The Use of Independent Training Providers in Vocational Education and Training--Wider Considerations for Employers and Policy Makers. SKOPE Issues Paper 34

The employer benefits arising from the direct participation of employees in learning at work are clear: apart from developing the requisite skills and abilities to be productive, both task discretion and organisational participation are significantly related to better quality training. Against a background of falling employer investment in education and training the Government has supported the growth of independent training providers (ITPs) in the hope that this will drive up employer engagement in formal vocational education and training (VET) schemes. The case for doing so is, on the face of it, persuasive but when account is taken of the variable impact that outsourcing VET can have on organisations it becomes clear that this is dependent on how well it is managed. The factors that affect the success with which organisations engage ITPs appear to be poorly understood. This report highlights some of the associated areas that need to be looked at more closely to inform the development of best practice and public policy.