Recommendation 7

HM Government Acknowledged

28. The Government recognises the value of flexible and modular learning and in addition to the increased flexibility of the HE loans that are noted in the Committee report, we are incorporating this into many of the provisions available to adults—some examples within individual policies include those set out below. 29. Some provisions are flexible by design, such as the Sector Based Work Academy Programmes which are short in duration. Level 4–5 Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) recommend to the provider smaller qualifications and modules, and approved HTQs are free to follow a modular structure. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) administered Adult Education Budget (AEB) also enables more flexible tailored programmes of learning to be made available, which may or may not require a qualification, to help eligible learners engage in learning, build confidence and/or enhance their wellbeing. 30. In our second stage consultation on the review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 and below,9 we proposed that modular delivery be one of the core design principles for adult qualifications. The level 3 Qualifications Review consultation also proposes that competence is assessed at the end of a course, rather than be done modularly. This will give employers confidence the student has achieved a level of competence in their chosen occupation. We are also exploring how these principles would apply to level 2 and below qualifications for adults through our call for evidence on post-16 level 2 and below study.10 31. Traineeships support 16–24-year-olds (or 25-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan) who are not ‘job ready’ into an Apprenticeship or other employment. They are flexible because they meet the needs of the individual within a framework of work preparation skills, English, maths and digital skills, and work experience with an employer. In 2020 to 2021, traineeships are more flexible. They can now last up to a year for young people who need that extra time. A young person qualified up to Level 3 is eligible and a traineeship can include occupationally focussed learning that gives the young person a clear line of sight to an apprenticeship or available employment opportunities. 32. In Skills Bootcamps, the lead suppliers involved will be required to demonstrate how training will be delivered flexibly, and the Department has asked through the tender process that Bootcamps are available to those who are in work, claiming benefits, or have caring responsibilities. 33. Furthermore, as set out the ‘Skills for jobs: lifelong learning for opportunity and growth’ White Paper, with the Lifelong Loan Entitlement we will provide individuals with a loan entitlement, equivalent to four years of post-18 education from 2025 to use over their lifetime. The loan entitlement will be useable for modules at higher technical and degree levels (levels 4 to 6) regardless of whether they are provided in colleges or universities, as well as for full years of study. It will make it easier for adults and young people to study more flexibly—allowing them to space out their studies, transfer credits between institutions, and partake in more part-time study. 34. The very nature of flexibility means we are moving even further away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and so whilst modular qualifications is part of this, we are striving towards a variety of alternative delivery models to meet the diverse needs of adults.