Consultation Launched on Qualifications at Level 2 and Below

A CONSULTATION has been launched seeking views on plans to reform post-16 qualifications at Level 2 and below.

Qualifications will be “streamlined” the Government says, to provide clearer choices.

Employers will set standards that will define the core knowledge, skills and behaviours expected for technical qualifications at Level 2.

Minister for Skills Alex Burghart said: “We are reviewing thousands of technical qualifications to make sure they are fit for purpose. We want to make sure all qualifications are high-quality and help people progress in life and work.

“Thousands of young people and adults study for a Level 2, Level 1 and entry level qualification every year in subjects such as construction, healthcare and hair and beauty – often as a bridge to higher level study or to prepare them to enter the workplace.

“The current qualifications landscape is confusing with around 8,000 qualifications available at these levels, many of which cover the same or similar subjects. For example, there are more than 650 building and construction qualifications at these levels, and nearly 560 in health and social care. This can make it difficult for people to identify the right qualifications that will help them to achieve their goals.”

Consultation on Level 2 Qualifications

The review follows the Wolf Review and Sainsbury Review of Technical Education which reported that many students entering the world of work lack the technical knowledge, transferable skills and behaviours required by employers to perform successfully in occupations, despite holding a technical qualification.

The review aims to ensure all qualifications meet a high bar before being approved for any public funding.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Qualifications at Level 2 and below are vitally important for both young people and adults, so it is good that the DfE is reviewing how effectively they support people to progress.

“Getting this level of learning right is doubly important because these qualifications also form the bedrock of all other higher levels of learning and need to encourage, enable and inspire learners to progress where they want to. We will be working with college leaders throughout the consultation to ensure their voice and that of teachers and students is heard.”

Mark Reynolds, Chief Executive of Mace, said: “Demand for construction training remains largely concentrated on Level 1 and 2 qualifications. It is essential that these qualifications continue to be part of clear employer supported pathways that provide the knowledge, skills, and behaviours for learners to gain an apprenticeship or job in the construction industry.

“The post-16 Level 2 and below review presents an opportunity to improve employment outcomes for learners who want to join construction. I’d encourage employers of all sizes to engage in the consultation process.”

Technical Education

The move marks the next step in the government’s overhaul of technical education and post-16 qualifications. It has rolled out T Levels, and established 21 Institutes of Technology .

As a first step towards streamlining post-16 qualifications, in August 2021 the government confirmed that it would remove funding for more than 5,000 qualifications at Level 3 and below, including over 3,000 at Level 2 and below, that had no or low enrolments. Funding for these qualifications will be removed later this year.

>>Read more about post-16 qualifications in the news