Individual Training Accounts: evaluation

Impact of ITAs

Introduction

Having explored the programme profile, promotion and delivery, this chapter outlines the evidence collected on the impact ITAs have had on participants. Participants were asked through the survey and focus groups about the employment and wider skills outcomes that they had gained from participating in the programme.

Access to training

Most participants (83%) said that they would not have undertaken training without the ITA funding. This suggests that the programme is helping to generate additional training activity. Of those surveyed, 53% reported that they would 'definitely' not have done the training, with a further 30% saying 'probably' not, a finding that was also echoed in the focus groups. Those aged between 25 – 54 were more likely to respond this way, as were women and minority ethnic participants. Unsurprisingly, almost all those who were unemployed had this view, but those who were working part-time were also more likely to depend on ITAs.

Training providers had a similar view, reporting that without the funding they thought most of their ITA participants would not have been able to access the training. This was especially the case for providers who supported people who were unemployed or had criminal convictions.

Participants were more likely to choose a course that was eligible for ITA funding, with 71% of participants surveyed reporting that the availability of an ITA influenced their choice. There was a greater influence on older people's choice of course with 75% of those aged 45-54 citing ITAs as a major or minor influence, compared to 60% of 16-24 year olds.

The level of ITA funding was reported to influence course choice through restricting many learners to those courses where the ITA would cover the full cost. Almost half of participants (46%) found that their course had been restricted by the £200 funding limit, with 12% saying it was very restrictive.

If more funding had been available via the ITAs then half of the respondents said they would have chosen a different course or training. This view was particularly common among minority ethnic participants (70%) and those aged 25-44 years (57%). Estimates of how much additional funding would be required varied, with almost a third of participants (29%) stating they would have needed £301-£500 more for the course of their choice. The median band was also £301-£500 for 326 respondents.

"I had kind of five or six courses that I was looking at doing. Then I was like, I narrowed… two of them were really expensive, two of them I could have topped it up. Then there was like one or two that obviously that was quite easy to get through the ITA. I obviously ended up going through the ITA, because it was just easier. But there was still like more that I would have liked to have done if it had been available. There was obviously really trade specific courses. There was like carpet fitting courses and stuff that I would have liked to have gone on. All the kind of courses I looked at were about £500-£600. In that region that would have really helped me, obviously. But I kind of had to go for just common courses that are less niche for people."

Male, Construction

Employability outcomes

There was evidence that ITAs helped people to find new and better jobs. Table 4 shows the employment outcomes that they experienced due to their ITA funded training.

Source: SQW analysis of survey data.

Respondents could select more than one option.

Over half of those surveyed (51%) agreed that their ITA had helped them find a new job. Over half (61%) of those unemployed before applying for their ITA were in work after training. Linked to this, almost as many people who were unemployed thought that the job they had gained suited their skillset (58%). This suggests that the type of training was linked and related to their job outcome.

ITA participants who were already in work were more likely to report that their ITA had helped them find a job that suited their skillset, than to find a new job. That said, the difference was quite small with around half saying they found a job that better suited their skills or interests, compared to 45% who said that it helped them find a new job. Similarly, 44% of those in work reported that they had progressed with their existing employer. It appears that ITAs help people in work to both find new jobs but also find jobs where they can apply their skills and experience.

The focus groups provided more mixed, nuanced feedback. The outcomes of the programme were generally more mixed – some had experienced very profound changes in their career, others were still out of work or had not used the skills they'd gained on their programme – but most people were able to point to at least some positive outcomes.

"You can go and do that course for three days and you'll get a four pound extra an hour. You're like that, wow."

Male, Construction

Wider outcomes

Many, however, conceded that their course was not necessarily going to 'open doors', and that the ITA programme was much better suited in terms of upskilling people looking to progress in their careers than starting 'from scratch' in a new career. In this sense, people felt the programme might help build momentum, or 'boost' a career, but that its limitations lie in helping people transform their career. This, they felt, could be solved by offering people multiple courses each year or allowing people to apply for funding for more advanced courses.

In that context, it was important that ITAs had helped participants pursue their interests and improve their skills. From the survey, 78% agreed with this statement, particularly people aged under 44, women and minority ethnic participants. This was particularly important for people who felt their current work was precarious and felt they needed skills in multiple sectors/areas to withstand the pressures of a volatile job market. These people completed ITA training to have a 'back up' qualification in another area in case they needed it.

"They've [ITAs] not helped me get a better job, but they've helped me to always stay employed."

Male, Social Care

Focus group participants also spoke about how the training helped them to improve their confidence and self-esteem, especially where they had previously been made redundant or had work limiting health issues.

"I think it's [ITA] a game changer. I'm looking forward to doing my next course now. It had woken something up in my brain and being given that bit of money at the right time, it's just given me a bit of confidence."

Female, In work