Henry Ball, principal of Lewes Tertiary College, has been appointed as the first chief executive of the Learning and Skills Council for Sussex.

From next April, the Government-funded council will play a key role in shaping skills supply in Sussex.

Sussex Enterprise will work closely with it to ensure the changing needs of local employers are met.

Mr Ball will report to former Sussex Enterprise chairman Norman Boyland, who will chair the new organisation.

The Learning and Skills Councils, which will come into effect from April 2001, are part of the reforms of post-16 learning announced by Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett last year.

They will be responsible for the planning and funding of all education and training for adults over the age of 16.

They will replace the work of the Further Education Funding Council in Sussex and will take over commissioning Government-funded work-based training for young people from Sussex Enterprise.

The new organisation is expected to be based in Brighton.

Ken Caldwell, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said: "The new body will have a key role to play in shaping skills supply in Sussex and we look forward to working closely with it to secure a better fit with the changing needs of Sussex employers.

"As the voice of Sussex business, we will be making sure the council is well informed on what our companies need to continue to drive local prosperity and jobs.

"Under Henry's guidance, Lewes College has developed an excellent reputation with students and local businesses alike."

On announcing the appointments, Baroness Blackstone, Education and Employment Minister, said: "Learning and Skills Councils are central to our aims of building a further education system for the 21st Century.

"I am pleased we have secured the talent and ability of so many well-respected people.

"Those who will lead the councils at local level will be responsible for creating a credible, prestigious and high-profile body commanding respect from employers, providers and learners alike.

"The people selected from a high-quality field of applicants will bring a clear and business-like approach, helping to increase the supply of skilled labour available to employers."