Further Education and Skills

In March 2025, the Education Select Committee requested evidence for its consultation on Further Education (FE) and Skills policy. The inquiry explored pressures colleges and FE institutions face, including the pay gap between school and college teachers, maths and English GCSE resits, and students’ mental health.

We focused our response on the skills and apprenticeships section of the inquiry. Our aim was to address a key strategic issue – developing the technical skills and qualifications needed in a fast-changing environment and narrowing the gap between the skills that employers want and the skills that employees have.

Our response

In our consultation response, we recommended:

AI and skills needs

We highlighted the importance of addressing the AI skills gap through various actions, including increasing the number of AI graduates and creating new pathways into AI beyond universities.

Qualifications and training

We recommended delivering industry-aligned vocational qualifications across AI-enabling sectors such as Construction, Engineering, and Digital. These qualifications should equip learners with technical expertise and transferable skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Skills provision

We emphasised the need for flexibility in nationally recognised qualifications to meet regional and local needs. We suggested qualifications should be designed with a national core and a flexible element to support regional needs.

Bespoke programmes

We called for the availability of bespoke programmes to support targeted on-demand upskilling, to fill regional skills needs where existing provision is not available.

Vocational education for younger learners

We highlighted concerns about losing provision for 16-19-year-olds, which could exacerbate skills gaps. We recommend an end to the requirement that post-16 learners re-sit the same maths and English routes they have previously taken.

Micro-credentials

We advocated for the support of micro-credentials to meet changing needs. We suggested funding models should evolve to allow for micro-credentials to be used effectively to respond to changing industry needs.

To explore the FE and Skills consultation, visit the .

Contact us

To find out more about ÃÛÌÒapp’s research and insights on FE and Skills, please email
daniel.pedley@pearson.com