Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords] 2025-03-31

The Bill centralises power in the hands of the Secretary of State without proper mechanisms for parliamentary oversight or accountability. It abolishes IfATE, raising concerns about governance, independence, and cross-departmental coordination.

Supports new clause as it would help colleges such as Bridgwater and Taunton college in awarding their own degrees. Encourages the creation of Skills England to support such initiatives.

Questions whether the new clause will enable the building of 1.3 million houses, highlighting the need for training skilled workers in construction.

Suggested new clause 1 to ensure parliamentary scrutiny of Skills England's establishment as an executive agency within the Department for Education, requiring draft proposals within six months, parliamentary approval before establishment, annual statements, and evaluation after one year.

Supported the Bill and emphasised the urgency of setting up Skills England to train apprentices in various trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. She cited local examples from JTL training organisation in Colchester.

Agreed with the urgency of setting up Skills England to address skills shortages for construction workers needed to build new homes in Derby, supporting the Bill's swift implementation.

Suggested that paying apprentices the national minimum wage in line with their age group could attract more people into the apprenticeship scheme.

Emphasised the importance of quality and independence for Skills England, highlighting concerns about the erosion of standards. Argued that not everything should be called an apprenticeship just to fit within the levy system.

Argued that the Government's approach aims to make the apprenticeship programme more flexible, allowing for different types of training and development opportunities beyond traditional apprenticeships.

Warned about the risk of Skills England focusing too much on London and the south-east, potentially ignoring other regions such as the midlands and north of England.

Supported the speedy transfer of responsibilities to Skills England, citing local examples where colleges are struggling to accommodate demand for construction apprenticeships in Bournemouth and Poole.

Opposes the amendments proposed by Damian Hinds, arguing that they risk undermining the speed at which necessary changes can be effected in the sector. Emphasises the need for a mixed economy approach with focus on economic growth and flexibility. Supports the Government's initiatives such as the growth and skills levy and investment in construction skills.

Calls on the Government to fix the apprenticeship system by increasing availability of apprenticeships and career advice for young people, highlighting the damage done during Conservative governance to the apprenticeship sector.

Supports the idea of Skills England but opposes new clause 1, arguing it will cause unnecessary delay and prevent Skills England from operating efficiently. Urges the Government to accept new clause 1.

Acknowledges some merit in new clause 1 but argues that adopting it would not significantly change the Bill's transformational nature. Highlights the importance of flexibility and provision for lower-level apprenticeships, as well as degree apprenticeships. Emphasises the need for a coherent skills system beyond levels 2 and 3.

Opposes new clauses 1 and 4 and amendment 6, arguing that they would delay action needed to address employment challenges in south-east Cornwall. Supports the Bill as a crucial step forward for addressing regional disparities.

Supports the Bill, highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in his constituency. Mentions a visit to Stansted airport college where he saw how local talent is filling critical skills gaps. Also visited Manor Fields primary school, meeting apprentices who gained confidence through courses. Urges passing the Bill unamended to ensure Skills England can address urgent reforms and create opportunities for young people.

Speaks against amendment 6, highlighting a local success story involving Bracknell and Wokingham college and Activate Learning offering supported internships for learners with special educational needs. Points out the need to move fast due to low productivity in the UK compared to other major economies and highlights the importance of Skills England in delivering opportunities across key industries such as green energy, construction, and healthcare.

Supports the Bill, noting that apprenticeship starts fell by 35% during the last Parliament. Mentions a FOI response revealing £1 billion of unspent apprenticeship levy funding annually and frustration among major local employers about skills shortages. Praises South and City College Birmingham for offering impressive programmes in multiple industries.

The MP argued that Skills England should be created to deliver economic growth and opportunities for young people in Longbridge. He cited issues with IfATE’s independence, bureaucracy, and delays in implementing recommendations from employers and employee representative organisations. The MP proposed reducing the regular review requirement for apprenticeships as a sensible change.

The MP opposed new clause 1, new clause 4 and amendment 6. He cited high rates of youth disengagement in Stoke-on-Trent and emphasised the importance of identifying skills needed for economic recovery. The MP supported level 7 apprenticeships funded by the apprenticeship levy to train chartered accountants locally.

Acknowledged that the Bill would benefit young people in his constituency by providing them with necessary skills.

Asked if the first report from Skills England will include aspects of the implications for higher-degree apprenticeships but funding decisions will still sit with the Department. Also questioned whether the report would refer to the funding decisions made by the Secretary of State, so that correlation and causation could be seen.

The shadow minister expressed concerns about the Government's decisions affecting the skills system and warned against a significant mistake in butchering higher apprenticeships, citing warnings from employers and education experts. He called for the Government to listen to its own Members who have raised issues with the current direction.