Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted in Part
Require Government to report on Regional Skills Pilots' success by summer 2026 for expansion.
Recommendation
The Government must demonstrate how it is working with employers and the education sector to deliver clear career pathways, particularly for those workers who will not go through the technical excellence colleges. It should report on the success of the Regional Skills Pilots by summer 2026 with a view to expanding them. Future funding should be allocated to employers to ensure those being trained receive real-world experience. (Recommendation, Paragraph 75)
Government Response Summary
The government will closely monitor the outcomes of the Regional Skills Pilots and commission an independent evaluation, publish a response to the consultation on V Levels, and Skills England will continue to work with employers when developing occupational standards.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The government partially agrees with this recommendation The government will be closely monitoring the outcomes of the Regional Skills Pilots to assess the impacts they have had on supporting individuals into clean energy sectors. We have commissioned an independent evaluation of the pilots, and we will use the learnings to inform future policy. The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper set out our plans to introduce reformed qualifications pathways at level 3 and level 2, responding to the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s recommendations. From 20th October 2025 to 12th January 2026, we ran a consultation seeking views on V Levels, a new level 3 vocational qualification to sit alongside academic (A Level) and technical (T Level) pathways; new level 2 Foundation and Occupational Certificates; and expanding T Level provision. We will be publishing the Government’s response to the consultation in due course. Skills England is committed to supporting opportunity for all by simplifying access to skills in order to boost economic growth and reduce skills shortage vacancies in priority areas. Collaboration with industry, the education sector and regional partners is a key part of this enabling us to co-design new approaches with employers utilising the flexibilities that the growth and skills levy brings, such as foundation apprenticeships, shorter duration apprenticeships and apprenticeship units. Skills England continues to work with employers when developing occupational standards to ensure they meet ongoing skills needs. We propose linking V Levels to occupational standards to ensure their content