Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
The multiplicity of government skills programmes makes it hard for employers and individuals to navigate...
Recommendation
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.
Government Response Summary
The government will simplify the further education funding system, integrate the Traineeship programme into existing provision, simplify the post-16 qualifications landscape, improve alignment between the National Careers Service and The Careers & Enterprise Company, deliver joined-up campaigns under the Skills for Life brand, and work closely with other departments to address workforce issues.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 In July 2022 the government consulted on proposals for how it will deliver a simpler, streamlined further education funding system. On 30 January 2023 it announced a new flexibility for funding innovative provision in devolved areas for 2023-24, and a new simpler set of funding rates for the Education and Skills Funding Agency skills fund from 2024-25. 3.3 To simplify its skills offer the government will integrate the Traineeship programme into existing provision from 1 August 2023. This means Traineeships will no longer be funded through a standalone national programme. 3.4 Additionally, the department is simplifying the post-16-year-old qualifications landscape at Level 3 and below, ensuring that all publicly-funded qualifications are high quality and lead to good progression outcomes. 3.5 The department is also simplifying the careers guidance system by improving alignment between the National Careers Service and The Careers & Enterprise Company. 3.6 The department is delivering joined-up campaigns under a single, cross-government brand (Skills for Life) to promote the different education, training and skills routes available to young people, adults and employers. 3.7 The department also works closely with other government departments through the Labour Market Steering Group and with Sector Delivery Leads to identify how skills programmes can address workforce issues most efficiently. For example, Employment and Skills Pathfinders are a joint DWP/DfE initiative exploring how closer alignment at local level can support delivery of effective employment and skills interventions, improving claimants’ employment and progression outcomes.