AELP urges Mayors and DfE to ensure independent providers are included in 16–19 capacity funding decisions

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has raised concerns about plans for a new £283m capital fund aimed at expanding 16–19 education and training capacity, warning that funding must not default solely to colleges at the expense of other high-quality provision.

Following the announcement that Mayoral Combined Authorities will control the funding, AELP has written to the Department for Education requesting urgent engagement on how independent training providers (ITPs) will be considered within local capacity decisions. AELP has also written directly to each elected Mayor, urging them to ensure funding allocations are driven by quality, speed of delivery and local employer need, rather than organisational type.

AELP welcomes this investment in skills infrastructure, but says previous devolved capital allocations have too often been effectively ringfenced to colleges as statutory bodies, limiting impact and slowing delivery. The organisation argues that this risks repeating a familiar pattern where capital is tied up in buildings rather than translating quickly into additional learner places and employer-responsive provision.

Independent training providers already play a major role in local skills systems, working closely with employers across key growth sectors such as construction, health and social care, digital and engineering. Many ITPs are able to scale provision rapidly, including through pragmatic investment in leased premises or specialist facilities, often delivering faster and better value-for-money outcomes.

Ben Rowland, Chief Executive of AELP, said:

“Devolving skills funding to Mayors is the right direction of travel, but devolution only works if decisions are driven by outcomes, not by default. Capital funding should go to the providers who can turn investment into skills, jobs and growth quickly, not simply to those with the biggest estates.
“Independent training providers already respond to employer demand at pace and deliver where the need is most acute. If they are sidelined, even unintentionally, we risk slowing delivery and missing a real opportunity to expand capacity where it matters most.”

AELP is also launching a short survey of its members to gather fresh evidence on unmet demand, growth-ready provision and the types of investment that would unlock additional capacity quickly. The findings will be shared with the DfE and Mayoral Combined Authorities as discussions continue into the new year.

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]