Vocational progression in the East Midlands
Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) & Learning and Skills Council (LSC)


The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) commissioned CFE to investigate how key stakeholders in the East Midlands respond strategically to barriers that prevent vocational learners from progressing from Level 3 to Level 4 and above.

The objectives of the project were to: 

  • identify what data is currently held on Level 3 and Level 4 provision by a core group of funders, providers and key stakeholders;
  • prioritise the data requirements of this group in meeting their future needs;
  • assess how this data could be assembled in a way that most effectively contributes towards the dual goals of vocational progression and employer responsiveness.
To establish what data is currently held on Level 3 and Level 4 provision in the East Midlands, CFE interviewed regional representatives of the Learning and Skills Council, Higher Education Funding Council, East Midlands Development Agency, the Skills for Sustainable Communities and Leap Ahead Lifelong Learning Networks, several Sector Skills Councils and FE and HE providers.

CFE used the research to make recommendations on data collection, data sharing and particular data resources that should be further developed. CFE also made recommendations on the best ways for stakeholders to tackle questions of learner progression at the strategic level.

For more information please contact Tristram Hughes on
0116 229 3300.