Damian raised his concerns about the IfATE Bill during the second reading debate. The Bill will, if enacted, transfer the functions of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to the Department for Education, effectively abolishing the Institute. Commenting at the time, Damian said:
"You can’t just wish it or will it. You can’t assume it or assert it. Parity of esteem for vocational training and qualifications needs independent standards-setting, as the academic route has. Ministers must amend this Bill accordingly."
