MPs set to debate role of colleges in a skills-led recovery in Parliament during Colleges Week
David Hughes (@AoCDavidH), Chief Executive of AoC speaks ahead of the debate about the role of colleges in a skills-led recovery.
On Tuesday 20 October an adjournment debate in Westminster Hall on The role of colleges in a skills-led recovery from COVID-19 will take place at 4:30pm – 5:30pm. Raised by Peter Aldous, Conservative Member of Parliament for Waveney and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Further Education and Lifelong Learning, the debate will happen on the second day of Colleges Week 2020. As colleges engage with MPs locally throughout the week, we will showcase nationally the strong engagement and support from MPs from all parties. It comes at an important time given the Prime Minister’s recent speech on the importance of colleges in the rebuild and retraining agenda.
As well as the upcoming Westminster Hall Debate, an Early Day Motion has been tabled by Chair of the Education Select Committee, Robert Halfon MP, to “recognise the unique role that colleges play in supporting people, employers and communities…” As part of Colleges Week activity, colleges will be encouraging their MPs attend the Westminster Hall debate, and to sign EDM #948 to show their support for colleges.
Speaking ahead of the debate next week, AoC’s Chief Executive, David Hughes said:
“Colleges Week this year is all about the economic importance of colleges locally, regionally, and nationally. As MPs are engaging with their local colleges, this Westminster Hall debate will shine a spotlight on the unique role that colleges play in supporting people, employers and communities to thrive and the central role they will play in rebuilding the economy.
I hope MPs prioritise Tuesday’s debate and the EDM because it’s a great opportunity to build on the Prime Minister’s speech about skills at Exeter College which was a great first step to building a post-16 education and skills system we can all be proud of. This debate will help highlight what else needs to change through the forthcoming white paper and the level of investment needed in colleges to be able to deliver for our country, our communities and our people.”
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