Level 3 Vocational Pathways

Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab) and Mrs Sureena Brackenridge (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, about the steps being taken to ensure the adequacy of the provision of level 3 vocational pathways for students. In her response, the Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of qualifications in enhancing opportunity and growing the economy. She stated that the previous Conservative government had "botched the roll-out of T-levels and defunded them," which is why the current Labour government has announced a pause and review of qualifications reforms to support skills growth, bring certainty, and improve skills training. Bill Esterson followed up, highlighting the opportunities for technicians and engineers, particularly in the government's plans for clean energy and industrial strategy. He asked how the Secretary of State's plans will ensure that more young people can take advantage of these opportunities and how the education system will deliver the necessary qualifications. The Secretary of State responded by emphasizing the government's determination to make Britain a clean energy superpower. She mentioned the reformed growth and skills levy, which will give businesses greater flexibility and enable them to take on more young apprentices, as well as the creation of Skills England to identify skills gaps and drive forward the mission. Mrs Brackenridge, a former deputy headteacher, shared her firsthand experience of the impact of the previous government's "rushed plans to eliminate most BTec qualifications" and the "botched roll-out of T-levels." She asked how the Secretary of State intends to fix the mess and ensure that the diverse aspirations and varied talents of students in Wolverhampton North East are met. The Secretary of State acknowledged the inherited mess and stated that the government has acted swiftly, conducting a focused and intense review to ensure that all young people have options available to them and that T-levels are made a success. Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) (LD) raised the issue of the failure to deliver the T-level in hospitality and tourism, which he said was a "huge blow" to communities in the lakes and dales. He asked what plans the Secretary of State has to engage with the hospitality and tourism industry to address this concern. The Secretary of State responded by stating that she would be happy to ensure that Farron has a discussion with the Minister for Skills to address his concerns about hospitality. Rebecca Smith (South West Devon) (Con) asked the Secretary of State whether she expects the number of apprentices to be higher or lower in five years' time compared to today. The Secretary of State acknowledged the importance of businesses providing high-quality skills training and apprenticeship starts, but noted that apprenticeship starts for the under-25s fell by 38% between 2015-16 and 2022-23, and stated that it will fall to the Labour government to turn that around. Finally, Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab) thanked the Secretary of State for her focus on T-levels and the recognition of the need for a pause. He echoed the concerns raised by Mrs Brackenridge about the botched nature of the T-level roll-out and asked the Secretary of State to meet with him and local further education experts to discuss the challenge of absorbing T-level students, particularly in services like the NHS. The Secretary of State agreed to the meeting, stating that during the review period, the government is speaking to employers, training providers, and colleges to ensure that they get it right.