The time has never been better – for skills, adult and further education

You could be forgiven for missing the trail of clues hiding in plain sight in the key speeches of the prime minister and chancellor since July.

Let’s face it, at the best of times, mainstream and social media – with the notable exception of the excellent Polly Toynbee – suffer from a persistent blind spot when it comes to further education (FE) and adult education. However, especially now, I think they may be missing a trick. In turn, some in the world of skills may feel that with the scale of the challenges faced by the new government, further and adult education does not feature in its narrative of a decade of transformation.

The time has never been better for skills to make significant positive change over the next decade – and I believe the Government knows this. As we navigate the complexities of a fast-changing and increasingly insecure world, the emphasis on continuous education and new skills acquisition clearly plays a critical role in growing the economy and in empowering individuals and regional communities. To achieve this transformation, coordinated action needs to be taken, together, by government, employers, unions, local leaders, learning providers and students.

A subtle shift in narrative

A prerequisite for managed change is strategic leadership by central and local government. I was therefore heartened to hear the words ‘schools and colleges’ in the first ever public speech the prime minister made in July outside Downing Street. We should not underestimate this small but significant step, revealing recognition of FE colleges in government thinking and discourse. This was followed by a policy statement on the growth and skills levy in the prime minister’s first speech to the Labour party conference in September. Further tangible evidence that at the highest governmental level, if not throughout the media, the narrative on skills is subtly shifting.

The recent publication of the Green Paper on Industrial Strategy indicates how the Government intends to measure impact and success over time through a clearly articulated the theory of change focussing on sectors, places, markets, people, and institutions – and in which skills and leadership of place play a critical role. Then in the chancellor’s budget speech last week, a specific and deliberate reference to FE was made – another first, I believe.

It would be easy to dismiss this collection of clues as trivial and inconsequential. Believe me, they are not. I know from my time in Whitehall and Westminster that every word and policy announcement in a major speech is poured over scrupulously. Many worthy causes and ideas are jettisoned along the way and never make the final cut. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves both knew what they were doing by including references to colleges and FE in their speeches. They know that over 3 million votes across the UK are potentially cast by those over the age of 16 participating in government-funded FE and skills programmes.

Skills in the transformation agenda

It is early days, and the Government is investing huge hope and ambition in Skills England to deliver its policy intentions. Yet all this points to recognition that success in, and funding for, skills and lifelong learning is integral to the Government’s thinking. The details of change are yet to be determined, but I believe the overall policy intent is aimed in the long run at providing greater funding and resources for further and adult education and lifelong skills.

Skills are, after all, critical to the Government’s growth, opportunity, green, housing and health agendas. With economic uncertainties and evolving job markets, soft skills like adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence have become even more sought after. The concept of a single career path is now outdated, and the ability to learn and adapt throughout one’s life is critical. Digital literacy is now essential, while coding, data analysis, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity and digital marketing are all in high demand. As the UK strives to meet its net-zero goals, there is a mission-led push for skills in sustainable technologies, renewable energy, and environmental management. What is more, the UK’s aging population and increased demand for healthcare services requires a larger, home-skilled workforce.

At a local level

With the nations and regions of the UK gaining more autonomy, local government leaders are concentrating on tailoring local growth plans and skills development strategies to meet the specific needs of their areas. Employers play a greater role in shaping the skills landscape in the regions, offering apprenticeships, vocational training, and in-house development programmes. Collaboration between businesses and educational institutions continue to increase to ensure that curriculum design aligns with the skills needed in the job market.

The next decade in the UK is set to be dynamic, with a focus on developing a workforce that is not only technically proficient but also adaptable, resilient, and innovative. The time has never been better – for skills, adult and further education. And I think the Government knows that.

Dame Ann Limb is chair of the Lifelong Education Institute.