Weekly Newsletter 12.12.2024

PLUS: Apprenticeship decline sparks workforce collapse fears

Author

Rafe Houston
December 12, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Welcome to HRD: Apprenticeship Insights, your weekly guide to navigating the future of skills and workforce development. Stay ahead with key updates, expert analysis, and strategies to drive apprenticeship success.

HEALTH SECTOR

Budget cuts are worsening Wales' health and social care workforce crisis, with apprenticeship starts in the sector dropping sharply. Medr data shows a decline of 445 Foundation Apprenticeships and 160 standard Apprenticeships in Health and Social Care compared to last year. A Cebr report predicts nearly 6,000 fewer apprenticeship starts this year, leading to a £50.3 million economic loss.

The sector, already grappling with workforce shortages, faces further strain as apprenticeship opportunities dwindle. Training providers like Innovate Trust and Barchester Healthcare report difficulties maintaining a skilled workforce, putting essential care delivery at risk. With the NHS relying on social care to ease hospital discharge delays and sustain public health, reversing these cuts is critical to stabilise the workforce and support economic recovery.

LEADING VOICES 📣

Accelerate People: Celebrating Karen Horsley’s Distinction in her Business Analyst End-Point Assessment!

Karen’s achievement at Travis Perkins highlights how well-planned scheduling and comprehensive guidance can make a difference in the EPA process. With the help of Accelerate People, Karen’s EPA was efficiently scheduled, allowing her to focus and excel.

Discover how we help apprentices navigate their assessments with confidence and achieve their best outcomes.

Neil Thompson: Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith, has reiterrated that the Functional Skills requirements for apprenticeships are 'under review'! 🔍

Currently, apprentices must achieve Level 1 Functional Skills to complete a Level 2 apprenticeship and Level 2 for Level 3 apprenticeships and above. 📚With Maths and English being one of the biggest barriers to improved apprenticeship achievement rates, many will debate if this is the answer.

HIGHER EDUCATION

The Office for Students' (OfS) decision to freeze new registrations and degree-awarding powers has disrupted higher education, halting courses in vital fields like health, engineering, and hospitality. Institutions like Waltham Forest College and HIT Training face setbacks, with investments in new programmes stalled.

While the move aims to stabilise financially struggling universities, critics argue it stifles innovation and raises legal concerns over compliance with the Higher Education and Research Act. Independent providers worry about financial sustainability and long-term impact, so balancing stability with growth is now essential to ensure higher education supports both economic growth and skills development.

EDUCATION POLICY

T Levels promise career-ready skills, but challenges remain. While students value the work experience, many struggle with disorganised placements and limited local opportunities. Misaligned expectations and underqualified teaching staff add to frustrations.

The Department for Education is stepping up with flexible placements and better teacher resources. As T Levels evolve, the focus is on delivering a smoother, more rewarding experience that truly prepares students for high-demand careers.

FURTHER EDUCATION

David Gallagher, NCFE Chief Executive and FAB Vice Chair, urged for greater professionalisation of Awarding Organisations at FAB2024. Amid uncertainties around Skills England and funding, Gallagher emphasized leveraging these challenges to enhance sector credibility and expertise.

He called for clear career pathways and collaboration through FAB to foster continuous improvement and align with Ofqual's standards. Gallagher's vision encourages stakeholders to shape the future of FE and Skills, ensuring the sector remains adaptive and robust.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

Susan Tranter’s appointment as the new chair of Ofqual marks a significant step forward for the exams regulator. With over three decades of experience in education, Tranter brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to the role.

EDUCATION POLICY

The Education Committee has urged the government to preserve funding for Applied General Qualifications (AGQs), including BTECs, amid fears of potential cuts. These qualifications provide vital pathways for students who don’t fit the traditional A Level or T Level model, offering flexibility and accessibility—especially for those with special educational needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In a letter to the Education Secretary, the committee stressed the importance of maintaining diverse level 3 qualifications, warning that defunding AGQs could limit opportunities and undermine educational inclusion goals. Colleges are already facing uncertainty, leaving students anxious about their future options.

While T Levels show promise, concerns remain over high drop-out rates and transition course effectiveness. The committee advocates for a balanced approach that values vocational and academic pathways equally, ensuring every student has the tools to succeed in higher education or their chosen career.

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