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1695109

registered interest
date	11/03/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Training: Qualifications
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to help ensure every (a) young person and (b) adult receives free training to gain a Level (a) 2 and (b) 3 qualification.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	17978
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2024 answer text <p>After leaving school, young people in England aged 16 to 18 are required to stay in full-time education, for example at a college, by starting an apprenticeship, or spending 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training. Therefore, most young people legally residing in England are eligible for 16 to 19 study programme funding. Additionally, students aged 19 to 24 that have an Education, Health and Care plan are also eligible for funding.</p><p>The department is continuing to invest in education and skills training for adults through the Adult Education Budget (AEB). This equated to £1.34 billion in the 2023/24 funding year. In 2023/24, the government devolved approximately 60% of the AEB to 9 Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and the Greater London Authority (GLA).</p><p>These authorities are now responsible for the provision of AEB-funded adult education for their residents and allocation of the AEB to providers. Devolved MCAs and the GLA decide how to make best use of the AEB to meet the needs of their areas and decide which providers to contract with to deliver AEB-funded learning.</p><p>The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is responsible for the remaining AEB in non-devolved areas. The ESFA AEB fully funds or co-funds skills provision for eligible adults aged 19 and above from pre-entry to Level 3, to support adults to gain the skills they need for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. This includes:</p><ul><li>Fully funded courses in English and mathematics, up to and including Level 2, for adult learners (aged 19+) who have not previously attained a GCSE grade C/4 or higher.</li><li>Fully funded first full Level 2 and/or Level 3 for learners aged 19 to 23.</li></ul><p>In addition, the Free Courses for Jobs offer, which was launched in April 2021, gives eligible adults the chance to access high value Level 3 qualification for free, which can support them to gain higher wages or a better job. Adults are eligible on the offer if they do not already have a Level 3 qualification or already have a Level 3 qualification but are on low wage or unemployed. Over 400 qualifications are available on the offer, chosen specifically as they offer good wage outcomes and address skills needs in the economy.</p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon question first answered 14/03/2024 09:59:27 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1695110

registered interest
date	11/03/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Department for Education: Staff
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support she provides to employers to help their workforce gain a Level (a) 2 and (b) 3 IT qualification.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	17979
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2024 answer text <p>Digital and computing skills are critical to achieving the government’s science and technology superpower ambitions, which the department set out in the UK Science &amp; Technology Framework in March this year.</p><p>The department has developed an ambitious skills agenda, backed by an additional £3.8 billion in further education and skills over the lifetime of this parliament. Through the Adult Education Budget (AEB), the department introduced a new legal entitlement in August 2020 to fully fund adults (19+) with low digital skills to undertake an Essential Digital Skills Qualification, up to Level 1. The department has further enhanced the offer by introducing Digital Functional Skills qualifications in August 2023. These qualifications were developed through employer supported National Standards and provide learners with the essential digital skills they need to participate actively in life, work and society.</p><p>The department has also taken steps to embed essential digital skills training as part of study programmes for 16 to19 year olds. Where students are identified as having low levels of digital skills, education providers will integrate essential digital skills development, where it is needed, into their learning programme.</p><p>The department has also funded community learning and other non-regulated learning, such as building confidence in essential digital skills, through the AEB. Many local authorities and other further education providers are already delivering these courses that help equip adults with the essential digital skills they need for work, life and further learning.</p><p>From next year, the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) will continue to support both qualifications and tailored learning, which includes community learning type provision, so adults can retrain and upskill in the most effective way.</p><p>Ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have the world class computing and digital knowledge and skills they need for the future is a key priority of this government. The department introduced computing as a statutory national curriculum subject in 2014, from key stages 1 to 4 inclusive. The new computing curriculum supports pupils to become digitally literate and acquire the knowledge and skills they need to become competent, confident, and creative users of technology. Through computing, pupils are taught how to analyse problems in computational terms and write computer programs, how to use technology safely and responsibly, and how to create digital artefacts.</p><p>The department has invested significantly in the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) to improve the teaching of computing and drive up participation in computer science at GCSE and A level. To date, over 13,000 teachers have engaged with subject knowledge courses offered by the NCCE, helping to create more confident teachers of computing.</p><p>The department has introduced three Digital T Levels: Digital Business Services, Digital Production, Design and Development, and Digital Support Services. These are the gold-standard Level 3 technical qualifications, designed with employers to meet industry standards and with a significant industry placement built in. These will help to give important experience of work within the digital sector. Digital skills are increasingly important across all occupations, which is why every T Level has the digital skills necessary for employment embedded into its curriculum.</p><p>Additionally, employers have developed more than 30 high-quality digital apprenticeships to support them develop the skilled workforces they need. Apprenticeships include Level 3 Information Communications Technician, Level 3 IT Solutions Technician and Level 3 Digital Support Technician. In the 2022/23 academic year, the number of starts in the Information and Communication Technology sector subject area grew to 25,100 starts, up 10% from 22,820 from 2021/22. The department is increasing investment in the apprenticeships system in England to £2.7 billion by the 2024/25 financial year to support employers of all sizes and in all sectors offer high-quality apprenticeship opportunities.</p><p>Employers can also make use of the department’s Skills Bootcamp offer, which provides free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills.</p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon grouped question UIN 17980 question first answered 14/03/2024 17:33:20 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1695111

