HC Deb 13 March 2003 vol 401 c397W
10. Jane Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to establish a further education national training organisation. [102712]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

Formal Government recognition of national training organisations, including FENTO, the further education NTO, ended in March 2002. This is part of a UK-wide transition to Sector Skills Councils representing wider employment sectors. FENTO continues to deliver a number of essential functions and has operated with assistance from the Sector Skills Development Agency and the department during this transition period.

Good progress is being made towards developing an employer-led Sector Skills Council proposal covering the workforce in the higher education, further education, work-based and community-based learning sectors. This development will support the delivery of Success for All and the Higher Education strategy and enable employers to look strategically at the UK learning sector for the first time.