LSC Learner Figures Released

Official statistics released this week by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) show a marked increase in participation rates for both young people and adults in Further Education and Work Based Learning. The figures show:

• The number of young people in FE funded learning by the LSC is higher than ever
  before at approximately 753,000
• A 3.3 per cent increase in the number of young people participating in full level 3 programmes (367,000) and a 1.9 per cent increase in the number of young people participating on full Level 2 programmes (314,000 learners).
• An increase of 41.6 per cent in the number of adults undertaking full Level 2
  programmes.
• That 350,900 adults enrolled on Skills for Life programmes during 2007/06, an increase of 15 per cent.
• An extra 10,000 Apprenticeship starts during 2006/07
• Approximately 220,000 learners enrolled on Train to Gain

However, the figures also show that the total number of LSC-funded adult learners has decreased by 18.5 per cent.

Commenting on the LSC figures, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

“It is encouraging to see that the number of young people and adults achieving accredited vocational qualifications through FE colleges and workplace training programmes continues to increase.

‘But today’s figures also show that the pace of progress must increase rapidly if we are to reach the long-term skills targets set out by Lord Leitch.

‘Trade unions, employers and the Government all have a role in increasing the number of skilled workers. The Government must be prepared to use statutory measures to drive up the availability of high-quality, employer-based Apprenticeships and give more employees the right to paid time off to achieve a minimum skill level.”