Funding the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification

We recently attended an insightful webinar hosted by the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP). The discussion focused on the future of apprenticeships after the launch of ‘Skills England’ and the anticipated ‘Growth and Skills Levy’. Both AELP and the Department for Education recognised that policy development remains in its early stages. However, our sector must actively push to include the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification in the following funding streams:

1. Flexibility within the current Apprenticeship Levy.
2. Placement on any Skills England-approved list of qualifications.
3. Integration into the ASF funding stream (as Ofqual regulates it).
4. Allocation within all devolved regional budgets.
5. Listing among WDF-approved qualifications.

We call on Skills for Care and the Department of Health and Social Care to lead this effort. Representing our sector fully is crucial to prevent it from being treated as a ‘Cinderella’ service. Recent challenges with the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification highlight the risks of overlooking changes or funding opportunities. Employers have faced overly complex funding criteria for too long, and a streamlined approach is overdue.

Although ‘Skills England’ is still developing, positive engagement is essential. Sector leaders should provide regular updates and clear guidance to employers. These actions will support better workforce planning and ensure the smooth rollout of the new qualification.

Taking immediate action will allow us to maximise this opportunity.