Home > News > November 2004 > 19-Nov-2004

New Sector Skills Council for passenger transport launched

GoSkills, the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for passenger transport, has been officially launched by David Miliband, Minister of State for School Standards, at the Meridian Business Centre, London City Airport.

GoSkills mission is to be the leading authority on skills issues for the passenger transport sector where, in a survey by the Learning and Skills Council, 28% of passenger transport operators reported loss of business to competitors due to skills gaps and 34% said they had difficulties meeting customer service objectives.

Welcoming GoSkills' licence, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke said: "I am delighted that GoSkills has achieved its Sector Skills Council status. In a fast-changing world it is important for employers to recognise the benefits of high quality learning and skills which is why I urge all employers in the sector to become involved with GoSkills and help drive forward productivity."

Chris Moyes, GoSkills Chairman and newly appointed Chief Executive of transport group Go-Ahead said: "Now GoSkills is licensed we can get to work addressing the serious skills issues of the sector. We are in a race against time. Many companies in the passenger transport sector are already suffering because of skills shortages and gaps. As more people near retirement age we are facing a significant challenge in terms of recruitment and retention and in delivering a passenger transport system that will be truly attractive to users and tackle the congestion that is choking our cities and economy."

Mr Moyes called on employers and other operators in the sector to engage with the new Sector Skills Council to help shape the qualifications and training their industries really need.

"While there has been steady upsurge in investment in the nuts and bolts infrastructure of passenger transport, skills are the missing link. There are new legislative requirements and cultural expectations that demand better customer service, IT and management skills and if these are not understood then business is going to lose out. We know that businesses already report loss of opportunities because of these deficiencies. GoSkills has been set up to lead the skills agenda on industry's behalf. It's now time for them to engage with us to move skills forward."

Charlotte Atkins MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, commented: "I welcome the news that GoSkills has been formally awarded its licence. The Government is aiming for continuing improvements in public transport as part of a high quality transport system. If we are to achieve this, it is vital that we have the right people with the appropriate skills working in the passenger transport industry and GoSkills can make a major contribution to achieving this."

GoSkills is the latest SSC to receive its licence to operate from the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA).

The new SSC will provide coverage across a number of passenger transport industries and professions including aviation, bus, coach, chauffeurs, taxi and private hire, community transport, trams, driving instructors and transport planners.

External link

For more information about GoSkills vist: www.goskills.org/

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