Speaking in response to today's Industrial Strategy announcement,
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges,
said: “It is right that the Government places skills at the
forefront of the Industrial Strategy. Following our decision to
leave the European Union, the economic success of our country
depends on using the talents and abilities of all our people –
colleges are central to this. As a country, we need to ensure
that young people and adults have skills which will allow them to
improve productivity, cope with enormous technological change and
deal with the uncertainties of modern life.
“Placing more of an emphasis on skills and technical levels will
help in addressing improved productivity, better social mobility
and overcoming regional disparities. The Government is right to
see the Industrial Strategy as a long term project which requires
culture change and significant investment to properly improve the
skills system. The new strategy should help deliver a more
joined-up approach from Government, bringing together investment
and infrastructure that can ensure we increase productivity and
make the most of the untapped potential in the UK.
"We welcome the government's aim to develop a technical education
system that rivials others in the world. Visitors from other
governments to UK colleges are often impressed by their
capability so there are firm foundations for this.
"The strategy confirms a number of new programmes which were
announced in last week's Budget and which will take forward work
on maths, digital and construction skills. These are a good
start and a helpful statement of intent from Government but more
will need to be done to ensure the different initiatives work
well together and to provide the predictability that allows
colleges to make their own investments in staff and facilities."
