Monday, 13 September 2010 00:00 The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has welcomed government plans to invest £50 million in FE buildings across England.

The ATL represents approximately 160,000 teachers, headteachers, lecturers and support staff in schools, sixth form and in FE colleges in the UK. It was established to help its members, as their careers develop, through first rate research, advice information and legal advice.

Norman Crowther, ATL's national official for post 16 education, said: "The funding will not repair the damage caused by the infamous Learning and Skills Council capital funding fiasco, but we are pleased by this recognition of the need to invest in a sector which has a crucial role to play in reviving the economy."

The investment - which was announced last week by Business Secretary Vince Cable - will benefit 149 further education colleges across England. It is hoped the funding will not only help renovate and build FE facilities, but also give students access to new, more sophisticated equipment.

Outlining the importance of investment in FE and skills training, Mr Cable said: "Improving people's skills is a key part of this government's plans to secure economic growth, and colleges are right in the frontline of this challenge. 

"Helping colleges modernize their facilities will give them a much-needed boost at a time when education could not be more important, and I am glad we have been able to provide them with this support."

Mark Astley