It is important that we target investment in education and training as efficiently and effectively as possible. Targeting through the tax system may result in supporting learning that would have taken place in any event.
We believe providing entitlements for every adult to receive training towards a first full level 2 qualification and for young people (up to age 25) to receive training for a first full level 3 qualification is a more efficient way of supporting individuals that otherwise would not have engaged in training. Evidence shows that this training is often more effective when delivered in the work place. This is why we have developed our flagship Train to Gain programme, which, since its inception in 2006 has helped people to start 1.54 million qualifications.
It is also why we are expanding the apprenticeship system to build a new technician class for the higher level jobs of the future, almost doubling the number of advanced and higher apprenticeships places for 19 to 30-year-olds.