The neglect of adults was, David Blunkett said in a recent interview, his biggest regret about education policy under New Labour. Spending on classroom-based adult learning in England has fallen steadily, from a high point of more than £5bn in 2003-04, to less than £2bn last year. We should not expect two decades of decline to be reversed quickly. But the upcoming report from Alan Milburn on young people who are not in education, employment or training is widely expected to result in a boost for colleges, as well as apprenticeship changes so that more are offered to new recruits rather than existing staff.
A timely report from MPs aims to ensure that older learners are included in these reforms. The all-party group for further education recognises the need to tackle the low level of labour market participation among young adults, which is particularly pronounced in smaller towns and cities. But the MPs take a longer view of the current system’s failings. Their report makes a persuasive case that an overall vision for adult education has been missing for a long time.
