New proposals to measure adult learning

The government has revealed new proposals for how to measure the success of education and skills learning for adults.

It was announced by the Department for Business, Skills and Innovation (BIS) that the plans hinge on three key areas that will be measured by experimental new data - the next step adult learners take, what they go on to earn and what progress they achieved during their course.

The BIS explained that the aim is for students and employers to have access to a lot more information about adult courses, with e-learning likely to be at the forefront of the move. The government is also hoping that the changes it is putting forward will result in a shift in the focus of education providers towards giving adults students "the skills they need to get into work and progress, rather than simply deliver qualifications".

Adults who are looking to improve their skills and knowledge might find e-learning to be the ideal option, due to the fact they can fit in their classes around their existing commitments and make their progress at their own pace.

The government's plans have already been welcomed by Michael Davis, chief executive of UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), who stated that proposed revisions are both welcome and needed. He added that there are now signs the government is finally "addressing some of deep rooted issues holding back skills growth in the UK".

Mr Davis said: "Although many qualifications are of a very high quality, these proposals would ensure that we measure the effectiveness of skills provision in terms of the value the system offers to employers and students - enabling employers to get the recruits they want, and students to be given the skills that they need."

More information about the values and benefits that can be achieved as a result of close relationships between employers and universities is set to be released in the next few days, via an impending new collaborative report by UKCES and Universities UK.