Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will bring forward proposals to prioritise funding for second qualifications for those with the lowest levels of work experience and skills.

The recent consultation Further Education – Future Development of Loans included discussion of this question; both whether the scope of loans should be expanded to cover 19 to 23 year olds and whether loans should be made available for all level 2 qualifications where learners are not entitled to full grant funding. The government response to this consultation is due late autumn.

Full funding will continue to focus on English and maths provision for all adults who need it, on young adults, and the unemployed where skills training will help them to enter and progress in work. Where young adults are taking a second qualification, or are aged 24 or over, there is an expectation that they or their employer share some of the costs of that learning.