The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a national membership body, proudly representing around 800 organisations. AELP members support thousands of businesses and millions of learners in England by delivering a wide range of training, vocational learning, and employability programmes. We support learners of all ages, in every community, and at every level of post-16 study.
Formed in 1988, AELP’s priority has always been advocating for the training providers that we represent, and offering a wide range of competitive member benefits. For the benefit of our members, AELP provides:
- Expert lobbying of decision-makers across Government departments, public bodies and Combined Authorities, based on the issues that matter to learners, providers and employers
- Up-to-date, relevant, and accessible policy information, analysis, and guidance
- Specialist research, developed in collaboration with a range of sector experts
- Live news and information pertinent to the sector
- Events, roundtables, conferences, webinars, and workshops
- Regional and sector-specific support, information, lobbying and engagement
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
AELP are leading policy experts in the further education sector. We fundamentally believe that:
- Skills, training, and employment policy should focus on giving employers and learners greater choice. Learners should have equal access to support and provision, regardless of their age, location, or background.
- Training providers should all be treated equally by Government, regardless of whether they are a college, independent training provider, employer provider, local authority, or third sector organisation. There should be no difference in funding, contracting, and accountability arrangements.
- There should be skills and employment programmes available for all ages and at every level of study. However, increasing opportunities for 16-24-year-olds and those from disadvantaged backgrounds should always be a priority.
- There should be a more joined-up approach to skills and employment policy and programmes across different government departments, to avoid duplication and ensure there is a seamless offer of support to learners and the unemployed.
- Careers advice should be accessible for all-ages, in every area, with good links between schools and training providers. Vocational and work-based routes into employment should have the same parity of esteem as traditional academic routes.
MyAELP
