HC Deb 17 January 1989 vol 145 c184W
94. Mr. Wilshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the work of the skills unit.

Mr. Cope

The Training Agency skills unit was established in 1986 to gather, analyse and interpret information on overall skills supply and demand, and disseminate that information to those concerned in training and vocational education. The main focus of its work is changes brought about by new technology, changing work practices and new materials. The skills unit produces a regular skills bulletin, a skills monitoring report, and research reports. Copies are held in the Library. It also provides a reference and library service and mounts seminars, workshops and conferences. Its output is being used by industry and commerce, including chambers of commerce and employers' organisations, by the education service, by training providers, and by other Government Departments.