Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 4 January 2021 confirming a new national lockdown, a new version of the Apprenticeship Programme response to COVID-19 has been published. The new guidance can found on the apprenticeship programme response page.
As ever, the guidance will be updated regularly as there is a need.
National Skills Fund
Starting this Parliament, the Government is investing £2.5 billion in the National Skills Fund. The National Skills Fund will help adults to train and gain the valuable skills they need to improve their job prospects.
The Chancellor announced £375 million for the National Skills Fund at the Spending Review in November 2020. This includes £95 million in funding for a new level 3 adult offer and £43 million to expand skills bootcamps.
Level 3 Adult Offer
In December, it was announced that over 400 level 3 courses will be available to eligible learners free of charge from April 2021. The level 3 adult offer enables any adult looking to achieve their full Level 3 to gain in-demand skills.
The list of courses will be kept under regular review to ensure it adapts to the changing needs of the economy.
To view the level 3 sector subject areas and view a full list of qualifications, please click here
Skills Bootcamps
Bootcamps offer free, flexible courses of just 12-16 weeks, giving adults aged 19 and over the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.
In September 2020 the Bootcamps were launched in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, and the Liverpool City Region, initially focusing on digital skills such as software development, digital marketing, and data analytics. They will be extended to the Leeds City Region, Heart of South West and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in early 2021.
From April 2021 a further £43m will be invested to extend Skills Bootcamps to further areas of England. These Bootcamps will cover not only digital skills but also technical skills training including welding, engineering and construction.
Helping schools and colleges shape futures
Volunteer as an Enterprise Adviser (EA) and partner with a secondary school or college to support them in the development and implementation of their careers strategy, ensuring all students are prepared and inspired for the fast-changing world of work.
Working with the Careers Leader and wider senior leaders of the school or college, EAs help to build connections between employers and education to improve young people’s career prospects. EAs provide valuable employer perspective to the Careers Leaders, as well as supporting the integration of careers in the school or college’s wider curriculum, putting opportunities with local employers at the heart of a young person’s education.
Your individual experience matters, you can become part of the Enterprise Adviser Network, join your colleagues and improve your personal and professional development. Now, more than ever, young people need our support. Click here to find out more.