Government has published its Skills White Paper. This sets out the Government’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher-level training by age 25, whether through universities, colleges, or apprenticeships. It supports over £1 billion investment the government is making to delivering skills packages to equip people with in-demand skills for sectors like digital technologies and construction where more jobs will be needed in the next five years. The key focus is to deliver:
- A skills and employment system shaped by employer needs, with sector-specific skills packages, short courses and foundation apprenticeships funded through the Growth and Skills Levy and designed to support people to get into and get on at work. This includes expanding Technical Excellence Colleges with an additional 14 across digital, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, building on the 10 launched in construction and 5 to be awarded in defence. Strategic Authorities will play a central role in driving regional growth, supported by integrated local plans and improved labour market intelligence. Employers will be incentivised to invest in training through levy flexibility, co-financing opportunities and clearer pathways into work, including for young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET.
- A world-leading, integrated higher education system, aligned with national economic priorities and offering flexible, modular learning through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. These changes will ensure higher education continues to support opportunity, deliver research excellence and ultimately enable the delivery of the Industrial Strategy.
- A further education system offering high-quality study pathways at all levels and a simplified qualifications landscape. This will include introducing V Levels as the new vocational route alongside A levels and T Levels and the development of two clear pathways at level 2 for those in the 16-19 age bracket, to support progression into work or further study. FE teachers and leaders will benefit from a national, evidence-based professional development offer, including industry exchange programmes and targeted support in priority subjects. These reforms will be backed by significant investment in college capacity, governance and accountability, ensuring every young person has access to a place and the support to succeed.
Post-16 level 3 and below pathways consultation
The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking feedback on the planned design and implementation of the new pathways for 16 to 19-year-olds in their Post-16 level 3 and below pathways – GOV.UK. This specifically covers:
- a third, vocational pathway at level 3 creating V Level qualifications. V Levels will sit alongside A levels and T Levels and will offer a vocational alternative to these academic and technical routes.
- two new pathways at level 2 simplifying the current offer and providing a clear line of sight to further study at level 3 and skilled employment through the Further Study pathway and Occupational pathway.
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 12 January 2026.