registered interest
date	11/03/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	ICT: Training
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) adults and (b) young people have sufficient IT skills for work.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	17980
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2024 answer text <p>Digital and computing skills are critical to achieving the government’s science and technology superpower ambitions, which the department set out in the UK Science &amp; Technology Framework in March this year.</p><p>The department has developed an ambitious skills agenda, backed by an additional £3.8 billion in further education and skills over the lifetime of this parliament. Through the Adult Education Budget (AEB), the department introduced a new legal entitlement in August 2020 to fully fund adults (19+) with low digital skills to undertake an Essential Digital Skills Qualification, up to Level 1. The department has further enhanced the offer by introducing Digital Functional Skills qualifications in August 2023. These qualifications were developed through employer supported National Standards and provide learners with the essential digital skills they need to participate actively in life, work and society.</p><p>The department has also taken steps to embed essential digital skills training as part of study programmes for 16 to19 year olds. Where students are identified as having low levels of digital skills, education providers will integrate essential digital skills development, where it is needed, into their learning programme.</p><p>The department has also funded community learning and other non-regulated learning, such as building confidence in essential digital skills, through the AEB. Many local authorities and other further education providers are already delivering these courses that help equip adults with the essential digital skills they need for work, life and further learning.</p><p>From next year, the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) will continue to support both qualifications and tailored learning, which includes community learning type provision, so adults can retrain and upskill in the most effective way.</p><p>Ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have the world class computing and digital knowledge and skills they need for the future is a key priority of this government. The department introduced computing as a statutory national curriculum subject in 2014, from key stages 1 to 4 inclusive. The new computing curriculum supports pupils to become digitally literate and acquire the knowledge and skills they need to become competent, confident, and creative users of technology. Through computing, pupils are taught how to analyse problems in computational terms and write computer programs, how to use technology safely and responsibly, and how to create digital artefacts.</p><p>The department has invested significantly in the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) to improve the teaching of computing and drive up participation in computer science at GCSE and A level. To date, over 13,000 teachers have engaged with subject knowledge courses offered by the NCCE, helping to create more confident teachers of computing.</p><p>The department has introduced three Digital T Levels: Digital Business Services, Digital Production, Design and Development, and Digital Support Services. These are the gold-standard Level 3 technical qualifications, designed with employers to meet industry standards and with a significant industry placement built in. These will help to give important experience of work within the digital sector. Digital skills are increasingly important across all occupations, which is why every T Level has the digital skills necessary for employment embedded into its curriculum.</p><p>Additionally, employers have developed more than 30 high-quality digital apprenticeships to support them develop the skilled workforces they need. Apprenticeships include Level 3 Information Communications Technician, Level 3 IT Solutions Technician and Level 3 Digital Support Technician. In the 2022/23 academic year, the number of starts in the Information and Communication Technology sector subject area grew to 25,100 starts, up 10% from 22,820 from 2021/22. The department is increasing investment in the apprenticeships system in England to £2.7 billion by the 2024/25 financial year to support employers of all sizes and in all sectors offer high-quality apprenticeship opportunities.</p><p>Employers can also make use of the department’s Skills Bootcamp offer, which provides free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills.</p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon grouped question UIN 17979 question first answered 14/03/2024 17:33:20 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1693211

