Lifelong Learning 2023-04-17
2023-04-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP is concerned about the steps being taken to promote lifelong learning opportunities.
What steps her Department is taking to promote lifelong learning?
The lifelong loan entitlement will ensure everyone has access to opportunities to upskill and reskill to progress in their careers. We have led a huge raft of reforms to the skills system since 2016, building on reviews by Professor Alison Wolf, Lord Sainsbury, Sir Philip Augar, and others. Over this time, we have worked with over 5,000 employers to deliver apprenticeships backed by a £2.7 billion apprenticeship levy. We are investing £3.8 billion over this Parliament in apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, T-levels, free courses for jobs, and new returnerships.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP acknowledges the government's response to the lifelong loan entitlement consultation and asks for clarification on pathways for those without level 3 qualifications.
I am most grateful to my right hon. Friend for that comprehensive reply. It is welcome that the Government, in their response to the lifelong loan entitlement consultation, have acknowledged the need for maintenance support. However, so that lifelong loans are available to the many and not to the few, can my right hon. Friend ensure that there is a clear pathway for those who do not yet have level 3 qualifications, such as A-levels, to participate in this vital initiative and ensure that it is the game changer that will unleash the skills revolution?
Level 3 courses are fully funded through funding streams such as free courses for jobs, the adult education budget, and advanced learner loans. The adult education budget allows eligible adults aged 19 to 23 undertaking their first full level 3 course to be fully funded, and free courses for jobs gives eligible adults the chance to access high-value level 3 courses.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP builds on previous answers and asks about the ambitions for lifelong loan entitlements, specifically when they might come into force.
Building on that answer and on the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Peter Aldous), will my right hon. Friend tell the House what her ambitions are for lifelong loan entitlements and when they might come into force, so that older potential learners in Basildon and Thurrock can start to reskill for the 21st century?
The lifelong loan entitlement will focus on higher technical qualifications, addressing skills gaps. The LLE will be introduced from academic year 2025-26 to help learners access courses through providers registered with the Office for Students.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP discusses the decline in adult learning since 2010, raising concerns about economic potential and productivity.
Learning opportunities should be there for everyone everywhere, yet since 2010 almost 4 million fewer adults have taken part in learning, thus holding back their learning and economic potential and our country's productivity. It has been a decade of decline, which we cannot afford to continue, so will the Secretary of State back Labour's plans for a better skills system, working for people and businesses across the country, starting with the urgent reform of the apprenticeship levy, which she will have heard criticisms of, just as we have?
Since 2016, our reforms to the skills system include working with over 5,000 employers and delivering apprenticeships backed by a £2.7 billion apprenticeship levy. We are happy with these reforms which support lifelong learning for adults.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Supporting Labour's plans for reforming the apprenticeship levy
We Have Done A Lot To Reform Our Skills System
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP raises concerns about access to ESOL classes for asylum seekers and refugees due to their temporary accommodation.
For many refugees and asylum seekers, access to lifelong learning is all the more important because their learning may have been disrupted. On Friday, my constituent Grace Franklin, a volunteer ESOL—English for speakers of other languages—teacher, and Maryhill Integration Network both raised with me access to ESOL classes for asylum seekers and refugees, which is often hampered by people staying in temporary hotel accommodation. What commitments do the UK Government have to invest further in ESOL in England, so that Scotland can benefit from the Barnett consequentials?
We have the adult education budget scheme which includes ESOL provision and is often run by local authorities or devolved to mayors. This provides funding for ESOL courses.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP discusses the reduction in funding for LLE preparation and asks how the sector will deliver these changes without adequate funds.
The Lifelong Learning (Higher Education Fee Limits) Bill could be transformational to post-16 education. However, in annexe 2 to the recent 2023-24 ministerial guidance letter to the OFS, the Secretary of State slashed funding for LLE preparation by £5 million. These are clearly complex and expensive changes for the sector to address, so how does she expect the sector to deliver these reforms without the funds to do it?
The LLE will be available for four full years of study, focusing on higher technical and degree level courses. We are engaging with stakeholders to gather input and inform policy development and budget planning.
▸
Assessment & feedback
How the sector can deliver reforms without adequate funds
We Are Engaging With A Wide Range Of Stakeholders
Response accuracy