AELP sets out response to the Conservative Party General Election Manifesto 2024

AELP have today issued the following statement in response to the publication of the 2024 Conservative Party General Election Manifesto.

Ben Rowland, AELP Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We welcome the Conservative Party backing up its previous policy announcement on apprenticeships with a focus on skills in its manifesto. The introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement from 2025, and proposals for an expansion of bootcamps and other adult skills programmes, alongside a nuclear skills package worth £763 million by 2030 is promising. However, we are disappointed to see staff at independent training providers would miss out on the promise of a teaching bonus.

“We are concerned that the manifesto lacks the step forward we need for skills. There should have been a commitment to develop a National Skills Strategy, which would help to ensure a holistic approach is taken to skills to help deliver sustainable economic growth; and we still lack sufficient funding and ideas to improve achievement rates, support small and medium sized employers, and address the decline of young people taking on an apprenticeship.”

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a national membership body, proudly representing organisations operating in the skills sector. AELP members deliver a range of training and vocational learning – including the majority of apprenticeships as well as Skills Bootcamps, 16-19 Study Programme, Adult Education Budget and more.

For further information or interviews please contact Matt Strong, Communications Manager, AELP, on 07920 161685 or [email protected]