registered interest
date	04/03/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Further Education: Special Educational Needs
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make it her policy to provide free access to further education for people with SEND.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	16691
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2024 answer text <p>Most young people legally residing in England will be eligible for 16 to 19 study programme funding. Additionally, students aged 19 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care plan are also eligible for young people’s funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Full details are set out in the ‘funding guidance for young people 2023 to 2024’, which is available at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1178949/16_to_19_funding_guidance_Regulations_2023_to_2024-Version_1.01.pdf" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1178949/16_to_19_funding_guidance_Regulations_2023_to_2024-Version_1.01.pdf</a>.</p><p>The department is continuing to invest in education and skills training for adults through the Adult Education Budget (AEB), worth £1.34 billion this academic year. The AEB fully funds or co-funds skills provision for eligible adults aged 19 and above up to level 3, to help them gain the skills they need for work, life or further learning. This supports disadvantaged learners including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.</p><p>Currently, approximately 60% of the AEB is devolved to 9 Mayoral Combined Authorities and the Mayor of London, acting where appropriate through the Greater London Authority. These authorities are responsible for the provision of AEB funded adult education for their residents and the allocation of AEB to providers. The ESFA remains responsible for AEB in non-devolved areas.</p><p>The AEB supports four statutory entitlements to full funding for adult learners, which apply in devolved and non-devolved areas:</p><ul><li>English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade A* to C or grade 4, or higher, and/or:</li><li>First full qualification at level 2 for individuals aged 19 to 23, and/or:</li><li>First full qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23.</li><li>Essential digital skills qualifications, up to and including level 1, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have digital skills assessed at below level 1.</li></ul><p>The ESFA funded AEB for learners resident in non-devolved areas also supports colleges and providers to help adult learners to overcome barriers which prevent them from taking part in learning. This includes learner support and learning support. Learning support funding helps providers to meet the additional needs of learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to meet the costs of reasonable adjustments, as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Support can cover a range of needs, including an assessment for dyslexia, funding to pay for specialist equipment or helpers, and arranging signers or note takers.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon question first answered 07/03/2024 16:32:52 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1693212

registered interest
date	04/03/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Apprentices: Special Educational Needs
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to ensure that (a) school leavers and (b) adults with SEND are given prioritised access to apprenticeships.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	16692
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2024 answer text <p>Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for school leavers and adults with special educational needs and disabilities to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to progress in their chosen careers. So far, in the 2023/24 academic year, 15.9% of all starts were by learners declaring a learning difficulty and/or disability (LDD), an increase from 14.7% for the same period last year. The department is also increasing investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024/25, supporting more employers across the country to recruit new apprentices.</p><p>The department is investing £3.2 million annually in the ‘Apprenticeship Support &amp; Knowledge’ programme, which ensures students in schools and colleges are aware of the benefits of apprenticeships. Young people can also now access apprenticeships vacancies on UCAS, and later this year they will also be able to use the service to apply for apprenticeships.</p><p>The department provides £1,000 to both employers and training providers when they take on apprentices aged under 19, or 19 to 24 year old apprentices who have an Education, Health and Care plan or have been in care. The department also provides additional funding to support those apprentices who require reasonable adjustments to undertake learning.</p><p>As part of the work to remove barriers for people starting an apprenticeship, the department has launched a pilot to consider how the department determines apprentice eligibility for flexibilities to English and maths requirements. The department is also currently delivering another pilot to test whether offering expert support, advice and training to the people providing mentoring to apprentices with a LDD results in a positive impact on the cohort, both in terms of satisfaction and achievement for these apprentices.</p><p>The department will continue to work closely with the Apprenticeship Diversity Network and the Disabled Apprentice Network to better understand and remove barriers so everyone can access the benefits of an apprenticeship.</p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon question first answered 07/03/2024 16:31:33 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1693408

