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The government has announced new proposals aimed at achieving world class skills for adults.

At the centre of the new proposals are plans to put employers in the driving seat and create a demand-led system to put purchasing power for learning in the hands of the employers and individual learners.

Employers will be able to determine the content of qualifications and advise on curriculum design.

Higher and further education minister Bill Rammell said: "Our proposal is simple - place the power to choose in the hands of the individual and the employer, and empower and enable the best of providers to engage and excite more learners and employers.

"Our further education system is delivering ever greater success. Our sweeping reforms are renewing its economic mission and making plain its central role in equipping people with the skills they need for productive sustainable employment in a modern economy."

Mark Haysom, chief executive, Learning and Skills Council, said greater engagement of employers is also a critical part of new proposals, and would ensure they are investing in training and using skills productively.

"Employer investment must match the best in the world," Mr Haysom said.

"Our aim is to deliver a better service for young people, employers and for adult learners and shape a market where high quality, innovation, and excellence are standard. The opportunities are great for colleges and providers who rise to the challenge - and the
benefits to the nation will be significant."