Today, the Prime Minister has announced that from April 2021 adults without an A-level or equivalent qualification will have the chance to take a free, fully-funded college course.

The major expansion of post-18 education and training has been commended by Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, who formed and co-chaired the All Party Parliamentary Group for Maths and Numeracy back in 2014 and has worked with Gosport based ‘We CAN Read’ programme to boost adult literacy and numeracy skills.

Caroline commented:

“In 2013 I met volunteers from the Gosport based ‘We CAN Read’ programme which sparked my interest in adult literacy and numeracy. As a result I was inspired to call a Government debate and lead a subsequent Select Committee investigation into this important issue. I have been passionate about promoting skills and lifelong learning ever since.

“This is a major step to removing the barriers for adults who want to boost their education and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to my constituents.”

The Life Skills Guarantee will not only give adults the opportunity to take free college courses, but also will give new flexibility to take out higher education loans and increase apprenticeship opportunities.

Currently, only 10% of adults hold a Higher Technical Qualification as their highest qualification, in comparison to 20% in Germany and 34% in Canada.

In addition, £8 million is being invested in a digital skills boot camp following successful pilots in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands and £2.5 billion for the National Skills Fund to help people get back to work following the pandemic.

Prime Minister stated:

“As the Chancellor has said, we cannot, alas, save every job. What we can do is give people the skills to find and create new and better jobs.

“So my message today is that at every stage of your life, this government will help you get the skills you need.

“We’re transforming the foundations of the skills system so that everyone has the chance to train and retrain.”