LMI-Learning - Labour Market Information - Online Learning Modules - NGRF

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LMI-Learning - Labour Market Information - Online Learning Modules - NGRF

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LMI-Learning is being developed by the Institute for Employment Research , University of Warwick, together with KnowNet. Financial support has come from the Sector Skills Development Agency.

LMI and policy

The crucial importance of high quality LMI for effective career decision-making has been emphasised in successive government policy documents. Below are examples of policies relevant to the English and Scottish contexts.

Leitch Review of Skills, 2006

In December 2006 the Leitch Review of Skills was published. This emphasises the importance of labour market information in providing the requisite careers advice and support to clients. It recommends the establishment of a new, universal careers service for England that places 'labour market focused' advice at its heart:

In England, a new universal adult careers service, learning from those elsewhere in the UK, providing a universal source of labour market focused, accessible careers advice for adults. (p.22)
The Stationery Office (2006) Leitch Review of Skills: Prosperity for all in the global economy - world class skills.

Foster Review of FE, 2005 

A different review focused on the reform of further education and the challenge of developing skills. This review of further education emphasises the need for 'a relentless focus on the needs of learners and business as the criteria for progress' (p.6) 1. In so doing, it found that learners reported how 'information, advice and guidance is out of date, fragmented and ill informed' (p.39). It also criticises the lack of comprehensive services for adults 'when and where they need it' (p.40). About different information sources, the review states that:

As a matter of principle, the Government should ensure that the different systems and information sources that exist to help people navigate learner pathways are made more learner-focused, understandable and accessible to improve choice.
(Foster, A. (2005). Realising the Potential. A review of the future role of further education colleges, p.40

Regarding information provided to learndirect, the review states:

As a condition of receiving public funding, providers should also be under an obligation to keep the information for these external signposting services current and helpful to potential learners.
(Foster, 2005, p.40)

Leitch Review of Skills, 2005 (Interim report)

In an earlier review of skills in the UK2, the 'information failure' is highlighted as one of the problems to be overcome by a skills policy (p.112). In this context, information failure is defined as follows:

Information failure occurs when the information available to individuals and firms is incomplete or not good enough, or when some have more or different information to others. This might be information about the quality and content of courses or the returns they might gain if they complete a course.
Leitch, S. (2005). Skills in the UK: The long-term challenge, p.113

Prospectus for National Skills Academies

The crucial need for careers information in meeting the economy's skills needs was further highlighted in the prospectus for National Skills Academies (2005/2006). This stipulates that the new Academies will:

Play a leading part in developing careers guidance materials for use throughout their sector's network on the skills and qualifications needed for successful (employment in that sector)
National Skills Academies Prospectus, 2005/2006, para.2.5)

LMI Matters

So LMI Matters - as reflected in policy documents.

The Leitch review of December 2006 is likely to be of particular significance to the careers guidance sector, placing LMI firmly at the centre of guidance, and arguably restoring its status after some years in the wilderness of guidance work in England. What do you think - just how important is LMI to governments and why?

Should those with an interest in guidance work celebrate this enthusiasm for LMI or view it with suspicion?

Scottish policies for LMI

It has been recognised for some time that effective careers advice and planning should be underpinned by appropriate and up-to-date Labour Market Information (LMI).  This has been highlighted in successive policy documents since 2000, including A Smart Successful Scotland and the Careers Service Review Committee (Duffner).  More recently the emphasis has shifted to the use of LMI in supporting the individuals in the Career Planning process. 

The Government Economic Strategy

The Government Economic Strategy recognises that Scotland's people are its greatest economic asset and that this talent needs to be fostered.  The central theme of the new strategy is the 'whole government', which makes all agencies responsible for Scotland's economic growth. The aim is to create sustainable economic growth which will reduce inequalities across society and disparities between the different geographic regions of Scotland.  

Skills for Scotland

Skills for Scotland sets out the Scottish skills strategy, which builds upon the fact that Scotland has a higher level of SCQF Level 5 and 7 qualifications than England (equivalent to Levels 2 and 4), but that it lags behind in terms of productivity.  The strategy has two aims:
  • To improve the utilisation of skills in the workplace
  • To stimulate increased demand for skills from employers

It emphasises the need to focus on a range of essential skills including:

  • Personal and learning skills
  • Literacy and numeracy
  • Core skills (including communication)
  • Employability skills
  • Vocational skills that are specific to a particular occupation or sector

Skills Development Scotland Ltd.

The actions in the skills strategy will be delivered by Skills Development Scotland, which became operation in April 2008.  Skills Development Scotland employs 1,500 staff, bringing together Careers Scotland, Learndirect Scotland and most of Scottish Enterprise’s skills and learning activities.  The vision for Skills Development Scotland, agreed by the Scottish Government, is:

 Skills Development Scotland will be a catalyst for real and positive change in Scotland's skills performance.  We will help individuals realize their full potential, we will help employers be more successful through skills development and we will work in meaningful partnership to enhance Scotland's sustainable economic development.
SDS Operating Plan 2008-2009

Skills Development Scotland 'will provide an all age, career guidance service which supports people of all ages to make more effective career and learning decisions both now and throughout their lives.' (SDS Operating Plan 2008-2009).  Understanding the supply, demand and value of skills informs the navigation of individuals following career pathways and SDS services will be underpinned by LMI to make this possible.

A new section of the Scottish Government website contains information on progress against its skills strategy.  There are a variety of news items about skills as well as updates from a number of partners on the work they have been doing to implement the strategy.   Reference is made to improved careers support as a result of the Scottish Employers Skills Survey 2008.

Skills Strategy Updates are also available.



Last modified 2009-03-30 05:10 PM
Last cached: 2009-04-01 12:19 PM