AoC responds to Government announcement on skills training

David Hughes, chief executive, Association of Colleges said:

“This funding will help colleges with the equipment and facilities needed to meet vital skills needs in the labour market, so it is very welcome. Colleges work hard to meet the changing needs of employers and this investment will help respond to the need for new skills associated with technology changes and the move to net zero. This year colleges are seeing increased learner demand in many sectors but particularly in the construction, energy, manufacturing, and transport industries. So as well as the welcome capital investment, we are keen to see more places funded for adults to retrain, learn new skills and stay relevant in a changing labour market.

“Colleges are uniquely placed at the heart of communities to support a fair transition to a green economy for people and employers, to help young people make their way into good jobs and support adults so that they are not left behind. To help with that we would like to see universal access to learning for everyone up to full Level 3 qualifications, and grants and loans made available to incentivise learning in local skills priorities. We also want to see better access to adult education and training for those in receipt of Universal Credit to help them secure better work with better prospects.”