More learners than ever complete the course

Citation

(2005), "More learners than ever complete the course", Education + Training, Vol. 47 No. 7. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2005.00447gab.001

More learners than ever complete the course

Qualification success rates for work-based learning (WBL) have risen for the second successive year, and in further education (FE) for the sixth successive year, according to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). A greater proportion of learners in FE institutions are achieving their qualifications, topping 70 per cent for the first time. Success rates are based on initial course enrolment, so reflect not only improvements in pass rates, but also the success of colleges and providers in ensuring that learners complete their programmes.

The success rates for FE colleges have reached 72 per cent, meeting the target set by Success for All two years ahead of schedule. Success for All is a joint strategy run by the LSC and the Department for Education and Skills to ensure that every learner entering FE and WBL programmes experiences high-quality learning and achieves his or her learning goals.

WBL, in the shape of apprenticeships and national vocational qualifications (NVQs), has also seen significant gains in success rates, with a 5 per cent increase year on year. Today, more than a quarter of a million learners across 180 apprenticeship schemes in 80 industry sectors are supported by the LSC.

Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, reaffirmed his commitment to work with the sector to support it in driving up quality and meeting learner and employer needs. “I am delighted that so many learners are getting better results,” he said. “I would like to thank the colleges and other course providers who have embraced the Government’s Success for All reforms, which are about offering high-quality learning for young people, adults and employers.”

Caroline Neville, national director of learning at the LSC, said: “The figures illustrate the hard work of learners and also the institutions that support them. It is encouraging to see the greatest improvement in level 1 and 2 qualifications, ensuring more people now have the basic skills employers need. It is also welcome news to see that improvements were recorded across the board, with success rates increasing regardless of gender, age, ethnic group or type of learning institution.”