New research from The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and The Society for Education and Training (SET) highlights the transformative impact that FE has on the lives of learners from all backgrounds over the age of 14 across London.

The ETF is the workforce development body for the FE and training sector providing professional learning and development for teachers, trainers and leaders. SET is the sector’s largest professional membership organisation for those working in the post-14 education sector, offering a pathway of support throughout practitioners’ careers.

Transforming lives

The majority of adults in London have witnessed the transformative power of FE in some way, with two fifths (39%) having taken part in some type of FE, and 66% knowing someone, who has taken part in FE. 79% of respondents in London agree that FE is an important part of society.

Over 9 in 10 (92%) of Londoners who know someone who has studied or trained in FE said it was a positive step in developing their career and over 8 in 10 London-based adults (85%) agree that it can be useful in advancing or finding a career or job. With the cost-of-living crisis being felt by many, FE provides a route to gain new skills, unlock opportunities and advance careers.

Here for everyone, at any time

FE plays a critical role in helping to meet the skills challenge in this country and to enable lifelong career progression. It offers people a chance to change careers or train in something new, build confidence or develop their skills – no matter what age or stage of their career they are at. And with 60% of the nation reporting that they are, have, or would, consider changing career path, FE is a route that’s accessible to all. In London, over two thirds (64%) say it allows everyone to acquire new knowledge and skills. 58% said it gave them the opportunity to retrain in another career or change career direction entirely.

Interestingly, the research has shown FE becomes more important through the years. FE provides opportunities for lifelong learning. 12% more people aged over 55 in the UK have taken part in FE (44%) compared to 16 to 34-year-olds (32%). This comes at a time when the number of people in employment aged 65 and over has hit record levels in the last year, and people aged 50 and over make up almost a third of the UK’s workforce.1

Inspiring confidence and building skills

By building skills in the FE sector, there was a consensus that people felt more confident and better equipped. 46% of Londoners said experience of FE gave a friend, colleague or family member confidence in developing their own skills. Almost 7 out of 10 Londoners (66%) would consider undertaking a FE course to boost their skillset. Nationally, more women (74%) than men (61%) agree that FE and training boosts their skillset.

ETF and SET exist to boost the professional development of everyone working in the sector and provide a pathway of support at every stage of their career. They support teachers, trainers and leaders so that they can focus on continuing their transformative work to help learners achieve their potential.

Katerina Kolyva, Chief Executive at ETF, commented:

“Our research shows the transformational impact that FE has in advancing careers and unlocking opportunities for everyone – in London and across the UK. Transforming lives wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of dedicated, professional staff working throughout the sector.

“They are the heart of our education system, working tirelessly to deliver exceptional education for learners. That’s why our work at the ETF and SET is so vital – we are here to champion the professionalism of the sector and support practitioners to excel.

“Working side by side as their career partner, we enable them to focus on continuing their transformative work to help learners achieve their potential.”

The research has been launched as part of the ETF and SET’s new initiative, #TogetherWeTransform, that celebrates the transformational impact further education has – for those who work in it and those who experience it. This comes as the ETF looks to its 10th anniversary in 2023.