Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the number of working adults aged 25 to 64 considering higher education in the next five years, what specific steps they propose to take to fill any skills gaps left by current workers engaging in higher education.

We want to equip people of all ages with the skills that employers need in order to be competitive and grow. In addition to initiatives such as the establishment of employer-led National Colleges we are expanding the number of apprenticeships providing opportunities for individuals to learn whilst also being in employment; helping to raise productivity and reduce skills gaps.

We are committed to 3m apprenticeship starts over the next 5 years and to delivering employer-led apprenticeship reforms, which are improving the quality of apprenticeships to provide the skills that employers need.

We will roll out many more degree apprenticeships, which combine a world-class degree with an apprenticeship. Higher and Degree Apprenticeships are widening access to the professions and providing the higher level technical skills employers need to improve productivity.

We have established National Colleges to help the UK develop the world-class technical skills needed to compete globally and to address high level skills gaps in key sectors of the economy. They will focus on Level 4 & 5 qualifications and deliver both Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships training, with progression for students up to postgraduate level. Expected to function on a par with Universities, they will be major centres of excellence with international reputations, attracting students from across the country.