Education and Training at Levels 4 and 5 in London
This research was commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to establish a stronger evidence base regarding the place and value of higher level skills in London. These are courses, apprenticeships and qualifications at Levels 4 and 5. The provision is commonly styled higher technical education.
The study was undertaken by a team brought together by Richard Boniface (RCU) and Gareth Parry (University of Sheffield). The authors are Jennifer Allen, Richard Boniface, Lynsi Hayward-Smith, Gareth Parry, Arti Saraswat, Anne Thompson and Graham Whalley.
The bulk of the study was completed before the first lockdown in March 2020. A data team analysed trends and patterns in participation. A fieldwork team interviewed providers, employers and awarding organisations.
The study focussed on five main questions:
- What is the participation of Londoners at Levels 4 and 5?
- How is Level 4 and 5 represented in five priority sectors: tech and digital; culture and creative; health and social care; low carbon and environmental; and advanced urban?
- What factors bear on supply and demand?
- Are qualifications important?
- What features are distinctive to London?