WIREDGOV

The Institute for Learning (IfL) has responded to the announcement by the skills minister, Matthew Hancock, that an extra £20m is being made available for the government’s new traineeships programme, to support more young people into apprenticeships and other jobs.  

IfL’s chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said, “It is right that 16 to 23-year-olds should be supported to gain the confidence, skills and experience they need to progress to apprenticeships or further study and compete for jobs with more experienced adults, especially at a time when youth unemployment is so high. Employers routinely stress the importance of literacy and numeracy, so it is particularly good to see that young people who have not achieved the requisite GCSE or level 2 functional skills qualifications will be given support to improve their English and maths skills.

“IfL considers it absolutely vital that young people on traineeships, as well as on other programmes, should be taught by trained and qualified English and maths teachers: dual professionals who are expert in their specialist subjects as well as in effective teaching methods. Evidence shows a strong link between being a qualified teacher and being a good or outstanding teacher, and ensuring that the trainees receive the high-quality training they need and deserve will surely be a wise investment. Qualified teachers and trainers have a crucial role to play in improving the life chances of young and adult learners, and, with employers, will be instrumental in ensuring the efficiency and success of the traineeships programme and positive outcomes for young people and the economy.”