In today’s global race we need a highly skilled workforce. Higher levels of skills help workers to become more effective: 20% of the growth in the output of UK workers can be attributed to the growth in their skill levels. Those who improve their skills are more likely to go on to further study or to progress higher in their chosen occupation. They are also more likely to have children who are more successful in school. Getting vocational and technical education system right is both socially and economically vital. ‘Rigour and Responsiveness in Skills’ sets out how to accelerate reforms into the skills system to ensure that vocational training offer allows citizens to compete with any in the world.