Skills for Life

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) was established in 2017 as a crown non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom. It played a crucial role in shaping and regulating technical education and apprenticeships by developing and revising occupational standards for apprenticeships, T Levels, and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) across England. IfATE collaborated with employers and industry groups, known as "trailblazers," to identify skills gaps and create tailored apprenticeship standards and assessment plans.

IfATE's key functions included overseeing External Quality Assurance (EQA) to ensure consistency among education providers, recommending funding bands for apprenticeship standards, and supporting initiatives like the Skills Compass to address emerging skills needs. The organization worked with a wide range of sectors, ensuring that apprenticeships met the practical requirements of various industries. In 2024, it was announced that IfATE's functions would transition to a new executive agency called Skills England, which aims to centralize decision-making on apprenticeship standards and technical education qualifications.