The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions) Act 2025: A Clearer Path to Skills England

The UK government has taken a decisive step in reforming post-16 education and skills development with the new Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025. This legislation, which received Royal Assent on 15 May 2025, marks a significant shift in how apprenticeship and technical education functions are managed, paving the way to establish Skills England. Here's a breakdown of what this means for the future of skills and education in the UK.

Key Changes Introduced by the Act:

1. Abolition of IfATE: The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), established under the Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, is officially abolished. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline and integrate functions under the Department for Education (DfE).

2. Transfer of Functions: All statutory functions previously managed by IfATE are now transferred to the Secretary of State. This includes the approval of qualifications, standards, and apprenticeship assessments, which will continue seamlessly under new management.

3. Formation of Skills England: The Act sets the legislative groundwork for the creation of Skills England, an Executive Agency of the DfE. Skills England will consolidate existing functions into a single, more efficient entity, aimed at delivering a coordinated and responsive skills system.

What Skills England Will Do:

• Unified Approach: By bringing together various functions under one body, Skills England aims to provide a clearer, more data-driven approach to skills development.

• Focus on Growth and Opportunities: Skills England is a key player in the government’s mission to enhance workforce productivity and expand access to opportunities, aligning with the broader goal of driving economic growth.

Legislative Highlights:

• Property and Liabilities: The Act enables the transition of IfATE’s property, rights, and liabilities to the Secretary of State, ensuring a smooth shift of responsibilities.

• Standards and Assessments: The Secretary of State can now directly prepare and approve standards and apprenticeship assessment plans, bypassing the need for external groups when deemed appropriate.

• Quality Assurance: Despite these changes, maintaining the quality of standards and assessments remains a top priority, with provisions for independent third-party examinations when necessary.

Territorial Impact:

While the Act primarily affects England, it extends to various parts of the UK with only minor or consequential impacts in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Conclusion:

The abolition of IfATE and the transfer of its functions to the Secretary of State signify a transformative approach to managing apprenticeships and technical education in the UK. As Skills England emerges, it promises a more integrated, efficient, and responsive system that aligns with the needs of employers and the workforce alike.

For those involved in education and skills training, these changes mark the beginning of a new era, where streamlined operations and a focus on growth and opportunity take center stage. Keep an eye on further developments as Skills England takes shape and begins to influence the landscape of UK skills and education.