One of my key targets as the MP for Great Grimsby is to help people have wider opportunity improve their skills training to get better jobs. This Government is committed to transforming the Further Education sector into a powerhouse for driving the delivery of future skills and qualifications that will provide opportunities and benefits to people from all backgrounds.
I’m very pleased to have been asked to be a Further Education Reform Ambassador by Gillian Keegan MP, the Minister for Apprenticeship and Skills. I hope that the knowledge, contacts and experience I gained working in Further Education here in Grimsby can be put to good use as we see some of the biggest changes and reforms in a generation being put into place. There is no more important time as we deal with the consequences of the Covid-19 epidemic to get this right and design the technical training and qualifications that will strengthen our economy and provide well paid employment. Rather than seeing the lockdown as a challenge, we should see it as an opportunity of a lifetime!
I will be working closely with local employers, training partners and students to make sure of their input every step of the way. I will be visiting local colleges and schools over the months to come to talk to staff and pupils about their needs and aspirations for the future.
In September of this year the new ‘T’ Level qualification programme starts, with the first three routes in construction, education and childcare. T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. The range of courses will be quickly rolled out to include a wide variety of study options including accounting, digital design and support, finance, land management and many others. Students will be given practical, on the job training over the two-year period of study.
This is an exciting time for Further Education. It will provide more opportunities and play a huge part in our plan to ‘level up’ the Country.
