The number of work-based learning providers passing inspections by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) has risen.

Last year’s failure rates of almost 60% dropped to 46% and are still falling, according to the ALI's annual report.

David Sherlock, chief Inspector of adult learning said that providers had raised their standards.

However, he was concerned about the 40% of organisations that showed poor leadership and management.

Mr Sherlock attributed much of the problem to what he saw as the 'complexity and confusion' of the sector.

'Disjointed systems, a confusing array of syllabuses, awards and awarding bodies make it very difficult for training providers to cut a clear path for their learners,' he said.

'Many of the shortcomings in leadership and management are made infinitely worse by the complicated design of learning programmes and awards.'

Mr Sherlock challenged the government to simplify what he called the 'confusing plethora of vocational and occupational qualifications'.

Ivan Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills and Vocational Education welcomed the 'significant improvements in inspection results and success rates during the course of the past year'.

It was also announced that in January the ALI will introduce short monitoring inspections of providers that have performed poorly in the past and scraped through a re-inspection.