The multiplicity of government skills programmes makes it hard for employers and individuals to navigate to the training that best meets their needs. As well as DfE’s range of interventions to support skills development, DWP and DLUHC also offer skills programmes, some of which cover the same types of learning. For example, numeracy training is available through DfE’s Essential skills – numeracy programme, some standalone technical qualifications, and the Multiply initiative which is funded from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Employers and individuals sometimes find it hard to understand how all the different skills programmes fit together, and therefore which programmes are most relevant to them. DfE states that the bulk of government funding supports only a small number of programmes, such as apprenticeships and the adult education budget. Government needs to strike a balance between keeping the system simple and intelligible, but also delivering training that meets people’s needs. DfE concedes that the complexity of the system can sometimes put employers off from engaging with what government has to offer. 6 Developing workforce skills for a strong economy Recommendation: DfE, working with other departments as necessary, should take action to review the number of skills programmes and eliminate overlap between them.