Response to the National Assembly for Wales’ Enterprise and Learning Committee: Learning and Skills Measure (Proposed)

(Saesneg yn unig)

The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils
Cynghrair o Gynghorau Sector Sgiliau

Preamble

This paper is a collective response from the Alliance of the 25 Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in Wales in response to the questions asked in relation to the proposed Learning and Skills Measure. Some SSCs will submit an individual response in order to make points which are specifically relevant to their sector: the purpose of this paper is to address broader issues, and the opportunity afforded the Alliance to contribute to this debate is wholeheartedly welcomed.

General Points

SSCs occupy a key role in delivering on the Welsh skills agenda as the Skills that Work for Wales policy document makes clear: it is therefore proposed that under Section 29 of the proposed Measure, Sector Skills Councils be given a statutory role equivalent to that of local education authorities in the development of local curricula. In addition, there needs to be more provision in the proposed Measure for collaboration between education providers and the business sector. This will address the need for a national perspective and ensure consistency across Wales as a whole.

Funding will need to be identified accurately and ringfenced to ensure strategic delivery. As SSCs are charged with endorsing sector-specific qualifications, then these courses and awards should also be eligible for Assembly Government funding.

The Alliance would like to see mention of apprenticeship schemes and work-based learning schemes in the Measure, as well as clearer definition of the role of the Welsh Baccalaureate and the position of vocational learning and qualifications in the new local curricula.

Is there a need for legislation to re-organise 14-19 provision?

The intention to clarify learning opportunities, entitlements and choices for young people is greatly welcomed, specifically for the 16-18 group. There is broad agreement that legislation would provide a clear operating framework for the provision for 14-19 year olds. However, there is also a strong sense that not all the necessary questions relating to the structure of the proposed arrangements have been addressed and that legislation may not be the only way forward on some of the specifics.

Does the proposed Measure achieve the policy objective or could changes be made without legislating?

There is agreement that the stated policy objectives can be best achieved through changes to the provision of education to 14-19 year olds, but whether these changes could only be achieved by means of legislation is less clear. For example, many SSCs work in a collaborative way in localities without the need for legislation, while the Modern Apprenticeship scheme and the Basic Skills Employers Pledge are measures which have been increasingly industry-led. Moreover, SSCs are in a key position to deliver accurate and up-to-date Labour Market Information (LMI) to employers: an essential element to address shortfalls in skills both locally and nationally and one which needs to be incorporated into the overall framework. If legislation is to be deployed, then some areas will need further clarity: we can see the benefit of compelling existing bodies to work together to bring about this significant change in provision and yet this must be delivered through a national network which is connected and consistent, uniting all Welsh education providers. We would also point out the need to ensure the provision and monitoring of Health and Safety information is adequately dealt with within the Measure.

What are the views of stakeholders who will have to work with the new arrangements?

The Alliance cannot presume to speak on behalf of schools and colleges, but we note the significant workload for them connected to the creation of local curricula. We would suggest that with the involvement of SSCs and local businesses this workload could be reduced. In addition, new learning domains, not currently covered in the proposed measure could also be identified, taking into account the need for new recruits to be more commercially and financially aware, for example, or the disaggregation of arts, media culture and languages. The passing mention in the Measure that "it will be possible for 14-19 year olds to study outside their main learning setting” also has implications for businesses and industries, with whom SSCs work all the time. The Alliance fully supports the focus on joint working and collaborative delivery arrangements as principles SSCs try to model at all times.

The requirement for access to a minimum proportion or number of vocational courses is supported and SSCs should have a role in advising on which are appropriate. In this regard, the Measure would need to take account of and align with, the UK-wide Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme and the related work around 14-19 provision in relation to SSCs Sector Qualification Strategies (a remit specifically supported in Skills that Work for Wales).

The Alliance supports the emphasis on pupil choice but notes that this has significant impact on Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) and careers services to ensure pupils are making informed choices that will support progression. The learning pathway document should identify potential progression pathways as well as serving as a record of recording attainment.

What might be the barriers to delivering the policy agenda and does the proposed measure take account of them?

The barriers have already been referred to obliquely:

a) Undue power given to certain bodies without the wider involvement of other organisations is unlikely to deliver the most effective solution;

b) Bodies which are unused to working in partnership may struggle to collaborate even with legislation in place, hence the need for a more collaborative approach;

c) While the development of a local curriculum is supported, this should not be at the expense of raising the standard nation-wide, to the benefit of all Wales’ young people, and

d) Insufficient and inequitably distributed funding.