Lantra has responsibility for developing and updating vocational qualifications and learning frameworks, such as apprenticeships. We have a number of programmes to ensure that these are all renewed at least every three years. In Scotland, Lantra is involved with supporting the Skills for Work Programme, Scottish Progression Awards and Rural Skills which followed on from the successful Land-based Curriculum pilot. Similarly, in England, we are close to completing the Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies for young people aged 14-19 years. Over 100 consortia involving 1200 candidates have applied to offer the Diploma, which will herald the re-entry of land-based and environmental studies into the curriculum for the first time in a generation.
After much development, Lantra has now successfully launched the Online Competence Framework (OCF), which recognises and records practical experience and achievements to demonstrate that an employee has the knowledge and skills needed for a specific role. This system is being endorsed by a number of organizations. Examples of how the OCF is being delivered are in the products and services section of this e-bulletin.
Whilst much of our work is focused on supporting employers and individuals access to high quality learning, we also have a key role in shaping the policies of governments, providers and funding agencies. This is now even more complex as both skills and education are devolved to the four national governments. Our overriding objective is to ensure that learning provision and public funding meets the needs of employers and learners, regardless of your specific location.
2008 promises to be a good year too for the sector, and we will keep you posted on the progress through our e-bulletins over the course of the year.
