Enduring growth for the future or enduring uncertainty?

The Chancellor described Wednesday’s Budget as showing the Coalition’s emphasis on reforming the economy to create enduring growth for the future. We welcome the government’s proposals to increase places on the new work experience scheme to 100,000 over two years, – up from the 20,000 previously announced. We also welcome funding for 40,000 new apprenticeships over four years for the young unemployed and the creation of 21 funded enterprise zones across the country. These are part of a plan to reform the economy with a ‘budget for making things, not for making things up’.

However, despite promising ‘enduring growth’ for the future, the budget still leaves thousands upon thousands of young people uncertain about their future. Young people are growing increasingly apprehensive about what support may be out there to replace the EMA which was recently scrapped. Without any further information about the resources available in the discretionary Learner Support Fund, colleges are finding it difficult to advertise the support that could be available which is affecting levels of interest in prospective learners. The Chancellor himself admits that unemployment will peak this year and that youth unemployment in particular is high. Uncertainty around support packages for young people will only help to push up the levels of those not in education, employment or training (NEET) as young people become more and more disorientated and disengaged from the system.

There has also been widespread confusion since the budget announcement of an increase in places on the new work experience scheme. Many learners are wondering when these places will become available. Although the government clearly has good intentions here, it must not forget to communicate its plans clearly to young people so that these schemes can be accessed easily.

If the government is to achieve its plans for reform and growth in the UK, it must take into consideration the important role that the FE sector plays in equipping young people with high quality education and skills. In order for the FE sector to do this, support packages must be available for those most in need, otherwise we risk undoing all the hard work in improving social mobility in this country. The support available needs to be communicated clearly to young people if we are to encourage engagement.

Lynne Sedgmore is executive director of the 157 Group, which represents 27 of the most influential colleges in the FE sector