AoC responds to the government's Industrial Strategy

David Hughes CBE, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges said: "I am pleased that this Industrial Strategy places colleges at the heart of economic growth in the eight priority areas including Engineering, Creative Industries and Digital. Colleges are keen to do even more to support employers to have the skilled people they need, and open up more pathways for young people and adults to access high quality jobs.

"I am particularly encouraged by the comprehensive focus on skills from across government, specifically the commitment to investing in vocational training, apprenticeships, and technical excellence colleges. Along side this, the emphasis on employers becoming partners with colleges and universities represents a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in the eight key sectors.

"The capital support for further education institutions is crucial. It will enable colleges to upgrade their workshops, classrooms and kit, ensuring that students receive high-quality training that meets industry standards. It is also great to see the emphasis on mayor-led local growth plans, to convene the right people from employers, colleges and universities to drive regional economic development.

"The government has shown in its first year that it recognises the need to address longstanding underinvestment in young people. The funding package for 16 to 19 education and skills for the next four years is far better than the last 15 years. What we need now is to see the same shift for adults, to support people to learn new skills, shift into high quality jobs and to move off benefits.

"I am optimistic about the potential of the 'Invest 2035' strategy to transform the UK's industrial landscape and create the highly skilled workforce needed to kickstart economic growth. We will work closely with the government to ensure the needs of colleges, and their students are fully met so that the sector remains the cornerstone for national and regional economic success."