7 Accepted

We asked DfE about the causes of the decline, both in overall participation and among...

Conclusion
We asked DfE about the causes of the decline, both in overall participation and among participants in disadvantaged areas. It replied that one of the main reasons for the overall fall in learner numbers was the reduction in the amount of funding it had put into the system over the period. It asserted that, in that context, a lot of effort had been put into trying to retain the highest value training, which had given it a good platform as it started to try and grow participation again. DfE also told us that the decline in participation had largely been driven by a decline in classroom-based training, especially from 2010 to 2017 when apprenticeships were growing.8
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and has implemented several initiatives to address declining participation, including a £3.8 billion investment in skills, a Lifetime Skills Guarantee, the Multiply programme, Level 2 Entitlement, plans for SEND transition, and a new careers programme for primary schools.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 1.2 The government is committed to using skills to provide a ladder of opportunity that enables young people and adults get good jobs and progress their careers. 1.3 The government is delivering on its plan to support disadvantaged groups and has set out several commitments to support learners. 1.4 The Levelling Up White Paper, published on 2 February 2022, set out the commitment to end geographical inequality. This is supported by the government’s investment of £3.8 billion in skills across this Parliament; a Lifetime Skills Guarantee in England enabling 11 million adults to gain an A Level/equivalent qualification for free; Multiply - a new UK-wide adult numeracy programme; the Level 2 Entitlement – enabling adults without GCSE 4+/equivalent to take GCSE or Functional Skills Qualifications. These reforms ensure skills programmes are accessible for those wanting to progress through further education (FE). 1.5 The Department for Education (the department), has outlined plans to support the transition of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into FE, skills, and training through the March 2022 SEND and Alternative Provision Green Paper. The government will publish its response to the green paper early in 2023 in the form of a SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan. 1.6 The department has launched a new careers programme for primary schools. It will support over 600,0 pupils in over 2,200 primary schools, located across all of the government’s Education Investment Areas (EIAs), delivering targeted, age-appropriate careers support.
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 3.6 yrs
Report published 14 Dec 2022