Press Release: Building Skills, Transforming Lives
Conservatives today launched ‘Building Skills, Transforming Lives: A training and apprenticeships revolution’, the seventh policy green paper in the Opportunity Agenda series. It proposes:
• A massive expansion in the provision of real apprenticeships. Up to 100,000 additional all-age apprenticeships every year and £2,000 bonuses for small businesses that take on apprentices.
• More community learning to improve skills and employability. A £100m NEETs fund specifically aimed at disengaged young people and a £100m Community Learning fund specifically aimed at adults looking to update or gain new skills.
• Supply-side reform to set further education free. Removing bureaucracy and unnecessary inspection audits from FE colleges and creating a streamlined funding model where Government money for training follows the learner.
• A revolution in careers advice. A careers adviser in every secondary school and college in the country and the creation of a new all-age careers advice service.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron said:
“This is a particularly important policy paper as it is one of the areas where the social agenda and the economic agenda come together. Getting skills right is about strengthening society and strengthening the economy.”
Shadow Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary David Willetts said:
“This is the most important announcement Conservatives have made on skills in a decade. We will revitalise apprenticeships, revive adult and community learning, and focus on NEETs. Conservative skills policy can deliver social mobility, social cohesion, and social justice.”
Shadow Skills Minister John Hayes said:
“Conservatives are committed to elevating the role of learning in the workplace. By boosting funding to apprenticeships, paying employers directly, and establishing an apprenticeship bonus, we will unlock individual talent and spread opportunity.”
Notes to Editors
A copy of the report ‘Building Skills, Transforming Lives: A training and apprenticeships revolution’ is attached.