Queen's Speech 2021: AAT welcomes more focus on skills supported by new laws

AAT has welcomed the government’s pledge to increase focus on skills supported by new legislation as announced in the Queen’s Speech today.

The Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, which is expected to be introduced to Parliament next week following the publication of the Skills White Paper in January, will introduce measures including loans for adults wanting to retrain and encouraging businesses and trainers to target local needs. 

Mark Farrar, AAT Chief Executive, said: "The world of work has changed dramatically over the past year, and many people have used this time to develop their skills to adapt to new ways of working or pursue a different career path. Today’s announcements in the Queen’s Speech will help even more people across the UK access the training they want or need to reskill, whatever stage of their life or career, and give them access to wider opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.  

"AAT welcomes today’s announcement and is pleased to see the government’s ongoing commitment to lifelong learning, which will be vital to the UK’s economic recovery following the pandemic. The Lifetime Skills Guarantee has the potential to create new opportunities and we look forward to next week’s announcements for the detail on how people will be supported, including loans.  

"Whilst there are many positives to be taken from the new measures, we would also want to see more support for the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises to ensure that available training matches the needs of local economies, including reform of the apprenticeship levy. Doing so would help to tackle regional skills gaps and improve job prospects, whilst also meeting the needs of the economy as we navigate the coming months.” 

AAT’s Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping qualifications are both included among 400 fully funded courses as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. These fully funded courses are now available to adults aged 24 or over seeking their first Level 3 qualification. A Level 3 course is equivalent to a technical certificate or diploma, or two full A Levels. AAT courses are open to anyone regardless of age, school qualifications or background. 

For more information on AAT courses and qualifications, please visit the Qualifications and courses section.