The Education Committee has launched a new inquiry into how the post-16 education system can better support vocational training and skills-based learning to meet the needs of industries facing labor shortages.
Improving Skills and Qualifications for Key Sectors
This inquiry will examine how the further education can better equip young people with the skills and qualifications needed for in-demand sectors, including:
• Hospitality
• Agriculture
• Health and Social Care
With many industries struggling to find skilled workers, MPs will explore ways to enhance training pathways, improve qualification frameworks, and ensure young people are work-ready.
Key Issues Facing Sixth Forms and Colleges
The cross-party committee will assess the challenges currently affecting Sixth Forms and Further Education Colleges, including:
• The pay gap between school and college teachers – College teachers earn, on average, £7,000 less per year than school teachers, with a real-term pay decline of 18% since 2010 (IFS, 2024).
• GCSE English and Maths resits – Reviewing how mandatory resits impact students and alternative qualification pathways.
• Mental health support for students – Addressing growing concerns about well-being in further education settings.
Reforming Post-16 Qualifications
MPs will also review how the Government could reform post-16 qualifications, including:
• T Levels and BTECs – Evaluating their effectiveness and alignment with industry needs.
• The role of apprenticeships – Ensuring apprenticeships remain a viable pathway to employment.
• Skills England’s future work – Understanding how Skills England will shape vocational education.
Post-16 Qualifications Review: What’s Next?
Following a recent review of post-16 qualifications, the Department for Education (DfE) confirmed that funding for 157 qualifications—previously set to be withdrawn—will be extended until at least 2026.
The Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review will make further recommendations beyond 2027, but the Education Committee aims to gather insights from industry leaders and FE experts to shape the future of vocational qualifications.
The Role of Skills England in Closing the Skills Gap
In July 2024, the Government announced that Skills England will replace the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, pending approval of the Skills England Bill, which is currently under parliamentary review.
If passed, Skills England will:
• Identify skills gaps across industries.
• Work with the Industrial Strategy Council and Migration Advisory Committee to develop solutions.
• Appoint its first permanent Chief Executive, a role the DfE is currently recruiting for.
Colleges Urged to Use Funding for Staff Pay
The 2024 Autumn Statement allocated £300 million in new funding for further education colleges. However, no guidelines were set for how this funding should be spent. Union leaders are urging colleges to prioritise staff pay, given the ongoing salary gap between school and college teachers.
What does the future hold?
With ongoing skills shortages affecting multiple sectors, this inquiry presents a critical opportunity to reshape post-16 education, improve vocational training, and ensure young people are equipped for the evolving job market. The findings and recommendations from this review could have a lasting impact on the future of further education in the UK.
Stay updated with the latest developments in Further Education and skills at onlyFE.