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<p>We have a number of current and future programmes in place, and planned, to support
adults and lifelong learning.</p><p> </p><p>Our adult skills system seeks to improve
productivity, employment levels and social inclusion. It supports people who are starting
out in their careers, those who want to upskill and those who want or need to change
careers.</p><p> </p><p>Adult skills and lifelong learning provision includes:</p><ul><li>The
Adult Education Budget (AEB)</li><li>The National Retraining Scheme</li><li>Apprenticeships</li></ul><p>
</p><p>The AEB fully funds or co-funds skills provision for eligible adults aged 19
and above from pre-entry to level 3 (including traineeships) to help them gain the
skills they need for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. It also enables
flexible tailored programmes of learning to be made available which do not need to
include a qualification. From 1 August 2019, approximately half of the AEB has been
devolved to 6 Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and the Mayor of London acting through
the Greater London Authority (GLA). From this date the MCAs and the GLA can use the
devolved AEB to shape education and skills provision in a way that best fits the needs
of their residents and local economy. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
will be responsible for funding AEB learners resident in non-devolved areas.</p><p>
</p><p>Part-time and flexible courses are key to enabling adults to access higher
education. The government has taken steps to ensure the funding system supports more
flexible learning at undergraduate degree level. This includes introducing part-time
tuition fee loans to cover the upfront cost of part-time courses, part-time students
being able to access full-time equivalent maintenance loans and removing the equivalent
or lower qualification restrictions for all part-time STEM degree courses.</p><p>
</p><p>The National Retraining Scheme is a new programme which is currently being
developed as part of the government’s answer to the transforming world of work. The
National Retraining Scheme will help prepare adults for the future changes to the
economy, including those brought about by automation, and help them retrain into better
jobs.</p><p> </p><p>Our reforms to apprenticeships are benefiting people of all ages
and backgrounds, including adults developing their skills. We have given employers
the flexibility to offer apprenticeships to both new recruits and existing staff,
supporting the creation of quality workplace training opportunities and life-long
learning.</p>
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