1 Aug 2022 Report

Meeting Britain's Skills Needs in a Post-Brexit, Post-Pandemic World

A roundtable discussion with Peter Aldous MP, Chair, Further Education and Lifelong Learning APPG.

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Colleges, training providers and employers have experienced significant challenges and unprecedented uncertainty in recent years. Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis have all visited a significant toll on the sector and its ability to deliver education and training.

Apprenticeship starts have plummeted, students continue to seeing their learning and exams disrupted and education funding has been further stretched. Meanwhile, employers continue to struggle with labour shortages and supply chain issues and soaring inflation.

To examine the extent of these problems, and to consider practical, workable solutions, leading education and skills PR agency Grade Communications invited colleges, training providers, and leading business organisations to a roundtable discussion in Norwich on 31 August 2022 to meet with Waveney MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Further Education and Lifelong Learning, Peter Aldous.

This report serves as a summary of the discussions held and is intended to provide a contribution to the ongoing debate on how to solve the challenges facing the further education sector and to improve the quality of training provision in England and Wales.

Should you have any questions regarding the discussions conducted or the issues raised, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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Dr. George Maher, author of Pugnare: Economic Success and Failure
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Kat Clayton, Marketing and Sales Director, Berkley Care Group
Bridgehead Communications have worked hard to raise awareness among policymakers in both England and Wales surrounding the key challenges our members face. Furthermore, their proactive approach in securing media and comment opportunities has also helped our message reach a broad audience within the sector. The culmination of their efforts was our 2024 manifesto launch in Parliament. Leveraging their personal Parliamentary connections to sponsor the reception, we were able to stage an event in the Terrace Pavilion in the Houses of Parliament. The event was attended by over 150 guests, including MPs, Lords, representatives from the Department for Education, key figures in the sector, college representatives, students, and journalists. As a result of their efforts, the event was attended by both the then Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years and the Shadow Minister for Skills.
Clare Howard OBE, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Specialist Colleges (Natspec)
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Ben Ashton, Co-Founder & Director, GoodOaks Homecare
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Luca Barrie, Marketing Director, Aquaa Partners
I first retained Will in 2019 and we continue to work together to this day. He has an excellent understanding of both politics and the media and has helped to promote my work surrounding Birmingham Pride, but also as a successful entrepreneur and businessman. While we continue to work together today, I also count Will as a friend and often seek his strategic advice. I can't recommend him highly enough.
Lawrence Barton DL, Chief Executive, UK Skills
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Simon Connell, Chief Executive, Baker Dearing Educational Trust
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