The Skills Federation Announces Appointment of CEO
The Skills Federation, a crucial entity in the realm of industry sector skills and standards, is welcoming a new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Fiona Aldridge, with her commendable background in skills policy and practice, is set to lead the Federation from 30th September 2024. Fiona’s impressive track record includes substantive roles where she has honed her expertise, notably at the Learning and Work Institute. Furthermore, her leadership in devising the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) employment and skills strategy showcases her capability in steering skills policy development and implementation. Her role was pivotal in the negotiation of employment and skills facets within the WMCA’s trailblazer devolution deal with the government.
Dame Julie Mellor, Chair of the Board of the Skills Federation, expressed her enthusiasm about Dr. Aldridge’s upcoming tenure, “I am delighted Fiona will be joining us as we support the new Government in achieving UK growth ambitions. Employer perspectives will be critical to inform the evolution of the skills system to meet skills needs in each sector of our economy.”
Expressing her anticipation, Dr. Fiona Aldridge conveyed, “I am very excited to be joining the Skills Federation at the start of this new Government, to help provide an employer voice in the development of skills policy. This will be critical to unlocking ambitions for economic growth and opportunity for all.”
The Skills Federation plays an indispensable role in bringing together the collective expertise of various industries to bolster the UK’s workforce. It aligns with the needs of over 20 sectors to form a robust, skilled labor pool, serving over 150,000 employers nationwide. Funded by respective industries, the Federation acts as a prime sectoral voice addressing skills challenges, powered by 19 employer-led sector skills bodies.
With an eye on fostering a skilled ecosystem, the Federation envisions a skills system that not only nurtures industrial investment and growth but also ensures individual access to promising career paths. The aim is to generate a talent pipeline that benefits each sector, facilitating meaningful work opportunities and career progression through comprehensive workforce planning, intelligence, professional standards, and tailored skills solutions. Other facets of their mission include developing qualifications, endorsing kitemarking, and ensuring accreditation and quality assurance across sectors.
In recent times, the Federation has augmented its policy activities, advocating for employer-led, sectoral insights to address the growing need for skilled professionals. This initiative is in tune with governmental ambitions aiming for economic expansion, the transition to green energy, and adaptation to technological advancements. Moreover, the Federation manages EdTech apprenticeship services across the UK, including ACE360 in England, MAO in Scotland, and ACW in Wales, further exemplifying its commitment to innovative education and training solutions.
As Dr. Fiona Aldridge prepares to navigate the Skills Federation through these transformative times, her extensive experience and forward-thinking approach are poised to make a significant impact on the UK’s skills landscape, aligning sectoral demands with national growth ambitions. The focus on providing a universally beneficial skills system epitomizes the Federation’s dedication to fostering both economic prosperity and individual career success.
