BCC responds to the Education Secretary’s plan to reform Further Education

9th July 2020

Commenting on the Education Secretary’s plan to reform Further Education at a speech at the Social Market Foundation today (9 July), BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said:

“A renewed focus on further education is welcome. Employers are crying out for more people with technical skills at all levels in the workplace to boost productivity and seize the opportunities of a more digital and automated workplace.

“Whether taking a vocational, technical or academic route to employment, it is vital that young people, who have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic, get high quality provision leading to fulfilling careers.

“Alongside formal qualifications, the system must have the flexibility to deliver bitesize learning to ensure all adults can refresh and update their skills as the workplace evolves.”