The government has confirmed that it will scrap thousands of level 2 and below qualifications, but the timeline for defunding the courses has been delayed by a year. Proposals, described by sector leaders as “devastating”, were set out by ministers earlier this year to streamline the level 2 post-16 qualifications market after officials claimed it had become too confusing for employers and students to navigate. Meanwhile, new research carried out by the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), NOCN Group and the Skills and Education Group (SEG), shows that level 2 and below qualifications are massively valued by both employers and learners. The report – ‘Access to the Future’ – contains evidence that undermines justifications used in government proposals for qualification reform.
