Innovation, Universities and Skills written question – answered at on 14 October 2008.
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills if he will recommend that the Learning and Skills Council establish a source of ring-fenced funding for the training of public service interpreters; and if he will make a statement.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for the funding of post-16 further education (FE) and training delivered through FE colleges and providers in England.
Government funding through the LSC is focused on supporting adults and young people to gain the skills they need for sustainable employment and progression in learning. Investment is prioritised on basic literacy and numeracy, full level 2 and full level 3 qualifications as well as a range of first steps provision offering opportunities for progression below level 2. The LSC also funds some provision at level 4 and above, for example the Diploma in Public Service Interpreters. For courses at this level, where the learner/employer sees the greatest private returns, they are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of the course.
In line with our response to the Leitch Review of Skills we are committed to increasing funding through demand-led routes to ensure that funding is responsive to learner and employer needs. We would therefore not seek to ring-fence funding for a specific course as this would run counter to this aim.
Yes2 people think so
No1 person thinks not
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