Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted
DfE has a range of programmes to support workforce skills development, including well-established programmes such...
Recommendation
DfE has a range of programmes to support workforce skills development, including well-established programmes such as apprenticeships, along with newer initiatives such as Skills Bootcamps. In addition, other government departments, including DWP and DLUHC, run or fund programmes that contain a skills element.17
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to review the number of skills programmes and eliminate overlap between them, having consulted on proposals for a simpler further education funding system and integrating the Traineeship programme into existing provision from August 2023.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3: PAC conclusion: The multiplicity of government skills programmes make it hard for employers and individuals to navigate to the training that best meets their needs. 3: PAC recommendation: DfE, working with other departments as necessary, should take action to review the number of skills programmes and eliminate overlap between them. 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.