Our Autumn Statement policy and panel session on 21st November discussed the implications of the statement on post-16 education and skills. We were joined on the panel by economist Molly Broome, Resolution Foundation, and further and higher education experts Julian Gravatt, AoC, Chris Hale, Universities UK, Susan Pember, HOLEX, Becci Newton, IES and Aidan Relf, skills consultant.
In particular, the panel discussionlooked at demand and supply issues for post-16 education and skills focusing on:
- Level 3 qualifications and below
- Higher education – Levels 4 to 8
- Employer Funding Training and Apprenticeships for 16 to 17 year olds and 18 to 24 year olds
The session also discussed the review of economically inactive adults of working age which is due to conclude in the new year, and the Barber review of post-16 education and skills, announced by the prime minister in the statement.
Autumn Statement 2022 – Our key takeaways from the session for post-16 education and skills:
- Parents of 16-19 year olds in further education will, like parents in general, face a significant cost-of-living crisis over the next two years, which could have an impact on participation.
- The Autumn Statement delivered funding for schools but only a review for post-16 education and skills.
- All roads for post-16 education and skills lead to the Spring Budget and the Barber Review.
- The 2023 Spring Budget must deliver a rise in spending to address pay in the FE workforce so it can deliver vocational education and training needed for growth
- Government should not underestimate the cost pressures faced by large and small employers which might constrain demand for apprenticeships over the next two years
- Degree Apprenticeships require employers as well as a broader range of high education institutes to deliver them
- The Government should be on its guard that the two-year recession does not result in rise of 16-24 year olds, who are unemployed and not in full-time education
- The review of economically inactive adults must include skills as well as back to work strategies
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