Why Data is Closing the Gap in the Latest Government Skills Agenda
The UK’s skills system is undergoing its most significant transformation in a long time. With the creation of Skills England, the incoming Growth & Skills…
Growth and Skills levy
Here is a dedicated tag page on FE News for articles and thought leadership on the Growth and Skills Levy.
The Growth and Skills Levy is a part of an Election Manifesto pledge from the Labour party launched in June 2024. When launching the manifesto, the Labour Party said that they will also reform the Apprenticeships Levy with the current rigid rules ignore vital skills and training needed to access apprenticeships. Labour will create a flexible Growth and Skills Levy, with Skills England consulting on eligible courses to ensure qualifications offer value for money for employers and learners.
What is the Growth and Skills Levy?
Back in September 2022 Keir Starmer announced that if the Labour Party was to win the next election the Labour party would give businesses the flexibility they need to train their workforce and deliver growth, by turning the Apprenticeships levy into a ‘Growth and Skills Levy’.
In an exclusive interview with Tom Bewick on SkillsWorld LIVE with Lord Blunkett (15th July 2022), Lord Blunkett first announced the Labour Party’s plans for a more flexible Apprenticeship Levy system.
This then evolved into a Labour Party election manifesto pledge for a Flexible Growth and Skills Levy. This was launched on the 13th June by Keir Starmer (Labour Leader) in the run up to the 4th July 2024 General Election.
Please see the articles and video interviews below of thought leaders unpacking the Growth and Skills Levy and what this means for employers, for Apprentices and learners, for training providers and awarding organisations.
New Reports from Edge Reveal Urgent Need to Reform Apprenticeships System for SMEs and Young People
Two new reports released today by independent education charity, Edge Foundation, highlight the growing demand for apprenticeships from young people and the barriers preventing small…
Is The FE and Skills Policy Churn Causing Chaos For Learners and Hindering Social Mobility? | FE Soundbite Edition 805
Welcome to FE Soundbite Edition 805: 12th July 2025 | Is The FE and Skills Policy Churn Causing Chaos For Learners and Hindering Social Mobility?…
England’s Apprenticeship Provision Needs Urgent Reform To Drive Economic Growth and Deliver On Social Mobility
England is facing chronic skills shortages and apprenticeships can play a key role in closing this gap. However, while there is some very good provision…
Skills for All: A new Report Calls for Inclusive, Employer-led Skills Reform
A new report, undertaken by The St Martin’s Group reveals that when addressing a skills gap, more than half of employers surveyed said that, in…
The Circular Nature of Skills Policy: A Groundhog Day Experience
There’s lots happening in the world of further education and lifelong learning… as always. Skills England has been launched, the apprenticeship levy is being replaced…
The Apprenticeships Debate Rumbles On
The debate on apprenticeships at the Lifelong Education Institute’s Annual Conference brought together four leading voices to assess the state of England’s apprenticeship system. With major…
The Growth and Skills Levy: Is It Still the Government’s Most Underrated Investment?
It’s rare to find a government initiative that delivers clear value to businesses and individuals, boosts productivity and tackles inequality, all without financial risk to…
Fixing the Apprenticeship Levy is a Big Ask, but Finally a Real Chance to Get it Right
Sorting out the failing apprenticeship levy is an enormous but essential task for the new government, and there are finally grounds for cautious optimism. Since…
Investing in Apprenticeships: A Missed Opportunity for Economic Growth
The deadline for submissions to the Comprehensive Spending Review falls in the week leading up to National Apprenticeship Week. With debt interest payments on government…
