Once parliament returns on 9 October, we hope to see some visible process on the Post-16 Skills Plan.
What is a positive revelation, is the inclusion of independent training providers being properly referenced. The initial release of the Post-16 Skills Plan appeared to only mention college-based programmes of learning. We have since learned that this was an oversight from the Department for Education where they were making a shorthand reference to all classroom-based learning.
It’s this clarification that highlights the importance of the independent training providers in shaping these plans and ensuring their success. Input from independent training providers will be crucial to a positive outcome. The new T-levels will require delivery outside of the usual academic session timetable, and will require work placements year round – something the independent sector specialises in.
AELP are leading that voice of the independent sector and are being heard at a policy maker level for the Post-16 Skills plan, to ensure that it’s not just seen as ‘college based’ provision. NCFE is keen for the whole of the Further Education sector to get its views heard ahead of the consultation on T-Levels this autumn, and be ready for the implementation of the new courses.
The reforms to technical education, and their subsequent success, has gained increased meaning as we edge closer to Brexit and Britain’s capacity to plug the possible skills gap left by migrant workers. Now, more than ever, the spotlight is on the reforms and getting it right.
However, this spotlight from our sector unfortunately doesn’t translate directly to government resources, which are heavily focused on the navigation of Brexit. This is the unenviable Catch-22, but one which we hope won’t have too much of a negative impact on “the most ambitious post-16 education reforms since the introduction of A-levels 70 years ago.”
We will, of course, keep you posted on development in this space, and I’d encourage you to contribute to the consultation once it is released.
