The Department for Education has launched a consultation to gather views from employers on plans to reform post-16 qualifications at Level 2 and below so everyone has access to high-quality options that will lead to desired outcomes.
The government plans to make qualifications more streamlined and strengthened so that young people and adults have a clearer choice of options available to them and can be confident that the qualification they gain will get them the career they want.
The move marks the next step in the government’s transformation of technical education and the post-16 qualifications landscape, which has already seen action taken to streamline and boost the quality of the qualifications available at level 3 (A level equivalent) including rolling out new T Levels, working with employers to boost apprenticeship opportunities and establishing 21 Institutes of Technology across the country.
Commenting on the development, Minister for Skills Alex Burghart, said: “We are delivering qualifications designed with employers that give students the skills the economy needs. The consultation we are launching today [2 March] is the next step in making that change a reality.
“We are already rolling out T Levels and reviewing thousands of technical qualifications to make sure they are fit for purpose. We want to make sure all qualifications are high-quality and help people progress in life and work.”
A confusing landscape
While thousands of people study for a Level 2, Level 1 and entry level qualification every year as a bridge to higher level study or in preparation for the workplace, the current qualifications landscape is confusing, with around 8,000 qualifications available at these levels, most covering similar subjects.
For example, there are more than 650 building and construction qualifications at these levels, which can make it difficult for people to identify the right qualifications that will help them to achieve their goals.
Lack of technical skills
Furthermore, both the Wolf Review and Sainsbury Review of Technical Education underlined that many students entering the world of work lack the technical knowledge, transferable skills and behaviours required and expected by employers to perform successfully in occupations, despite holding a technical qualification.
The plans announced today will ensure all qualifications meet a high bar before being approved for any public funding, and provide the skills employers and individuals need to get ahead.
Supplementing demand
Mark Reynolds, chief executive of global construction firm Mace, said: “Demand for construction training remains largely concentrated on Level 1 and 2 qualifications. It is essential that these qualifications continue to be part of clear employer supported pathways that provide the knowledge, skills, and behaviours for learners to gain an apprenticeship or job in the construction industry.
“The post-16 Level 2 and below review presents an opportunity to improve employment outcomes for learners who want to join construction. I’d encourage employers of all sizes to engage in the consultation process.”
>>Read more about what the industry is doing with apprenticeships here.
