BURY South MP Ivan Lewis has delivered a keynote address at the launch of an organisation charged with developing skills across Greater Manchester.

In his capacity as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Learning and Young People, he spoke to 250 guests at a conference to officially open the Learning and Skills Council Greater Manchester.

The Learning and Skills Council was established earlier this year and is responsible for the planning and funding of all post-16 education and training, excluding higher education.

With a Greater Manchester budget of some £350 million a year, the new Learning and Skills Council has a vital role to play and one that will have a direct and lasting impact on local organisations and the futures of around 350,000 individuals. At the Manchester launch, Mr Lewis unveiled a plaque at the organisation's offices within the Arndale Centre.

He said one of the key objectives of the Learning and Skills Council was to ensure that the area had a flexible and skilled workforce ready to support a prosperous and growing economy well into the new century.

Mr Lewis added: "Manchester's prosperity was founded on the industrial revolution."

A workforce development strategy will be published later this year including clear targets for improving skill levels in the workforce.

The Bury South MP went on: "Increasing the number of employers who invest in the skills of their workforce is essential if we are to keep pace with the modern economies of our competitors."

He stressed the Learning and Skills Council would be looking to work closely with employers to increase take-up of Investors in People, to improve management and leadership skills and to encourage more employers to take advantage of foundation and advanced modern apprenticeships.

Mr Lewis continued: "For centuries, Greater Manchester has played an important role in our national economy.

"If Greater Manchester's economy is to continue to flourish, it is vital that there is a skilled workforce to match the needs of employers."

Greater Manchester Learning and Skills Council chairman Mr Anthony Goldstone said: "We are committed to improving post-16 learning in Greater Manchester by developing strategies to influence attitudes to learning, raise participation and achievement in education and ensure that learning is accessible and available."