Work-based learning provision for vulnerable young people needs improving in Wales, says Assembly committee
9 December 2010
There is still work to do to ensure that work-based learning provision for vulnerable young people is as effective as possible in Wales, according to a report from the National Assembly for Wales’s Petitions Committee.
The report from the cross-party group of AMs found that, while provision is broadly sufficient in Wales, pockets of poorly delivered services need to be eliminated for vulnerable young people to benefit from it as a route into employment.
The inquiry is the result of a petition submitted to the Committee by Action for Children, which claimed that work-based learning is not meeting the needs of vulnerable young people - particularly those living independently.
The subsequent report outlines concern at the lack of effective personal support for some work-based learners and recommends the Welsh Government allocates a personal adviser to those who live independently.
It also highlights discrepancies in income between those in work-based learning and those who pursue further education, which it says acts as a disincentive for young learners who live independently and can’t afford to carry out work-based learning.
The Committee recommends the Welsh Government re-considers financial support arrangements for work-based learners, including providing up-front travel payments, so that cost does not act as a barrier to participation.
It also suggests the Welsh Government identifies a lead agency to facilitate collaboration between agencies and encourage effective partnership working to support vulnerable young people.
Committee Chair, Christine Chapman AM, said: “Work-based learning can be an effective method for young people to develop skills and move into employment. Yet this inquiry showed that issues such as inadequate financial and pastoral support are resulting in some young people dropping out of courses or only attaining basic-level qualifications.
“As a Committee, we acknowledge that there are some excellent work-based learning schemes available from reputable providers across Wales, but there is still work to be done to ensure that all vulnerable young people are given the opportunity to progress into sustainable employment.
“This inquiry also demonstrates how issues can be brought into the public domain through the Assembly’s petitions system. This report is the result of a petition submitted by Action for Children and we would encourage other organisations and individuals to make use of the system, which can deliver progressive results.”
Brigitte Gater, Operational Director of Children's Servicesat Action for Children (Wales), said: "We are pleased that our initial petition to the National Assembly has resulted in this important inquiry being carried out.
“Wemust reverse the cycleof vulnerable young people failing work-based learning schemes which don’t offer enough support or flexibility to meet their individual needs. This results in contracts being terminated andtoo many young people being forced to move to other courses before they even achieve a minimum qualification.
"We urge the Assembly Government to provide more work-based learning provision that better meets the needs of vulnerable young people, through more effective assessment and training and a person-centred approach to help young people overcome the issues and challenges they face. We would particularly like to see more provision for homeless young people seeking training."