A relevant and engaging education empowers young people to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviour they need for success as adults, workers, citizens and leaders. There are three key priorities that we believe this Spending Review must deliver:
Firstly, a rebalancing of Apprenticeships funding. We are calling for: the Apprenticeship Levy to be refocussed towards 16-24 year olds – away from adults already in employment; increased support for SMEs taking on apprentices; and, additional funding and support for pre-apprenticeship programmes.
Second, we must see increased investment in careers advice and guidance. Our young people need a renewed commitment to careers programmes, careers hubs and the integration of careers into the curriculum.
Third, we must support a longer term funding model for Further Education. Covid-19 has exacerbated the funding challenges faced by the FE sector and consistent pay shortages for FE teachers is leading to a recruitment and retention crisis.
We are also calling for: an increase in core funding to reverse the real terms decline of education funding; recognition of the importance of skills and lifelong learning; and, supporting our teaching workforce’s pay and CPD. This Spending Review must have fairness and equality at its heart so all young people can thrive.
