Weekly Newsletter 16.1.2025

UK AI ACTION PLAN

UK's AI Action Plan: Implications for Apprenticeship Training Providers

The UK's new AI Action Plan aims to make the nation a global AI leader, and apprenticeships are key to achieving this. The plan includes major investments in AI infrastructure, like new "AI Growth Zones" and a powerful new supercomputer.

This report offers a detailed look into the implications for apprenticeship training providers and the role Apprenticeships might play in the execution of the plan. This includes:

• More demand for AI-related apprenticeships across all sectors.

• New opportunities in emerging fields, especially in green technologies.

• Updated training needed to keep up with AI advancements and ethical considerations.

• Stronger partnerships between training providers, industry, and government.

EDUCATION POLICY

Graduate Apprenticeships Debate Balancing Opportunities with Funding Efficiency

New research highlights a significant trend in apprenticeships, revealing that one in six is now pursued by university graduates, including those with master's degrees. This revelation has sparked renewed debate on apprenticeship spending, with former education adviser Tom Richmond advocating for a reallocation of £431 million in funds, saying it should prioritise young school and college leavers, especially from deprived backgrounds. His Social Market Foundation report argues for barring graduates from publicly funded apprenticeships to remove barriers to opportunity for those not in education, employment, or training.

BUSINESS EDUCATION

Level 2 Business Admin Apprenticeship Gains Approval After Years of Advocacy

The Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship Standard has finally been approved after a persistent five-year campaign led by employers and training organisations. This approval marks a significant achievement, as the new standard aims to address previously unmet needs regarding duration, quality, and sector focus. The revised standard includes insights from large private sector entities, such as Sainsburys and Amazon, ensuring that it is comprehensive and relevant. The trailblazer group responsible for the standard is now tasked with finalising assessment and funding details, targeting readiness for the 2025/26 academic year.

EDUCATION CHALLENGES

Training Provider's Collapse Leaves Unemployed Learners Without Certification Nationwide

The recent collapse of Free To Learn (F2L), a key provider of adult education courses funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and mayoral combined authorities, highlights significant systemic challenges. After being judged 'inadequate' by Ofsted, government and local authorities terminated contracts, leaving many adult learners without certificates and in professional limbo. Despite earning over £20 million since 2019, issues with program delivery and learner outcomes, especially in obtaining necessary licences for security industry jobs, have contributed to the company's downfall. This situation underscores the urgent need for reform in how adult education providers are vetted and supported to ensure better accountability.

EDUCATION POLICY

T Level Results for Colleges Published Amidst Changes to Attainment Measures

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced the publication of T Level results for individual colleges, marking a significant milestone in transparency and accountability. While this disclosure offers insights into the performance of over 350 educational providers offering T Levels, the planned overall attainment measure has been postponed. This decision, following stakeholder engagement, aims to develop a more comprehensive representation of T Level attainment as changes in grade derivation have been made since the initial plan. Recognising the importance of accuracy, the DfE is committed to refining the attainment measures for future use.

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