Home > News > March 2009 > 27 March 2009

Record number of adults gain vocational qualifications

A record number of adults gained vocational qualifications in the past academic year, according to National Statistics published yesterday.

The statistical first release from the Data Service shows that 320,600 adults achieved a full level 2 qualification (equivalent to five good GCSEs) in 2007/08, an increase of 36.5 per cent from 2006/07.

According to the figures:

* 346,200 adults started a qualification through the government's Train to Gain service in 2007/08, an increase of 67.8 per cent from 2006/07;

* 386,200 adults started a qualification through Train to Gain in the first six months of the 2008/09 academic year, an increase from 253,600 adults starting in the same period in 2007/08; and

* 187,300 adults achieved a qualification through Train to Gain in 2007/08, over double the number of achievements in 2006/07.

Skills Minister Lord Young said: "It is great news that the number of adult learners getting vocational qualifications is at its highest ever and that Train to Gain is proving increasingly popular with employers and learners. Behind these figures are real people with brighter futures, better skills, improved self-confidence and, for a significant number, a pay rise or promotion.

"We need to make sure that we continue to help people access the skills and training they need to get into and get on at work, especially in tougher times. That is why the Government is giving real help now to individuals, employers and businesses so they can emerge stronger from the downturn."

Managed by the Learning and Skills Council, Train to Gain aims to support employers in England, of all sizes and in all sectors, to improve the skills of their employees.

From January 2009, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) relaxed the rules so that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get funding for short courses in areas such as finance and credit, risk management, business systems and processes, team working and communications, sales and marketing, IT and customer service. Businesses can also equip staff with a range of skills at different levels with the announcement of free and part-funded training through Train to Gain at Level 2 and Level 3.

According to new research published yesterday by the Learning and Skills Council, 92% of employers who have accessed Train to Gain have been satisfied with the training, and the provider who delivered it. In addition, 89% of new learners said their training gave them skills that would help with current and future jobs and employers.

External links

Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills

Train to Gain

The Data Service

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