SCTP was represented at two regional provider network meetings with AELP this week – the London East meeting (Paul Mitchell) and the South meeting (Jo Bridger). The concerns of members that arose from the recent SCTP Members’ Meeting and Strategic Leaders’ Forum were voiced and noted by AELP for inclusion in their ministerial lobbying. This included the need for clarification on market entry for providers without non-levy contracts in April 2019: clarity of ESFA contracting including carry-in numbers; shortages of good quality trainers and assessors; continued constraining effect of subcontracting and off-the-job training rules in apprenticeships: need for local co-ordination of apprenticeship promotional services to schools; lack of apprenticeship standards; poor standard of apprenticeship applicants; concerns over the potential apprenticeship funding band review outcome; concerns over employer behaviour in response to the levy, resulting damage to social mobility and access to learning programmes at all levels. If members have other issues not mentioned above, please let us know.