registered interest
date	04/03/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Palestinians: Refugees
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to help reunite civilians in Gaza with family studying at UK universities.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	16824
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2024 answer text <p>The best way to provide protection for vulnerable people in Gaza is an end to the fighting as soon as possible. That is why the government is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. The government is monitoring the situation in Israel and Gaza closely to ensure that we are able to respond appropriately.</p><p>Universities offer a range of dedicated support to their international students before they arrive in the UK, on arrival and during their studies. This includes both pastoral care and financial support. If a student is experiencing difficulties, they should contact the university to discuss their circumstances.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon question first answered 07/03/2024 16:29:55 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1692851

registered interest
date	29/02/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Overseas Students: Palestinians
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent estimate she has made of the (a) number of students from (i) the Palestinian territories and (ii) Gaza studying in the UK and (b) the number and proportion of those students that are in the UK on British Council scholarship.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	16392
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2024 answer text <p>The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), now part of JISC, is responsible for collecting and publishing data about UK higher education (HE). The latest statistics refer to the 2021/22 academic year.</p><p>Table 28 of HESA’s ‘Higher Education Student Statistics: UK, 2021/22’ reports the number of non-UK domiciled HE students by country of domicile. This data is accessible at: <a href="https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/table-28" target="_blank">https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/table-28</a>.</p><p>In the 2021/22 academic year, there were 245 (1) student enrolments (2) at UK HE providers who were domiciled in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (formerly the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip) prior to their studies. The major source of tuition fees of five (3%) of them were recorded as 'Overseas student award from HM government/British Council’.</p><p>1: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5, in line with HESA rounding conventions. More information on rounding and suppression strategy can be found at the following link: <a href="https://www.hesa.ac.uk/support/definitions/students#rounding-and-suppression-strategy" target="_blank">https://www.hesa.ac.uk/support/definitions/students#rounding-and-suppression-strategy</a>.</p><p>2. Enrolments refers to students in all years of study.</p><p> </p><p><strong><br> </strong></p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon question first answered 07/03/2024 16:59:13 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1692853

registered interest
date	29/02/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Overseas Students: Palestinians
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has had discussions with the British Council on the families of students invited to study at universities from the state of Palestine via scholarship programmes.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	16394
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2024 answer text <p>The best way to provide protection for vulnerable people in Gaza is an end to the fighting as soon as possible and the return of the hostages held by Hamas. That is why the government is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.</p><p>The UK is currently supporting non-governmental organisation and UN partners to deliver medical aid and care in the Gaza Strip. This includes support for primary healthcare, trauma and emergency care services, disease surveillance and outbreak response, and deployment of Emergency Medical Teams. The government is also exploring further options to help meet the medical needs of Palestinians.</p><p>Universities offer a range of dedicated support to their international students before they arrive in the UK, on arrival, and during their studies. This includes both pastoral care and financial support. If a student is experiencing difficulties, they should contact the university to discuss their circumstances. Universities have their own hardship funds to support students who are going through financial difficulties, and like domestic students, international students can apply to their provider to access these funds.</p><p>The department is also an active funder of the Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) programme. This programme, facilitated by the British Council, provides young academic staff with potential in universities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with the opportunity to complete a Masters or PhD programme in the UK. There are currently fifteen HESPAL scholars in the UK, five of which are from Gaza. The British Council has met with UK university partners to discuss the best means of support for these scholars. These conversations have covered safeguarding issues, one-to-one support to scholars and both virtual and physical platforms to enable scholars to come together and support one another. Departmental officials continue to engage with the British Council to identify further support for current and former HESPAL students.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon grouped question UIN 16396 question first answered 11/03/2024 11:59:57 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1692855

