BURY South MP Ivan Lewis -- Minister for Young People and Learning -- has launched a local organisation hoped to create the skilled workforce the country needs.

The Learning and Skills Council for Greater Manchester, which has an annual budget of £350 million, was established in April -- one of 47 throughout England -- and is responsible for the planning and funding of all post-16 education and training (excluding higher education) in an area encompassing Bolton, Bury and Leigh.

Its activities should have a direct and lasting impact on organisations and the futures of an estimated 350,000 people.

About 250 people attended a formal launch event in Manchester. Earlier, Mr Lewis unveiled a plaque at the organisation's offices within the Arndale Centre, Manchester.

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.

He said: "Manchester's prosperity was founded on the Industrial Revolution.

"It can only continue to prosper by playing a full part in the skills revolution."

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

"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 said.

Mr Lewis said the LSC 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."

He added: "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." DEVELOPING SKILLS: Ivan Lewis