Who we are
The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a national membership body, proudly representing organisations operating in the skills sector. AELP members deliver a range of training and vocational learning – including the majority of apprenticeships as well as Skills Bootcamps, 16-19 Study Programme, Adult Education Budget and more.
AELP members support thousands of businesses and millions of learners in England by delivering a wide range of training, vocational learning, and employability programmes. Our members include independent training providers, colleges, higher education institutions, employer providers, awarding bodies and end point assessment organisations. They support learners of all ages, in every community, and at every level of post-16 study.
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- Expert lobbying of decision-makers across Government departments, public bodies and Combined Authorities, based on the issues that matter to learners, providers and employers
- Up-to-date, relevant, and accessible policy information, analysis, and guidance
- Specialist research, developed in collaboration with a range of sector experts
- Live news and information pertinent to the sector
- Events, roundtables, conferences, webinars, and workshops
- Regional and sector-specific support, information, lobbying and engagement
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
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AELP are leading policy experts in the further education sector. We fundamentally believe that:
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- Skills, training, and employment policy should focus on giving employers and learners greater choice. Learners should have equal access to support and provision, regardless of their age, location, or background.
- Training providers should all be treated equally by Government, regardless of whether they are a college, independent training provider, employer provider, local authority, or third sector organisation. There should be no difference in funding, contracting, and accountability arrangements.
- There should be skills and employment programmes available for all ages and at every level of study. However, increasing opportunities for 16-24-year-olds and those from disadvantaged backgrounds should always be a priority.
- There should be a more joined-up approach to skills and employment policy and programmes across different government departments, to avoid duplication and ensure there is a seamless offer of support to learners and the unemployed.
- Careers advice should be accessible for all-ages, in every area, with good links between schools and training providers. Vocational and work-based routes into employment should have the same parity of esteem as traditional academic routes.
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