Vauxhall chief chosen to head up skills crusade
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NICK REILLY, the chairman of Vauxhall UK, is to head a government crusade to involve businesses in improving the skills and training of the workforce.
His appointment will be announced this morning by David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education and Employment, at the launch of the new Learning and Skills Councils (LSCs).
These will combine the work of Training and Enterprise Councils, further education and the Careers Service and will have a pounds 6bn budget. Eliminating the overlap will by itself save about pounds 50m a year. The new councils are expected to deliver training to around six million people.
Mr Blunkett said: "The skills system we inherited was bureaucratic and complex. We have lacked the skills we need for business competitiveness and social prosperity in the new economy."
The Government has placed great emphasis on involving business in the LSCs, and has promised that at least two-fifths of the members of the councils will have recent business experience.
Mr Reilly, who has spent his career in the motor industry in the UK and overseas, has already served on a government taskforce on transport, which recommended additional charges such as tolls or workplace parking charges to tackle congestion. He has been chair of the Training Standards Council since August 1997.
Born in Wales, he was the first British head of GM-owned Vauxhall UK. Under his lead, the company has been at the forefront of improving environmental standards in the motor industry and, most recently, selling over the Internet.
Representatives from several big companies will attend the launch of the LSCs at 10 Downing Street this morning.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments