The recession has focused the minds of the nation on the importance of acquiring new skills through training, it has been claimed.
According to UK Skills, Britain has moved development up its list of priorities since the financial downturn began.
Chief executive Simon Bartley explained that the last quarter of a century has seen skills improvement increasingly shunned, becoming the "Cinderella of learning".
"The recession has brought [skills] to a much wider audience, an audience that covers not only individuals, [but businesses, parents teachers, government departments and local authorities]," he added.
Later this month, the National Training Awards 2010 will be launched, creating a chance to celebrate excellence in training and learning for employers and employees.
Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the awards are run by UK Skills and are expected to receive up to 1,000 applicants.
Entries will be accepted until April 23rd and free information sessions are to be held across the country over the next two months.
