Commenting on the Prime Minister’s skills and apprenticeships announcement, Jude Hillary, NFER’s co-head of UK policy and practice, said:
“The focus on skills and apprenticeships is welcome. Action is urgently needed to alleviate acute skills shortages. In 2022, UK employers reported that over a third of UK vacancies were difficult to fill, due to insufficient numbers of applicants with the right skills. Immediate action is also needed to reverse the decline in apprenticeships for young people and career changers.
“The announcement of Foundation Apprenticeships is also welcome, but it’s crucial this programme supports young people’s progression through to Levels 2 and 3, and beyond, and is an attractive and financially viable option.
“The new Growth and Skills levy will give employers greater flexibility over how they spend their levy funds. This has benefits, but it also carries the risk that employers fund training they would have otherwise provided for existing employees, further eroding opportunities for young people and career changers.
“It’s also good to see Skills England’s first report. Our own research from The Skills Imperative 2035 suggests the labour market will continue to change, impacting the jobs available and the skills needed to do them.”