Chartered ABS responds to consultation on Lifelong Learning Entitlement

The Chartered ABS has responded to the IFATE consultation on proposals for the technical education system as part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.  

As providers of business and management education, which is critical to the nation’s productivity and growth, our member business schools have a key role to play in supporting the ambitions of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Our members, however, are very concerned about the complexity of the proposals.  

Our response was developed with the support of our Apprenticeships Committee, and can be summarised as follows: 

• The lack of explanation about how these proposals sit alongside existing provision, such as vocationally relevant degrees including apprenticeships, makes it difficult to judge the proposals. 

• The categories of technical qualifications are so expansive that it is hard to see what wouldn’t be included. 

• The proposed system will be challenging to manage at scale, in particular ensuring the quality of qualifications and provision. 

• The system will be challenging for learners and careers advisors to navigate. 

• Clarity needs to be provided whether credit bearing qualifications will be regulated by OfS, Ofsted, or another body. 

• Our members anticipate there is an unintended risk that employers won’t fund employees’ training, and instead will encourage employees to use their Lifelong Learning Entitlement loan. This would risk creating social inequality and stratification of access to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement based on whether an individual can afford a loan. 

The IFATE consultation, titled ‘Strengthening the levels 4 to 6 technical education system: establishing a gateway for technical qualifications as part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement’, can be viewed here.