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Manchester needs more skilled workers, says minister

11/04/2008

Greater Manchester needs to do more to provide the next generation of employees with the correct skills, according to trade minister Lord Digby Jones.

The former Confederation of British Industry chief told Crain's Manchester Business magazine that education and training should be a key plank of Manchester's economic growth.

He also believes that businesses and communities need to encourage more young people to make the most of their education.

"The challenge is skilling," he told the publication. "Manchester does not have enough skilled people, in practically every sector: vocational skills, construction skills and financial skills. It is about equipping people for life."

He was speaking to the magazine at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner on Wednesday night. During his keynote speech, he praised Manchester's higher education establishments, which he described as having "global" significance.

Lord Jones made his comments as the government confirmed funding for the New Deal for Communities initiative in Manchester over the next two years.

Around £23 million will be paid through established neighbourhood partnerships in the city-region to help boost job opportunities and to raise educational achievements and the aspirations of young people.