Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will set out approved digital qualifications for adult learners and the examination bodies that offer them.

There are a range of digital qualifications approved for adult learners.

Digital qualifications and the examination bodies that offer them at level 3 and above for adults are included in the Advanced Learner Loans catalogue which is published online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advanced-learner-loans-qualifications-catalogue.

Digital qualifications and the examination bodies that offer them at levels 2 and 3 are included in the list of qualifications which form part of the statutory entitlements for learners aged 19 to 23 which published online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifications-getting-approval-for-funding.

There are also basic digital qualifications and units available as part of the local flexibility offer within the Adult Education Budget.

The Digital Strategy published in March 2017 confirmed that the government will introduce an entitlement for adults who lack basic digital skills to undertake fully-funded training. The entitlement to free digital skills training for adults was provided through the Digital Economy Act 2017. This will mirror the approach taken for adult literacy and numeracy training.

The government is currently working with Further Education institutions, employers and other stakeholders to develop the appropriate training. The department will set out specific basic digital qualifications for adult learners eligible for fully-funded training in due course.