standards, debating and resolving funding issues and endorsing qualifications and training in partnership with its members. Providing advice and guidance to existing employees and volunteers and those looking to enter into the industry via a dedicated online careers resource: www.skillsactive.com/careers SkillsActive leads on management and leadership standards development on behalf of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils. SkillsActive works with both Higher and Further Education providers to ensure courses are relevant to the needs of employers and deployers. In Wales, SkillsActive has created various vocational learning pathways including the 14-16 Work Based Learning Pathway in Sports Management Leadership and Coaching, The Apprenticeship in Active Leisure and Learning and the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence. SkillsActive will continue to manage and Avoiding duplication for training and also providing information related to accredited training courses across Wales. The following agencies work together on skills policies and issues: Sports Council for Wales, Play Wales, Sports coach UK, sports leaders UK, ISPAL, ISRM, Sports Officials UK, Institute of Groundsmanship People looking to enter the sector and already working in the sector (either paid or as a volunteer) will be able to see career options clearly. Many people are thrust into management without any formal training or support? We can provide some training and tools that are vital for people in management positions Education and training is relevant for the people in our sector and the people that employ and deploy them. Apprenticeships provide a nationally recognised framework for on the job training for predominantly young people to gain 8
amend these frameworks to meet the needs of employers. Apprentices can choose several qualification routes and government has increased funding for Apprenticeships exponentially. In partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, SkillsActive will lead the development of Principal Learning Qualifications. These are new qualifications that will give learners an insight into what is involved in an occupational area. Through the Welsh Baccalaureate, these qualifications will be phased in over three years from 2010. SkillsActive is leading sector developments in relation to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) which will align to public funding. The QCF will feature as a key pillar with the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales On behalf of the sector, SkillsActive responds to government consultations on policy that will impact employment, training and development. Recent consultations include the Welsh Assembly Government Skills and Employment Strategy entitled Skills That Work for Wales and the Climbing Higher Action Plan entitled Creating an active Wales. appropriate qualifications to learn the practical skills and knowledge to the job. This will provide the sector with people who are fit for purpose. The Work Based Learning Pathway and emerging Principal Learning Qualifications are fit for purpose and gives young people an opportunity to learn more about working in active leisure and provides an educational entry point for our sector. A joined-up approach is ensured in order that the sector can be heard with one united voice. 9
Access Relevant Funding to Meet Need Establishing and supporting you to obtain funding to support the delivery of training and qualifications (both now and for the future) Sector Offer Details Outcomes SkillsActive works with the funding bodies within learning, skills and education to ensure that funding is provided to meet the needs of the sector. SkillsActive operates across both the education and training sector, representing the sector ensuring that we are well placed to translate education policies and strategies. SkillsActive works to ensure that funding is available to support those qualifications on the QCF / CQFQ. SkillsActive work with partners to develop funding applications. This includes mainstream and discretionary funding. For example: DCELLS mainstream funding (direct contracts with or via colleges / work based learning providers) European Social Fund Sector Step UP Union Learning Fund The sector can access and benefit from the funding opportunities linked to educational initiatives. Funding is funnelled towards priorities with agreement across the sector. A demand-led system ensures more funding and better recognition for the sector allowing the right people, in the right place, at the right time to benefit. 10
Deliver Training, Support and Solutions Ensuring that all your people able to access a full range of training and qualifications (both now and for the future) Sector Offer Details Outcomes SkillsActive has a team of experts who can help the sector/organisations to ensure that they receive information related to appropriate training provision and to support the solutions they need. Through the Welsh Assembly Government Sector Priorities Fund, and subject to appropriate investment, SkillsActive will work with the Assembly Government, employers and partners to promote the development of the SkillsActive Wales Learning Hub to broker training solutions for employers across Wales active leisure and learning sector. A network of training providers who can respond to evident skills gaps and shortages faced by employers across Wales. A range of products and services designed to meet the needs of the Welsh employers. The development of basic skills toolkits to help employers address the all important basic skills agenda within the workplace. Quicker, easier access to education and training. Employees and volunteers understand the principles of workforce development and are able to identify solutions. Customised training improves the competence of individuals and reduces staff turnover. Organisations employ and deploy people who are excellent. Bespoke solutions in place to support the sector. New volunteers engaged into the sector and across the Alliance. 11
Track Training Completed and People Developed Helping you to track achievement and progression of those people who are receiving training and development (both now and for the future). Sector Offer Details Outcomes SkillsActive has a team of dedicated experts who can help you track the achievement of your people involved in training and qualifications through the ActivePassport which: The SkillsActive Passport: An online, verified CV, recognised not just across sporting organisations but many other sectors of industry, with the ability to log voluntary hours and act as a licensing system: People can display how they have progressed and what experiences they have had, whilst organisations will be able to identify their fitness for specific roles For individuals, it provides a transferable, complete and verified online record of qualifications and experience www.activepassport.com For employers, it helps them identify skills gaps and suitably qualified personnel Its tells employers when and how an individual needs to be trained, helping with budgeting and avoiding the costs and time of duplicate training 12