Sector Specific Skills

Working together: SSCs and Train to Gain
The first sector skills compact – the Train to Gain service's agreement to work together with an SSC – was signed by the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (semta) in May 2008.

Why are sector-specific skills important?
As businesses strive to compete, more and more are working to increase their skills – for instance, the amount employers spent on training increased by 16% in 2007, to a total of £3.68 billion.

As businesses become more skilled, they focus on gaining the vital skills for their particular business sector. A biotechnology company, a textile business, a police force – all need very different skills, and high levels of specific knowledge and expertise.

To stay competitive, your business needs to keep up with new developments in your sector and move forward with new initiatives. Providing your staff with high-level skills and understanding increases your chance of success.