Validity of some skills training programmes questioned

13:00 12th May 2009

Many skills training programmes organised by employers are treated completely separately from work and lack real validity, according to a new study.

Research from the Institute of Education, part of the University of London, found that many on-the-job training courses will have little benefit for Britain's long-term economic prospects as they fail to focus on business needs.

Nearly 20 million adults in the UK struggle with basic arithmetic and five million have problems with literacy, but the study suggested that the number of qualified individuals is in some cases being prioritised over the nature of the training they receive.

Professor Lorna Unwin, a member of the team that conducted the research, said: "All too often learning is regarded as something separate from work itself and is seen solely in terms of formal episodes of 'training' that can be counted and costed - the bean-counting approach."

More work-related courses such as computer training could benefit both employees and the wider economy more closely.

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