Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Adult Upskilling

Monday 27 February 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government is investing 300 million in 21 institutes of technology across the country.
  • Harrogate College has been allocated more than 400,000 from the adult education budget.
  • The Government are investing 3.8 billion extra in skills over the current Parliament.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Antony Higginbotham
Employment Science & Technology
Context

The MP inquired about the government's measures to support upskilling.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support upskilling opportunities for adults. The advent of areas such as artificial intelligence, automation and robotics means that the jobs of tomorrow could look very different from the jobs of today and require very different skillsets. In Lancashire, the new institute of technology that is being established will be key to that. It will bring together Burnley College and the University of Central Lancashire from my constituency, as well as providers and employers from all over the counties. For opportunity to be shared equally, however, we need to ensure that those already in work have the chance to develop and reskill for the future.

Answer from Robert Halfon

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight institutes of technology; we are investing £300 million in 21 around the country, which is an example of the Government's investment in skills. He will know that the Lancashire and Cumbria IOT is a collaboration between further education colleges, universities and employers driving an employer-led curriculum to meet local skills needs in science, technology, engineering and maths. IOTs are involved in the regeneration of areas such as Blackpool and are expected to commence delivery from September.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Jones Con
Education Children & Families
Context

The MP mentioned that Harrogate College can contribute towards childcare to help adults study, when it is a factor preventing them from upskilling.

Question

Harrogate College in my constituency can, in certain circumstances, contribute towards childcare to help adults study, when that is a factor preventing them from upskilling. Will my right hon. Friend be reviewing what more can be done to remove any barriers that prevent adults from renewing and updating their skills?

Answer from Robert Halfon

My hon. Friend is a champion of Harrogate College, and I do not think he will have any problem with his college doing the things he has described, because it has been recognised as having an outstanding adult learning programme. It has been allocated more than £400,000 from the adult education budget this academic year to help the adults in the non-devolved areas, including Harrogate.

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Q3 Antony Higginbotham
Education Economy Employment
Context

The MP highlighted the loss of the European social fund as devastating for skills providers.

Question

All hon. Members agree that the skills agenda is vital for the future of the economy, but the loss of the European social fund has been devastating for skills providers. Surely the Minister agrees that the UK Exchequer should match the ESF money lost across all four home nations.

Answer from Robert Halfon

These matters are, of course, for the Treasury, but I am proud that the Government are investing £3.8 billion extra in skills over this Parliament, as well as £2.7 billion in apprenticeships.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm matching ESF funding

How: These Matters Are For The Treasury

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Q4 Alyn Smith
Education Economy Employment
Context

The MP highlighted that colleges and educational institutions do not have sufficient funding to provide courses.

Question

Polling has found that 46.4% of workers said that they would learn a new skill if it were free for them to do so, but colleges and educational institutions do not have the funding to put on the courses required. What discussions has the Minister had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade about the economic benefit of upskilling the workforce? What plans do the Government have to do that?

Answer from Robert Halfon

We are upskilling the workforce all the time—that is behind the Government's approach. We are investing in resources, as I mentioned, and £3.8 billion extra is being spent on skills during this Parliament. We are investing in recruitment, FE resources and bursaries for FE college tutors in key subjects, such as STEM.

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Q5 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Education Employment
Context

The MP highlighted that almost 4 million fewer adults are taking part in training now than in 2010, part-time study has plummeted by 50%, and the Conservatives have had 13 years to deliver.

Question

YouGov polling published today shows that 40% of workers want to learn a new skill to get a better job, and almost as many want to see more investment in skills. The Conservatives have had 13 years to deliver, yet almost 4 million fewer adults are taking part in training now than in 2010 and part-time study has plummeted by 50%. Given their pitiful record on this important agenda, is it not finally time for a Labour Government to take the reins?

Answer from Robert Halfon

I am surprised by the hon. Gentleman's question; he is a thoughtful shadow spokesman. As I have already highlighted, we have a proud record on skills in this country. We have had more than 5 million apprenticeship starts since 2010 and we are developing high-level, prestigious vocational qualifications in the T-levels and higher technical qualifications.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether it was time for a Labour Government to take over.

How: Proud Record On Skills, Developing High-Level Qualifications

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