Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 12
12
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We believe that there is a place for a rigorously designed and independently overseen Individual...
Conclusion
We believe that there is a place for a rigorously designed and independently overseen Individual Learning Accounts scheme funded through the new National Skills Fund. This would put purchasing power into the hands of the individual, enabling adults to take control over their learning and skills pathways. The pilot or first iteration of the scheme should be targeted at groups who have historically low engagement rates with lifelong learning, such as those on low incomes. Ultimately, however, we would like to see the scheme take on a truly lifelong emphasis, moving beyond a one-off grant, to a system where adults receive 2–3 further top-up investments throughout their working lives to revitalise training and upskilling.
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38
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
In his speech on 29 September 2020, the Prime Minister announced plans to introduce a Lifelong Loan Entitlement as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. As set out in the ‘Skills for jobs: lifelong learning for opportunity and growth’ White Paper, we will provide individuals with a loan entitlement, equivalent to four years of post-18 education from 2025 to use over their lifetime. The Lifelong Loan Entitlement means people will have a real choice in how and when they study so that they can acquire new life-changing skills. We will consult on the detail and scope of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement later this year. This will set out proposals for how and when we will be introducing it. Where necessary, we will put forward legislation in this parliament. We also plan to consult on the National Skills Fund in spring 2021. We are committed to ensuring that the fund helps adults learn valuable skills needed to thrive in the labour market. The National Skills Fund is already being used to fund the Level 3 Adult Offer, which is part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, from April 2021. This offer will enable any adult age 24 and over who is looking to achieve their first level 3 qualification to [...truncated...]