An alliance has been formed between training organisations and providers of vocational training to give them a clear voice with which to lobby government.
The combined membership of the Association of Learning Providers (ALP), which launched at the Training for Britain conference on 13 April, will constitute a powerful group, as they deliver over 80% of work-based training in the UK.
The ALP has been formed partly in response to a perceived lack of representation for work-based trainers. Although TECs have been tasked with providing a voice for training providers in the past, the ALP says that that part of the TECs role has often been relegated in favour of other activities.
The ALP has five main objectives:
- to develop the quality of work-based learning
- to increase participation and enhance opportunities for all
- to invest in the training infrastructure
- to achieve parity of esteem and access
- to develop and maintain links with employers and the labour market
The full complement of those involved in the network are the Training and Employment Network, National Training Federation, the Learning Alliance, the National Training Partnership Network, the Confederation of Group Training Schemes (COGS) and a further 'Group of 10' training providers.
The ALP will work alongside these existing groups rather than replace them, and aims to conduct ongoing research to further develop the association's agenda.
