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."