Threats to Independant work based learning providers spelled out at ENTO conference

Graham Hoyle, Chief Executive of the Association of Learning Providers, cautioned independent work-based learning providers at the recently held ENTO matrix annual conference - Delivering 21st Century Skills.

Mr Hoyle warned that if funds currently ring-fenced for colleges were not opened up to all providers, then the work-based learning market could be given to the colleges.

At the conference, he reported that evidence has shown that franchising is being cut to 5% as a result of guidance from the national office of the Learning Skills Council. Nevertheless Mr Hoyle forecasts a growth in opportunities for independent providers but a decrease in the number of providers. He also believes that the work-based learning adult budget will be raided to fund 16 -18 apprenticeships despite the fact that demand from employers means that growth opportunities will be in the 19 market.

The conference, which was held to discuss the future of work-based learning, was attended by more than 200 delegates from organisations involved in the delivery and management of work-based learning in England. It was opened by the Minister for Skills and Vocational Education, Ivan Lewis and chaired by John Hougham CBE, former chair of ENTO.

Mr Lewis praised the work-based learning sector as one that has always demonstrated flexibility and identified it as the centre of welfare and workforce development. He acknowledged its importance in an age where a ëjob for lifeí was no longer the case, instead he emphasised ëemployability for lifeí through skills gained from work-based learning.

In addition to Mr Hoyle, speakers included Anne Weinstock - Director Supporting Children and Young People from the Department for Education and Skills; Stephen Gardner ñ Director of Work Based Learning at the Learning Skills Council; John Landeryou ñ Assistant Director of the Adult Learning Inspectorate; and George Kornecki ñ Learning Support Manager Environment and Operations at Manchester City Council, the first local authority in England to be awarded the matrix Standard.

Mr Lewis identified the matrix Standard, which has been managed and promoted by ENTO since 2003, as being central to helping an increasing number of employers deliver lifelong learning. Developed by the DfES, matrix is the national quality standard for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services.

John Landeryou reported a continued improvement in the quality of work-based learning as measured by inspection results. ìAlmost two thirds of Learning Skills Council funded provision inspected during the last year was found to be satisfactory or better and 60% of providers funded by Jobcentre Plus reached the same benchmark. The discipline of re-inspection is also yielding good results with 90% of provision reaching a satisfactory level at the end of the process. The overall results, however, mask considerable variations between areas of learning, with engineering and hairdressing performing well and hospitality, sport and leisure performing poorly.î

He added: ìA number of important challenges face the work-based learning sector. The skills strategy provides an increasing range of opportunities to meet employers’ workforce development needs, but providers need to ensure that they are as flexible and responsive as possible, removing barriers rather than constructing extra ones. ì

Other key themes identified for the future of work-based learning at the conference included; schools and employers working in partnership to close the gap between education and work; more support for 14 -19 year-olds; increased funding for work-based learning; increased company support for work-based learning; more apprenticeships at post 16; increased employer support; and the pilot of the 14 ñ 16 young apprenticeships.

Stephen Gardener supported the introduction of the Young Apprenticeship Programme, which is to be introduced later this year. Mr Gardener said: I anticipate that young apprenticeships will be very popular. I foresee them becoming a key entry level qualification.î

John Landeryou, however, warned delegates that policy makers need to clearly distinguish between provision that is designed to promote social inclusion, and that which is about sills development. Mr Landeryou added: ìAny failure to do this stands to jeopardise the improving relationship with employers and damage the image of apprenticeships.

ìAt the same time greater granulation of the apprenticeship offer will assist with this providing that the differences between different initiatives are clear. An additional challenge lies in ensuring that work-based learning addresses gender stereotyping and fully involves young people from minority ethnic groups. Looking to the future, the relationship between apprenticeships and the Tomlinson diploma architecture needs to develop in such a way as to ensure that the distinctiveness of the work based route is retained. ì

ENTO is responsible for the National Occupational Standards in learning and development as well as, amongst others, careers education and guidance. The organisation is at the forefront of enhancing and improving the performance of people involved in the development, management, health and safety and representation of people in the workplace.