What they are
About Sector Skills Councils
Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, employer-led, UK–wide organisations designed to build a skills system that is driven by employer demand. There are currently 25 SSCs covering over 90% of the economy and they all work towards the following four key goals:
- reduced skills gaps and shortages
- improved productivity, business and public service performance
- increased opportunities to boost the skills and productivity of everyone in the sector's workforce
- improved learning supply through National Occupational Standards, apprenticeships, and further and higher education.
SSCs have been established and developed during the last five years and in that time they have built strong working relationships with the UK Government and the devolved administrations, training providers, bodies which fund training and other important skills stakeholders. They have played a leading role on a range of skills issues, including:
- working with employers to identify future skills needs
- developing skills and training solutions
- setting occupational standards
- influencing and shaping the future development of qualifications
- designing apprenticeship frameworks
- encouraging greater investment in training
- providing labour market information that assists in long-term business planning.