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Skills for Sustainable Growth

Apprentice aerospace electricianThe Skills for Sustainable Growth strategy sets out the Government’s vision for reform of the further education and skills system in order to improve the skills of the workforce, the performance of the economy and engagement in learning.

The Strategy

Reform of skills systems

The reform of the skills systems includes:

  • Expanding the numbers of adult apprenticeships available, so by 2014-15 there will be 75,000 more adults starting than under the previous Government’s plans; 200,000 adults will be able to start an apprenticeship. £605 million will be invested in adult apprenticeships in the 2011-12 financial year.
  • Fully funding training for young adults aged from 19 up to 24 undertaking their first full level 2 (GCSE equivalent) or first level 3 qualification when they do not already have one.
  • Fully funding basic skills courses for individuals who left school without basic reading, writing and mathematics.
  • Introducing Government-backed loans from 2013-14 for learners aged 24 and over undertaking level 3 or higher qualifications.
  • Initiating a demand-led growth and innovation fund of up to £50 million of government investment a year, to support employer-led initiatives within sectors.
  • Replacing Train to Gain with an SME focused offer to help small employers train low-skilled staff.
  • Helping people who are on active job-seeking benefits to secure work through labour-market relevant training.  

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