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To draw a close to the second day of the AELP Conference 2013, Keith Smith, Executive Director Funding and Programmes, Skills Funding Agency was joined by Peter Lauener, Education Funding Agency, Michael Davis, UK Commission for Employment and Skills and Simon Tse, Department for Work and Pensions on a panel debate focusing on FE, Skills and Apprenticeships. Panellists began the session by introducing themselves, talking briefly about the challenges facing the sector, and their priorities in-line with the rigour and responsiveness in skills.

Keith specifically spoke about the great work the Agency is doing to drive up the number of quality Apprenticeships. One of the questions asked was around Apprenticeship frameworks, “who decides what frameworks need to be introduced? “As with recommendations made in the Richard Review, the Agency also advocates that employers should have more control over the design of frameworks; Apprenticeships frameworks are designed by employers, for employers.

An issue was raised by the audience for the need of greater joined up government procurement. Keith highlighted the Agency’s collaboration on traineeships and the Work Programme with DWP. He stated that: “the work that has been done recently around traineeships is a really good indication of close working across government departments.”

He went on to talk about the positive impact traineeships will have on equipping young people with the right skills and experience to be able to progress onto an Apprenticeship or employment. Keith also championed the Innovation Code which would enable both employers and providers to add greater value and benefit to the sector. He stated that: “driving up Apprenticeship demand is one of the Agency’s highest priorities.”

The dialogue from the panel gave off a real sense of collaborative working across government departments. Keith added that ‘more employers will engage with Apprenticeships when they see less bureaucracy – businesses will invest when they see greater value in Apprenticeships. The challenge is to get stability in the Apprenticeship offer and make it the right offer.’ He also talked about the need for long term predictability in the skills funding system.

A comment made by a member of the audience was: “there is a perception that vocational qualifications are not valued in the same way as HE, and careers advice being given in schools is not impartial?” The Agency is aware that there are some misconceptions around the progression and career opportunities Apprenticeships offer, therefore the Agency has been working closely with schools, careers advisers, parents/influencers and young people to ensure that the correct support and guidance is being given to be able to provide impartial careers advice, and include a vocational option for young people alongside the more traditional academic route.

During the day there were also a number of workshops which delegates could choose to attend, two of which were delivered by the Agency. Sharon Forton and Rosemary Carter delivered a workshop on myth busting and overcoming common mistakes when applying to enter the Register of Training Providers. Sharon went on to talk about the Agency’s procurement process, and the role the Agency plays in ensuring that public funds are protected and used appropriately in delivering the provision that is required by employers and learners.

The second Agency workshop was delivered by Judi Baxter - this was around ‘things you need to know about the Skills Funding Agency’. The session provided attendees with details of the latest changes on Contracts and Finance; Courses and Learners; and Data Returns. 

The Agency continues its commitment to simplifying its processes and introducing measures that will enable easier access to funds, and ensuring that provisions are being delivered and funded in-line with employer and learner demand.