Gavin O'Meara’s Post

🚨 New report alert! Edge Foundation releases "Flex Without Compromise" - a critical look at the proposed Growth and Skills Levy. Key points: 🔹 Concerns over funding squeeze for apprenticeships 🔹 Potential impact on Youth Guarantee & Growth Mission 🔹 Suggestions to boost apprenticeship opportunities CEO Alice Gardner: "We need solutions now to incentivize apprenticeship growth, especially for young people." Report proposes: ✅ Better SME support ✅ Full funding for under-22 apprentices ✅ Improved application process ✅ Modular apprenticeship model Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eDdQacvU #Apprenticeships #SkillsLevy #YouthEmployment

The Prime Minister announced today the government's intent to restrict levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships in favour of supporting lower-level apprenticeships. This decision reflects a shift in focus toward widening access to skills development for those who are starting their careers. However, there may be concerns from employers and professionals who see value in higher-level apprenticeships for leadership and specialised roles. While it's a relief that Level 6 programs remain safe for now, the decision may prompt further discussion on balancing workforce development needs across all skill levels. The impact on industries relying on advanced apprenticeships will be important to monitor as Skills England finalises its decisions. #degreeapprenticeships #apprenticeships #skillsengland

'How apprenticeships are changing in 2024' Apprenticeships are a vital tool that support students’ progress from education into employment, not only do apprenticeship schemes help upskill the next generation, they allow business to invest in the future of their companies and can also help fill skills gaps in the labour market. Read the full story here: https://hubs.la/Q02WCGCt0 #EmergencyServicesTimes #EST YPO

The Prime Minister revealed a new package of reforms to boost apprenticeships across the country, especially within small and medium-sized businesses. These new reforms will unlock apprenticeship opportunities and empower young people to kickstart their careers. Read our blog to find out more: 📲 https://bit.ly/4a1dhQ2 #AspirationTraining #Blog #Apprenticeships #BusinessGrowth

A glancing reference to #apprenticeships in the PM's speech today, supported by a very interesting press release. It introduces the concepts of 'foundation apprenticeships' and the prospect of apprenticeships which run for less than 12 months - both of which are things I have views on. The following paragraph is the real story for today, though: "To fund this, employers are being asked to rebalance their funding for apprenticeships, asking them to invest in younger workers. This will also involve businesses funding more of their level 7 apprenticeships – equivalent to a master’s degree and often accessed by older or already well qualified employees – outside of the levy." ...Which I think means the (re)introduction of 'co-investment' for some, if not necessarily all, level seven apps. I say that because I'm guessing that's what 'funding more of their...' means in the para. If they'd meant 'all' they could have just omitted 'more of their' from the para - and this is 100% the precision that goes into drafting this stuff; believe me. We're going to hear all sorts of noise from employers and their rep bodies (hi Neil Carberry 👋 ❤️) about how the levy is already employers' money so they're being asked to coinvest alongside themselves. Technically true - but if we want skills, productivity and inclusive growth, we do need to spend more money on skills; and I agree passionately with Govt's analysis that we need to recentre apprenticeships around young people. Colleagues in HEI's with substantial degree / masters' apprenticeship provisions will need to start doing some scenario planning for what may play out here - and how they can position to be successful in what could be a rapidly and constantly evolving operating environment given the role described for Skills England in aligning skills / industrial strategy. Colleagues leading training providers and colleges will likewise need to start thinking about how they'll (re)grow dynamic, place and productivity focussed provisions including foundation / short / 'full' apprenticeships. I'm interested in colleagues thinking on how - and how quickly - they'll do this, working with awarding organisations to shape product development, as well. So quite a lot in quite a short PN. Like he said: change begins! https://lnkd.in/eNppshrJ

Latest from FE News: AELP: Autumn Budget skills investment could lead to over half a million apprenticeship starts per year: AELP has today published its Autumn Budget consultation submission – estimating that government investment in skills could lead to over 500,000 high-quality apprenticeships per year… AELP: Autumn Budget skills investment could lead to over half a million apprenticeship starts per year was published on FE News by AELP #EmployabilityNewsCareerGuidanceAdvice Read more here:

What should apprenticeships be used for 💭 ? 60% of employers think apprenticeships should primarily help young people enter the workforce Research by the CIPD and Youth Futures Foundation explores the state of apprenticeships and the case for a flexible skills levy ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dmt9euji #Apprenticeship #AdultLearning #WorkSkills #VocTech

Keir Starmer’s announcement of the new Foundation Apprenticeship reflects a promising step towards bridging the skills gap in the UK. This initiative could potentially offer young people a clear pathway into quality employment while also meeting industry demand for skilled workers. As businesses continue to navigate workforce challenges, partnerships that foster apprenticeships like these can be vital for creating sustainable growth and opportunity. It’s great to see this focus on skills and employability in today’s ever-evolving job market. https://lnkd.in/eU6bkns5 #SkillsDevelopment #Apprenticeships #FutureOfWork

I posted earlier this week about us being at the Labour party conference. Below is a summary of some of the main points coming out of today in relation to apprenticeships and skills and some initial thoughts from our founding partner Matt Hamnett ... drop me a line if you would like to chat to us further about any of the below and what this may mean for you and what you do next.

What should apprenticeships be used for 💭 ? 60% of employers think apprenticeships should primarily help young people enter the workforce Research by the CIPD and Youth Futures Foundation explores the state of apprenticeships and the case for a flexible skills levy ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dmt9euji #Apprenticeship #AdultLearning #WorkSkills #VocTech