
Government Announces Creation of Skills England
By DTA | 26th July 2024 | News
In a significant development following the King's Speech last week, the government has announced the establishment of Skills England, a new body set to transform the nation's approach to skills and education. The Secretary of State for Education elaborated on this initiative in a written Ministerial statement, revealing that the functions of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) will be integrated into Skills England.
Skills England is poised to foster a robust partnership with employers, a move that has been hailed as a testament to the positive impact employers have had on apprenticeships, T Levels, and technical qualifications. This collaboration is expected to continue shaping the future of technical education.
The new entity will shoulder broader responsibilities than its predecessor, IfATE. It aims to convene employers, unions, educators, and experts alongside the national government to develop a unified understanding of both national and local skills needs. This collaborative effort will involve working with industry leaders, the Migration Advisory Committee, unions, and the Industrial Strategy Council to maintain a comprehensive assessment of current and future skills requirements.
Furthermore, Skills England will play a pivotal role in determining the training programs eligible for funding through the Growth and Skills Levy. This includes consulting on and maintaining a list of levy-eligible training to ensure value for money and alignment with the nation's skills needs.
Another key function of Skills England will be to align the national and regional skills systems with the actual skills demands, using local and regional vacancy data to build a robust evidence base. The body will work closely with mayoral combined authorities and other stakeholders to identify systemic issues and provide advice to the government, leading to a more coherent skills system.
The transition to Skills England is expected to be seamless, with IfATE staff transferring alongside their responsibilities. The relationships forged with officials are anticipated to continue, ensuring minimal impact on partners involved in the skills system.
The Chief Executive of IfATE, Jennifer Coupland, expressed gratitude for the support received and the collaborative efforts that have shaped the skills system. The work of trailblazer groups and route panels, supported by IfATE, will carry on, laying the foundation for the new system. The establishment of Skills England is seen as a step towards simplifying the skills landscape, fostering economic growth, and breaking down barriers to opportunity.
The transition to Skills England is a landmark moment for the nation's education and skills sector, promising a brighter future for learners and employers alike.