| By :
Martin Hofschroer
The majority of British businesses are looking for employees who have passed vocational courses, according to an investigation. Research in the City & Guilds' report 'The Skills Economy - the new framework for prosperity' revealed that nine in ten employers believe that vocationally trained workers are crucial to the success of their business. The report also found that two-thirds of all employers thought that vocational education, delivered through plumbing courses and electrical courses, provide people with the practical skills that are essential for a dynamic economy. Training through commercial gas courses and green energy courses can also give job seekers an advantage over graduates as six in ten employers prefer applicants who already have the skills and experience to immediately work for their business. In addition, two-fifths of bosses who do not currently employ vocationally qualified workers acknowledge that they are just as suitable for positions at their company compared with university graduates. Chris Jones, CEO of City & Guilds, said that the introduction of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) will make it easier for learners to gain the vocational skills that employers are looking for. He said: "Ultimately vocational qualifications will become even more relevant to employers' skills needs and the changing face of UK industry, as well as more flexible and transparent for learners' career progression." People looking to enrol on vocational courses may have to choose private training centres as an increasing number of colleges are cutting subjects as part of cost saving measures. The Citizen reported that Gloucestershire College has had to axe plumbing courses in a bid to save money, which may lead to local residents looking elsewhere for vocational training. Greg Smith, the college's principal, told the newspaper that at least 50 different courses have been cancelled because the college cannot afford to finance the same level of adult learning services due to budget restrictions. He said: "I've already had lots of complaints, and that's the sad thing. If it's something like basket weaving, it's hard to make a case, but electrics and plumbing, beauty and hairdressing courses are another thing." Potential plumbers should realise that an appropriate succession of approved and accredited NVQ training must be undertaken before it is possible to become a fully qualified plumber. The first qualification courses for a wannabe plumber to take is the City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2, which allows progression onto NVQ level 3. Training to become a plumber can take a number of years, which means people should not be enticed by training centres which offer crash courses.
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