Overview of Labours promises for FE and HE

Tackling Skills Shortages and Youth Unemployment

One of the most pressing issues is the plummeting number of apprenticeships. This has left a noticeable gap in our labour market, with young people missing out on valuable career-building opportunities.

Labour aims to guarantee training, an apprenticeship, or help to find work for all 18- to 21-year-olds. The goal is clear - to equip young people with the skills they need for meaningful employment.

Introducing Skills England

Labour plans to establish Skills England, a new entity that will bring together business leaders, training providers, unions, and both national and local governments. This initiative is designed to create a highly trained workforce that aligns with Labour’s Industrial Strategy.

Skills England will work in tandem with the Migration Advisory Committee to ensure training programs meet the broader needs of the labour market. Additionally, Labour is committed to devolving adult skills funding to Combined Authorities, empowering local leaders to shape skills development in their regions.

Transforming Further Education

Labour aims to transform Further Education colleges into specialist Technical Excellence Colleges. These institutions will collaborate with businesses, trade unions, and local governments to provide young people with better job opportunities and create a workforce tailored to local economic needs.

The current Apprenticeships Levy has faced criticism for its rigid rules, which often overlook vital skills and training. Labour plans to introduce a flexible Growth and Skills Levy, with Skills England consulting on eligible courses to ensure they offer value for money.

Preserving Higher Education Excellence

Labour continues to support the aspiration of every person who meets university requirements and wants to attend.

Recognising the importance of higher education in creating opportunity, supporting local communities, and positioning the UK as a world leader, Labour’s post-16 skills strategy will aim to better integrate further and higher education.

The current higher education funding settlement does not benefit taxpayers, universities, staff, or students. Labour will work with universities to create a secure future for higher education, ensuring it continues to deliver benefits across the UK.

Enhancing Access to Arts, Music, and Sport

Labour envisions the arts and music as accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few. Culture plays a crucial role in developing creativity and self-expression among young people.

They have promised to implement a creative industries sector plan, part of their Industrial Strategy, to create jobs and accelerate growth in film, music, gaming, and other creative sectors.

Labour will support children in studying creative or vocational subjects until they are 16 and ensure accountability measures reflect this. Additionally, they will protect time for physical education and support grassroots clubs to expand access to sport.

A new National Music Education Network will be launched, providing a one-stop shop for parents, teachers, and children to access information on courses and classes.