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Responses to Learning to Succeed, the white paper on 16 to 19-year-olds

Industry training bodies see the white paper as a chance for radical reform of the principles behind lifelong learning.

The national council of the National Training Organisations sees it as a "once in a generation opportunity" to move away from the traditional view that work-based training and lifelong learning should be led and funded by the state. The council favours a "demand-driven system" involving a partnership, both financial and strategic, between the state, individuals and employers.

Chief executive Andy Powell said: "If all the white paper succeeds in doing is improving the effectiveness and efficiency of public funding, we will have failed. It is critical that employer bodies take a strong leadership role in the new councils."