UK Skills White Paper: Westminster government’s skills agenda is the narrowest of all the UK nations

Ellen Hazelkorn assesses how the Skills for Jobs white paper measures up against its counterparts in the devolved nations, and Ireland.

While there’s a welcome acknowledgement of the role of colleges in building an inclusive post-compulsory education system, and towards the lifelong learning imperative, the Westminster government’s vision is strikingly narrow compared to that of its devolved nation counterparts, and seems much less thoughtful about the size of the challenge.

Much has been said about the Skills for Jobs White Paper for England since its publication earlier this month and whether it goes far enough and fast enough. The White Paper is a step forward in the right direction, but it is not a panacea. It’s instructive to look at the extent to which the direction of travel for skills policy in England reflects, draws on and builds on the trajectory across different nations within the UK. In comparison to the devolved nations, there is far too little emphasis on policy coordination and the civic role of colleges.

If we look at Wales, Scotland or the Republic of Ireland we see a less narrow approach to education and skills policy, with moves towards a more coordination system to deliver for future generations. Creating a more diverse and seamless post-secondary education system must be the direction of travel. This should be based on embracing both further and higher education and moving far beyond policies which promote predatory behaviour and unnecessary duplication, and embedding shared governance, collaboration, engagement and networking.

See the Commission on the College of the Future, https://www.collegecommission.co.uk

See “The Westminster government’s skills agenda is the narrowest of all the UK nations”, https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-westminster-governments-skills-agenda-is-the-narrowest-of-all-the-uk-nations/