registered interest
date	29/02/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Overseas Students: Palestinians
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department is taking steps to help provide support to Palestinian university students with (a) injured and (b) deceased family in Gaza.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	16396
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2024 answer text <p>The best way to provide protection for vulnerable people in Gaza is an end to the fighting as soon as possible and the return of the hostages held by Hamas. That is why the government is calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.</p><p>The UK is currently supporting non-governmental organisation and UN partners to deliver medical aid and care in the Gaza Strip. This includes support for primary healthcare, trauma and emergency care services, disease surveillance and outbreak response, and deployment of Emergency Medical Teams. The government is also exploring further options to help meet the medical needs of Palestinians.</p><p>Universities offer a range of dedicated support to their international students before they arrive in the UK, on arrival, and during their studies. This includes both pastoral care and financial support. If a student is experiencing difficulties, they should contact the university to discuss their circumstances. Universities have their own hardship funds to support students who are going through financial difficulties, and like domestic students, international students can apply to their provider to access these funds.</p><p>The department is also an active funder of the Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) programme. This programme, facilitated by the British Council, provides young academic staff with potential in universities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with the opportunity to complete a Masters or PhD programme in the UK. There are currently fifteen HESPAL scholars in the UK, five of which are from Gaza. The British Council has met with UK university partners to discuss the best means of support for these scholars. These conversations have covered safeguarding issues, one-to-one support to scholars and both virtual and physical platforms to enable scholars to come together and support one another. Departmental officials continue to engage with the British Council to identify further support for current and former HESPAL students.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon grouped question UIN 16394 question first answered 11/03/2024 11:59:57 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1692514

registered interest
date	28/02/2024
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Skilled Workers
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help close skills gaps in the (a) public and (b) private sector.
tabling member constituency	York Central
tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
uin	16246
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2024 answer text <p>The government is committed to creating a world-leading skills system which is employer-focused, high-quality and fit for the future. The department’s reforms are strengthening higher and further education to help more people get good jobs and upskill and retrain throughout their lives, as well as to improve national productivity and economic growth. These reforms are backed with an additional investment of £3.8 billion over the course of this Parliament to strengthen higher and further education. The department’s reforms will help equip people with the education, training and skills that employers demand both in the public and private sector.</p><p>The department has established the Unit for Future Skills (UFS), which provides decision makers in skills system with information they need to invest in the right skills to meet national and local employer needs and support economic growth. The work of the UFS aims to improve data and evidence to support a better understanding of current skill mismatches and future demand throughout the country.</p><p>Apprenticeships are crucial in driving growth and social mobility as they boost skills across the economy and improve people's earnings and career opportunities nationwide. To support growth, the department is increasing investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024/25, which will encourage more employers across the country to recruit new apprentices.</p><p>The department has introduced employer-designed T levels which are equipping thousands of young people with the skills, knowledge, and experience to access employment or further study in some of the most in-demand skills areas. 18 T levels are now available, being delivered through over 250 providers across all regions of the country.</p><p>The department has invested £300 million to establish 21 Institutes of Technology (IoT) across England to significantly increase the number of learners with higher level technical skills and offering an alternative route to high paid jobs. IoTs bring education and industry together to deliver world class technical education and training in key STEM subjects aligned to the skills needs of the local economy they serve.</p><p>The department is delivering reforms to increase the profile, prestige, and uptake of higher technical education. Central to these reforms is the introduction of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), which are Level 4/5 qualifications approved against employer-developed standard and quality marked by the Institute for Apprenticeships &amp; Technical Education. This means students and employers can have the confidence that HTQs provide skills employers need. To date, 172 qualifications have been approved as HTQs across seven occupational routes and over 140 providers are approved to deliver HTQs.</p><p>The department has introduced the Free Courses for Jobs scheme which enables eligible adults to gain a high value qualification for free. In addition, the department has also introduced Skills Bootcamps, which are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with an employer.</p><p>The department has established Local Skills Improvement Plans across the country, which are employer-led, locally owned plans. They have galvanised and brought together businesses, providers, local leaders and stakeholders to help better align provision of post-16 technical education and training with local labour market needs.</p> answering member constituency Harlow answering member printed Robert Halfon question first answered 07/03/2024 11:05:18 answering member 3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon
tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell