techUK response to Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper
techUK welcomes the government’s new Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy White Paper, which aims to reshape the skills system to meet the needs of a changing economy.
As digital transformation accelerates across every part of the economy, demand for advanced digital, data and technical skills continues to outpace supply. The tech industry is a major driver of productivity, innovation and job creation, but persistent skills gaps and challenges facing higher education risk holding back growth and limiting opportunity. A joined-up approach to post-16 education and skills is vital to ensuring the UK remains globally competitive in technology.
The strategy covers a lot of ground. It spans everything from adult learning and digital skills to higher education reform, employer investment, and support for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). It is a necessarily comprehensive document that aims to join up education, employment and industrial strategy in a way that reflects the real-world challenges facing learners, providers and employers.
The document recognises that only a collaborative approach can deliver, working effectively across government, with industry, and with partners in every part of the skills system. We set out some of the key inclusions below, and will publish our full analysis shortly.
This Strategy is a welcome step towards a more joined-up, employer-led skills system. If delivered well, it could help unlock new pathways into tech careers, support lifelong learning, and build a more inclusive, future-ready workforce. There is much to support, but there are areas of concern too, including increased costs for hiring international talent and the International Student Levy. We support government ambitions to create a strong pipeline of domestic talent, but businesses must be able to recruit the skills they need while this takes shape. Delivery will be key, and techUK looks forward to working with government on sector plans and ensuring reforms meet the needs of the tech industry and learners alike. – Antony Walker, deputy CEO
