Unequal Provision? Ethnic minorities and employment training policy

Abstract

This article addresses the impact for ethnic minorities of the employment training policy for long‐term unemployed adults in England and Wales. Drawing on evidence from detailed research in one Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) area, it reveals that although ethnic minorities join training schemes in representative proportions, they are less successful than their white counterparts in achieving positive outcomes (qualifications and jobs). Central to this underachievement are the training providers who are failing to recognise and respond to the disadvantage experienced by ethnic minorities, and whose contractual arrangements with the TEC inhibit positive action. Recent structural changes to government vocational training policy might worsen outcomes for ethnic minorities as output‐related funding introduces ‘market forces’ which may extend their disadvantage.