New proposals have been unveiled by the government for consultation on how to achieve world-class skills for adults.
Key measures will enable employers to determine the content of qualifications and advise on curriculum design. Funding will follow employers’ demand and they will be able to choose their preferred suppliers.
The consultation is to seek views on what this will mean in practice for the further education system.
To reduce bureaucracy for colleges and providers, detailed plans will no longer need to be agreed with colleges and providers. Funding for adult and employer provision will depend on the numbers of learners providers can attract.
Higher and further education minister Bill Rammell said: “Our proposal is simple – place the power to choose in the hands of the individual and the employer, and empower and enable the best of providers to engage and excite more learners and employers.
“The Leitch Report made bold recommendations for radical change. We need to be imaginative in our response, with government, employers and individuals taking increased responsibility and building on recent successes.”
