Skills Federation has welcomed the Education Select Committee’s Further Education and Skills report, saying it must mark a decisive shift towards a coherent, employer-driven system that delivers occupational competence, economic growth, and opportunities for all.
Responding to the report, Dr Fiona Aldridge, Chief Executive of the Skills Federation, said:
“This report sets out, with welcome clarity, the scale of the challenge: fragmented policy, chronic underfunding, and routes that don’t always lead to occupational competence. Employers across every sector tell us the same thing—unless we fix the skills system, we cannot fix the economy.
“The Committee is right to emphasise the essential role of Skills England, deeper devolution, and long-term funding. But the real test will be how far government works with employers. Sector skills bodies – who are uniquely placed to align provision with industry needs – have a key role to play in ensuring we can deliver a system that gives every learner the chance to get in, get on, and build a great career.
“Skills underpin every one of the Government’s national missions—from clean energy to the NHS. Skills policy is economic policy. It is time to move from short-term fixes to a long-term settlement, where government investment, employer action, and sector leadership combine to build the workforce this country needs.
“Skills Federation and our members stand ready to work with government, Skills England, and devolved authorities to turn the Committee’s recommendations into lasting reform.”
