EMPLOYERS are being offered the chance to be involved in a skills training shake-up.

Employers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being encouraged to take part in The Great Skills Debate, a national initiative organised locally by the Learning and Skills Council.

"The Great Skills Debate is a chance for employers to help shape government policy and planning for skills training for the next 10 years," said Alan Curless, executive director of the LSC, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"It is a unique opportunity for our employers to get their views across to ministers. It is vital that we seize this opportunity to make policy-makers aware of the particular needs of industry and commerce in our sub-region, and to ensure that we have a positive influence on this debate, which will help to bring about economic growth for our local employers.'

Employers will be encouraged to share their views on a range of topics, including funding, qualifications, training partnerships and training delivery. They will also be given the latest update on the national Skills Strategy, due to be released in June.

Feedback will be collated by the LSC and forwarded to the Department for Education and Skills, and used to inform subsequent government policy and planning on skills, training and employment.

The Great Skills Debate for Herefordshire and Worcestershire is due to take place at Worcester Rugby Club, Sixways, on Friday, May 9, from 2pm to 5pm.

To reserve a place phone Kerry Ashmore at the LSC on 01905 361491 or email kerry.ashmore@lsc.gov.uk.