We're calling on the next Welsh Government to develop a coherent post-16 vision and a system; use existing powers to develop a means to deliver and regulate Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications; carry out a review of Qualifications Wales and its responsibilities; provide access to student finance for Level 4 and Level 5 programmes; introduce a more flexible system of learning and qualifications that is not based on variations of 35 week/1 or 2 year programmes; and make it easier for smaller units of learning, rather than full qualifications, to be recognised, portable, and for learners to be able to build these over time.
The next Welsh Government should:
- In conjunction with the sector, employers, and key stakeholders, develop a coherent post-16 vision and a system that addresses the issue of unnecessary competition, enables proportionate and effective regulation, and works in the best interests of all learners and staff, using a ministerial review or other method as a basis.
- Use existing powers to develop a means to deliver and regulate Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications, whether by establishing a Technical Accreditation Council for Wales or mandating and regulating partnership and cooperation between FE and Higher Education Institutions and employers.
- Carry out a review of Qualifications Wales and its responsibilities with a view to making appropriate changes to its legal basis, functions and capacity (that would allow it to host the Technical Accreditation Council if necessary).
- Provide access to student finance for Level 4 and Level 5 programmes alongside the development of flexible, means tested/income based personal learning accounts for adults (post-25).
- Introduce a more flexible system of learning and qualifications that is not based on variations of 35 week/1 or 2 year programmes, predominantly delivered in traditional ‘office hours’. This could include new types of qualifications such as professional regulation and ongoing updated professional training, as well as qualifications which are not tied to one specific level (and could include appropriate elements of Levels 2 - 4).
- Make it easier for smaller units of learning, rather than full qualifications, to be recognised, portable, and for learners to be able to build these over time; making enhanced use of effective Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes.
A coherent and connected system that includes flexible and valued qualifications
We highlight the need to develop a coherent and connected system of qualifications that are flexible and valued by learners and employers alike.
PolicyPod
In this Podcast episode, Iestyn Davies, Chief Executive of ColegauCymru holds a discussion around our second theme, a coherent and connected system that includes flexible and valued qualifications. Joining to discuss this further is Coleg Cambria Chief Executive Yana Williams and Gower College Principal, Mark Jones.
