Sector Response to Robert Halfon being appointed Minister of State for Apprentices & Skills

Robert Halfon has been announced as Minister of State for Apprentices & Skills. Robert who is the MP for Harlow, was also the first MP to employ a full time Apprentice back in 2010. Robert studied Politics and then a Masters in Russian and East European politics at the University of Exeter. As well as his passion for Apprenticeships, Robert also loves a good curry, Chelsea FC and is a keen watch collector. 

 

The sector response to Robery Halfon’s appointment:

Mark Dawe, Chief Executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) comments:

“We’re delighted that with his credentials for championing apprenticeships Robert Halfon has been given the skills brief. Downing Street said on Friday that growing  apprenticeships would remain a priority under the new administration so we will be asking the new minister to stick to the current levy timetable and to publish the next set of guidance as soon as possible.  This is because there is a lot of work for training providers to do in supporting employers in preparation for April 2017for both levy and non levy payers.  We must maintain the momentum to ensure that the 3 million target is hit and any dip is likely to damage the chances of building up apprenticeship numbers.”

 

Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC), said: “We know Robert Halfon MP well from his previous work in supporting his local college and in raising awareness of apprenticeships.  He was also a key advocate in our campaign for disadvantaged college students to be able to access free meals in the same way as students in schools.

“It’s also good to see that the Government has retained a distinct focus on apprenticeships and skills by appointing a dedicated minister.

“We congratulate him on his new post as Minister for Apprentices and Skills and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

 

David Hughes, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute commented:

“I am delighted that Robert Halfon has been appointed as Minister for Apprentices and Skills. With energy and dedication he has shown a true commitment to apprenticeships and equalities as an MP, even leading the apprentices scheme in the House of Commons. 

“As he focuses on areas that are important to the Learning and Work Institute, we are looking forward to working with him in his new role to make sure that apprenticeships and adult education are high on the new government’s agenda.”

 

David Russell, Chief Executive, Education and Training Foundation comments:

“We warmly welcome Robert Halfon’s appointment and look forward to working with him on the crucial challenges facing the sector.   Robert’s passion for apprenticeships is clear.  The Sainsbury Review sets out a vision for technical education which starts from rigor and excellence.  Skills gaps around maths and English remain significant, but the reform of functional skills is one part of a strategy to tackle this.  Excellence in teaching and training, and the best working relationships between employers and educators, will  help learners into work, to the benefit of productivity and society as a whole”.