A Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) is a governmental organization established in the United Kingdom during the late 1980s and present until the early 2000s. Its main objective was to foster partnerships between local businesses, education institutions, and various stakeholders to support economic growth and enhance the skills of the workforce.
TECs were tasked with promoting cooperation between employers, education providers, and training agencies to address skill shortages and improve the employability of individuals within their local regions. They worked closely with the government's Department for Education and Employment, local authorities, and other relevant bodies to align training and employment initiatives with local economic needs.
TECs facilitated the development and implementation of training programs, often in collaboration with employers, using government funding and support. These programs encompassed a wide range of industries and professions to accommodate the needs of both individuals seeking employment and employers looking to train their workforce. TECs also provided advice and guidance to businesses on various matters, including workforce development, apprenticeships, and access to funding opportunities.
In addition to their training-focused activities, TECs also played a pivotal role in assessing the economic and skills requirements of their local areas. They acted as vital sources of information, offering insights and data to inform policy decisions related to education, training, and economic development.
With the arrival of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in the early 2000s, TECs were replaced by a more centralized approach to coordinating training and employment initiatives in the UK.
