Cyflwynwyd yr ymateb hwn i'r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar Llwybrau at addysg a hyfforddiant ôl-16
This response was submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee on the Routes into post-16 education and training
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Ymateb gan: Ffederasiwn Hyfforddiant Cenedlaethol Cymru
Response from: National Training Federation Wales (NTFW)
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Response from the National Training Federation Wales (NTFW) to the Children, Young People and Education Committee Inquiry into Routes into Post 16 education and Training
1. Quality of Information: The quality of information provided to learners about post-16 options is crucial. It is essential that learners receive comprehensive and unbiased information about both vocational and academic routes, including further education, sixth form, apprenticeships, training, and higher education. This ensures they can make informed decisions about their future. However more needs to be done to ensure engagement is consistent and with all providers i.e., Apprenticeship providers, colleges etc
2. Effectiveness of Careers Support: Careers support at compulsory school age should be proactive and engaging. It should help students understand their strengths, interests, and the various career paths available to them. Effective careers support can significantly impact students' post-16 choices and reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). An excellent example of effective career advice and work experience is the Cardiff Commitment however this needs to be available to all 22 Local Authorities and can be used to engage schools with providers, college etc and provide meaningful work-related experiences helping young people transition into Post 16 education and training
3. Changes in Routes Post-18: There has been a noticeable shift in learners' choices post-18, including a decline in higher education enrolments. It is important to understand the reasons behind these changes and address any barriers that may be preventing students from pursuing higher education.
Apprenticeships had a 72% attainment rate in 22/23, stats Wales data shows various reasons why learners don’t complete their apprenticeship and this varies by level from failure to achieve to gaining employment (this could be elsewhere or at the employer) to personal reasons
4. Welsh-Medium Provision: Ensuring that post-16 options are available through the medium of Welsh is vital for preserving the language and culture. This provision should be accessible and promoted to encourage more students to choose Welsh-medium education. We have very good support from Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
5. Equity of Access: Equity of access to post-16 education and training is a significant concern. Some groups of learners, particularly those from low-income households or rural areas, may face barriers to accessing these opportunities. It is essential to provide financial and other support to ensure all learners have equal access.
Anecdotally – some apprentices may struggle with the initial costs of travel/equipment until they receive their first salary payment
We are not aware of any support for apprentices to cover travel/meal/equipment costs
Anecdotally – There are more challenges for learners in rural areas to get to employment opportunities if they don’t have their own transport – plus travel costs may be higher if they have to travel further.
6. Post-16 Destination Data: Collecting comprehensive post-16 destination data is crucial for understanding trends and making informed decisions about education provision. This data should be used to identify gaps and improve the support and opportunities available to learners.
The only data we could find is this form 2019/20
7. Welsh Government’s Role: The Welsh Government plays a key role in ensuring that the education system supports all learners effectively. This includes providing adequate funding, resources, and policies to promote equity and access to post-16 education and training.
Young Person’s guarantee is well advertised however JGW+ is not under the remit of Medr therefore it is unclear how post education and training will be promoted going forward? Medr said under Strategic Aim 1 ‘Promote opportunities for learning, from pre-16 transition to all-age learning.’ It’s too early to see evidence of this.
https://www.medr.cymru/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Medr-Strategic-plan-Sep2024-English.pdf