Weekly Newsletter 19.12.2024

DEVOLUTION POLICY

What Will The New Devolution White Paper Mean for Local Skills and Jobs?

The newly launched Devolution White Paper by Deputy PM Angela Rayner marks a significant shift in governance, aiming to empower local communities by transferring authority from Whitehall. This initiative, part of the Plan for Change, seeks to invigorate economic growth and enhance living standards by equipping mayors with strategic powers over planning, housing, transport, and skills. The White Paper proposes making devolution the default across various policy areas, thus embedding it into the governance fabric. This move is expected to foster localised decision-making, aligning with the mission to build 1.5 million homes and boost national opportunities.

A key focus of the White Paper is on skills and employment, with Strategic Authorities gaining joint ownership of Local Skills Improvement Plans alongside Employers Representative Bodies. This approach aims to tailor skills and employment support to local job markets, ensuring clear progression pathways from education to employment for young people. The devolution of adult skills funding and supported employment funding is set to empower local leaders to develop integrated plans, enhancing employability and addressing economic inactivity.

Sector leaders have welcomed the White Paper, recognising its potential to strengthen democracy and improve living standards. However, they stress the need for adequate resources and fiscal devolution to fully realise these ambitions. The commitment to devolving power is seen as a positive step towards a more inclusive and responsive governance model, promising a decade of national renewal.

2024 RECAP 🔙

EDUCATION REFORM

T Levels Require Reform for Success, Says New Ofqual Chief

The incoming Ofqual chief, Sir Ian Bauckham, has highlighted the need for reform in T Levels to ensure their growth and success. These qualifications, intended as the technical equivalent to A-levels, have faced challenges since their 2020 launch, including low uptake and high dropout rates. Bauckham attributes these issues to the demanding nature of T Levels, which require students to commit to a specific occupational route at 16, a decision not all are ready to make.

Bauckham suggests that T Levels complexity and assessment burden make them unsuitable for many students, contributing to the high dropout rate. He emphasises the importance of providing adequate support to colleges and teachers, which was lacking during the initial rollout. A well-structured curriculum, trained educators, and tailored teaching materials are crucial for the programme success. The interim chief also advocates for the inclusion of alternative vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) alongside T Levels. This would offer students more flexibility and cater to those uncertain about their career paths. The upcoming review of level 3 qualifications will determine the future of these alternatives, such as BTECs.

Bauckham remains optimistic about T Levels potential, believing that with the right reforms, they can thrive and meet industry standards, ultimately benefiting young learners and the vocational education landscape.

EDUCATION POLICY

Government Reverses Defunding of Key Level 3 Courses

The recent government decision to retain 70 Level 3 courses previously slated for defunding marks a significant shift towards supporting key sectors like engineering and manufacturing. This move, following a rapid review, ensures a broad range of study options remain available, aligning with the growth mission. By relaxing rules around combining qualifications, the government aims to cut red tape and prioritise learner choice, facilitating a smoother transition to T Levels as the primary technical qualification.

The decision reflects a pragmatic approach, informed by over 250 contributions from employers and educational institutions. It underscores the importance of vocational and technical qualifications in the Plan for Change, ensuring a steady talent pipeline into vital sectors, including the NHS. The retention of courses in agriculture, health, and creative industries highlights the commitment to economic stability and growth.

Sector leaders have welcomed the announcement, recognising it as a step towards stability and flexibility in curriculum planning. The decision not to impose rigid qualification combinations allows schools and colleges to tailor programmes to student needs, fostering a more inclusive educational landscape. As the government continues to refine the post-16 qualification framework, this development offers reassurance and clarity, paving the way for future educational reforms that align with industry demands and student aspirations.

CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

CITB Shaves £5M from Apprenticeship Clawback Bill

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has reduced its apprenticeship funding clawback from £17 million to £12.3 million, addressing past compliance issues with the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Efforts to improve processes and enhance training delivery, particularly through the National Construction College, have increased learner retention rates. Despite a drop in apprentice numbers since 2017, CITB is focused on transforming its training model and pursuing financial accountability to support skills development in the construction sector.

EDUCATION POLICY

Phillipson Muddies Water on 50% Growth and Skills Levy Pledge

Labour's proposed reform of the apprenticeship levy into a "growth and skills levy" aims to offer employers 50% flexibility in using their contributions, potentially boosting skills development in growth sectors. However, the absence of this pledge in Labour's general election manifesto and ambiguous responses from the Department for Education (DfE) have caused confusion.

Initially announced by Labour leader Keir Starmer in 2022, the pledge faces scrutiny over its viability and clarity. Shadow Education Minister O’Neil has criticised inconsistencies in Labour's education policy, adding to the uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the reform holds promise for enhancing workforce skills and productivity. Further details, expected in the new year, will be critical to determining the initiative's impact on both employers and learners.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️