Skills and post 16 education policy: Reducing barriers and supporting regional growth

Research has suggested workforce skills and qualifications are linked to employment rates, earnings and economic productivity, with disadvantaged groups more likely to have poorer educational and labour market outcomes. Official statistics also show that disadvantaged pupils are at greater risk of not sustaining a destination in education, apprenticeships or employment. This briefing outlines government policies on skills, apprenticeships, further and higher education and regional devolution aimed at improving opportunities and supporting economic growth.