Weekly Newsletter 21.11.2024

EDUCATION POLICY

Revamping Adult Education with New Skills Fund Introduced

The Department for Education has unveiled a transformative overhaul of adult education funding in England, transitioning from the Adult Education Budget (AEB) to the new Adult Skills Fund (ASF) for the 2024-25 academic year. This reform aims to streamline access to education and prioritise support for those most in need. A pivotal change is the shift from prior educational attainment to circumstances and income as the primary eligibility criteria, with a new earnings threshold of £25,000 per annum for full funding qualification.

The introduction of Tailored Learning marks a significant innovation, merging community learning, non-regulated learning, and employer-focused provision. This approach grants providers the flexibility to address local needs and support harder-to-reach learners, allowing them to determine their own costs for various aspects of learning provision. Despite these changes, existing legal entitlements, such as free English and maths courses up to Level 2, remain intact.

Additionally, the previously temporary HGV driver training flexibility is now permanent, enabling funding for HGV and medical licences for adults completing approved qualifications. These reforms are designed to support the goals of the Skills for Jobs White Paper, enhancing productivity and growth while improving educational access for lower-income individuals.

EDUCATION

AI's Role in Shaping Future Education Policies

AI is transforming education, boosting grades and educator productivity, with 85% of UK faculty viewing it positively. However, only 67% of students share this sentiment, and 43% equate AI use with cheating, highlighting the need for clearer guidance on responsible AI use.

With 52% of students reporting improved grades from AI-assisted learning, universities have an opportunity to embrace its potential. Comprehensive AI literacy programs for educators and students can address concerns, enhance academic integrity, and prepare students for AI-driven careers.

By streamlining tasks like lecture planning and fostering collaboration, universities can harness AI to create a balanced, transformative learning environment where technology and human intelligence work seamlessly together.

EDTECH

AI-Powered Apprenticeship Boosts Workforce Skills in the UK

Multiverse and Microsoft have unveiled an AI-powered apprenticeship to tackle the skills gap in the AI economy. Part of Microsoft’s Get On campaign, the programme aims to equip one million individuals with essential AI skills by 2025 and is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, making it accessible to businesses.

The curriculum includes key skills like prompt engineering, data privacy, and ethical AI use, addressing the gap where 51% of workers receive less than five hours of AI training. With 63% of tech leaders citing workforce readiness as a barrier to AI adoption, this initiative supports growth and innovation.

Designed for professionals at all levels, the programme enhances productivity and navigates data protection challenges. Multiverse, partnering with over 1,500 organisations like NHS and KPMG, continues to deliver impactful training, now with a focus on AI.

EDUCATION POLICY

Skills England Consults Employers on Growth and Skills Levy Funding

Skills England is engaging priority sector employers to shape non-apprenticeship training funded by the new growth and skills levy. Focusing on industries like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technologies, consultations will run through late 2024, with skills assessments expected in 2025.

The levy, introduced by Labour, expands training funding beyond apprenticeships. Skills England is conducting roundtables and webinars to refine industry needs and collaborating with the Migration Advisory Committee to strengthen the domestic workforce.

Fiona Aldridge, CEO of the Federation for Industry Sector Skills & Standards, stresses the inclusion of construction and health and social care alongside other key sectors, which drive nearly 20% of UK jobs. This initiative aims to align training with industry demands, close skills gaps, and foster economic growth. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide evidence to guide the levy’s implementation.