Commissioned by Wales Institute of Social Research and Data Methods (WISERD)
This research was commissioned in 2010 to explored trade union roles and participation on the UK Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). The research, small scale and exploratory in nature, analysed through a survey of union representatives and other trade union stakeholder how trade unions are engaged organisationally, and their influences on skills policy agendas. The study took a case study approach focusing on apprenticeships, initiatives to promote more women in vocational training such as the women and work sector skills initiative. Given the close interest of Union movement in international and specifically European models of good practices the research analyses the Danish VET system and assesses the lessons that can be drawn from Denmark. The paper concludes with an analysis of future potential directions in bargaining and influencing skills that trade unions can take through the SSCs.