Employers and providers must be at the heart of decision making
AELP responds to the launch of Skills England
The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has today responded to the launch of Skills England by demanding that employers and providers must be at the heart of the new organisation – or promises of growth fuelled by skills will not be achieved.
Following the announcement today (22 July) by the UK Government that Skills England will be led by Richard Pennycook CBE as interim chair, ministers will appoint a permanent board, chair and CEO in the coming months. AELP has welcomed the speed in which Skills England has been created and laid down a challenge to government to ensure Skills England puts employers and providers properly at the heart of decision making.
Today’s announcement follows skills taking a prominent place in last week’s King’s Speech, including plans to reform the Apprenticeship Levy and the creation of Skills England. Skills England will also take on functions currently carried out by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). AELP has warned that, in the meantime, the work of IfATE can’t be allowed to grind to a halt during the establishment of Skills England – arguing that reviewing standards and funding band reviews must continue at pace.
Simon Ashworth, AELP Deputy CEO and Director of Policy, said:
“The Secretary of State for Education is spot on when she says growing the economy means harnessing the talents of all our people by breaking down the barriers to opportunity. But this rhetoric must be met by actions and outcomes. It’s clear that skills are at the heart of the government’s growth and opportunity missions, and we welcome that the government is keeping up the momentum by launching Skills England today.
"The intent is there but we also need to get implementation right which will require strong foundations to be laid now which will enable Skills England to flourish in the future. Skills England must see employers and providers being given a seat right at the heart of the organisation. After all, they are able to provide direct insight into what skills are needed and how the system can be improved – as well as ensuring government plans are deliverable in practice.
"It is critical that Skills England doesn’t become institutionalised and works collaboratively with employers and providers as well as operating cross-departmentally throughout government to deliver the Prime Minister’s opportunity mission. Simply rebadging old institutions with a new name won’t be enough - this is a time to be ambitious.”
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]
Employers and providers must be at the heart of decision making:
AELP responds to the launch of Skills England
