The
Association of Employment and Learning Providers(
AELP), whose members provide vocational learning and include FE colleges, said training providers and employers in the sector are already face a number of challenges such as the introduction of 24+ Adult Learning Loans from August 2013.
There are concerns the new loans may affect, participation, especially apprenticeships.
However there was some encouraging news that Traineeships will also be available for the 19 to 24 age group.
AELPchief executive-designate Stewart Segal said:
“Clearly we will need to see more details of the changes as they emerge but in the short term we know the focus has to be on making sure the new Traineeship programme is launched effectively and the continuing review of Apprenticeships builds on the momentum we have seen in the last couple of years.”
AELP, which represents over 640 members in the employment and learning sector, welcomed the news that there would continue to be more support for Apprenticeships including an increasing investment in 2015/16.
This will give providers and employers confidence to continue to support the programme.
It was also announced that there would be a further opportunity to discuss the long term reforms of the programme which will include a further review of the Richard proposals.
Mr Segal said:
“Continuing cuts in budgets will inevitably put pressure on funding and eligibility.
“However the commitment to the Apprenticeship programme and Traineeships means that the limited budgets will be focussed on where the investment can have most impact.
“Any changes to the Apprenticeship programme need to build on this success so that we do not disrupt the investment that employers and providers are already making to drive quality delivery.
“Similarly the focus on providing support for the unemployed is just as important and we need to ensure that providers have the flexibility to integrate the different programmes available.”
The new requirements on benefit claimants will focus attention on getting people back into work and this will mean that support available will need to be flexible and responsive.
Many of
AELP’s members are involved in delivering programmes to get people back into work and this will continue to be an important element of reducing the total benefit spend.
AELPsaid it is also “keen to work with the Local Enterprise Agencies who will now be able to bid for a share of the £2billion fund”.
“It is important that skills are seen as part of the drive for growth,” Mr Segal said.
“It is important that private training organisations are involved with LEP boards and committees to ensure the national programmes reflect the local priorities.
AELPmembers work with over 350,000 businesses, many of which are SMEs, and all work based programmes are delivered at a local level.”