Training providers debate government FE reforms
Dated: 21/02/2012

Eighty North East Training Providers came together recently for a meeting of minds to debate key government reforms of further education.

A senior representative from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) addressed the region's training sector at a conference hosted by the Tyne, Wear & Northumberland Association of Learning Providers (TWNALP).

SFA director, Gillian Miller, explained how the new reform strategy, New Challenges, New Chances, and the Skills Investment Statement for 2012/13 could impact on training providers in the region.

Key changes being considered include giving businesses greater control over their training by giving funding directly to them, rather than to training providers. Employers will also be incentivised to take on 16-24 year old apprentices. Other reforms include prioritising support for the unemployed and encouraging training companies to export their services globally to emerging economies.

Discussion highlighted potential growth areas in the sector, like community-based training for offenders and training for job seekers.

Learning providers questioned speakers on a range of issues from the Adult Skills Budget, to the need to reduce bureaucracy, to confusion over the grants system.

Chairman of TWNALP, Malcolm Armstrong, said: "This conference was extremely important because it allowed training providers to hear directly from central government how reforms will affect them. Our Association brings members together to support each other and ensure they prosper by working collaboratively and seizing new opportunities."

Speakers at the conference, which was open to both members and non-members, were Gillian Miller, Skills Funding Agency, Barrie Irving, National Apprenticeship Service, Steven Martin, Job Centre Plus and John Taylor, Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA).