The Autumn Budget – Thoughts from our Chief Executive
Details: Written by Eleanor Lodge
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Published:
With today’s Autumn Budget announcement revealing a boost of investment for the education and skills sector, our Chief Executive Mark Dawe gives his thoughts on what this could mean for the education and skills space:
“Today’s announcement has demonstrated the importance of education and skills in the government's agenda to build back better and level up.
“It was great to see a commitment of over £500m to both bootcamps and numeracy for adults – both crucial elements of the skills strategy and areas where The Skills Network will have a central role to play. Having been personally involved in adult literacy and numeracy throughout my career, to have such an explicit commitment is fantastic.
“Catchup funding to schools and colleges is desperately needed and while many will say it is not enough, a £2bn commitment is significant support and The Skills Network looks forward to continuing to support schools and colleges with resources to reach as many students as possible.
“Similarly, as a major provider of resources to the skills sector, a continued and increasing commitment to apprenticeships, traineeships, Kickstart and Restart is a welcome announcement.”
Where should this investment be directed?
“Following COP26, I would like to see a commitment to investment in supporting all students in the development of their understanding of sustainability and low carbon issues along with supporting education and training. Likewise, investment for employers in tackling the mental health issues of their workforce is demanded.
“It feels as if there is never enough funding for adult skills, particularly those first steps into work or progressing up the first rungs in a career. Until we see the adult budget in the hands of the individual, to allow them to select exactly what is appropriate for them, we won’t see the necessary transformation in the adult skills system.
“The shared prosperity fund, replacing ESF, gives a great opportunity to reform the whole adult skills system with substantially more funding in the control of the government and devolved authorities.”
Was anything missed in today’s announcement?
“It was surprising that there was no announcement on the funding required for workforce development in the care sector - again supporting those entering the workforce and gaining the skills while working in the sector. This is something I hope will come out in the detail, including correcting the woefully underfunded care apprenticeship standards.
“There was a commitment to more training for the early years workforce which is to be welcomed, why not the care workforce who families across the UK rely on so heavily to support their loved ones.”
Mark Dawe, Chief Executive at The Skills Network