The 157 Group has welcomed the publication of the government’s consultation on the challenges for adult vocational education over the next ten years.
Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, “This document sets out a visionary set of challenges for the future of Further Education and, importantly, acknowledges the enormously important work that FE Colleges undertake already in delivering higher level technical skills and providing opportunities for all adults to engage with education. We have understood for some time now that the future landscape of the sector will be different, and, in many ways, it is good that this document now sets out the very important issues that need to be considered.
“We agree that the focus of the future must be on partnership and relationship building and that the increased engagement of employers in the system is vital to ensuring the future success of our job market. It is very positive that this consultation also floats some important ideas around the way in which higher level qualifications could be accredited by Colleges themselves, how we might combine local needs with national solutions and how Colleges might work together with new institutions to deliver the vision for the future.
“This document contains a very sensible and thorough analysis of the challenges that we face and some very positive proposals for how the government, employers, Colleges and everyone in the skills system might be able to deliver change.”
Sarah Robinson OBE, chair of the 157 Group and chief executive of Stoke-on-Trent College, said, “Many 157 Group Colleges are already a long way down the road of delivering on the vision which is outlined in today’s consultation, and it is reassuring that the government is now seeking to engage all Colleges in planning for the future. The future resilience of the sector is something the government has a joint responsibility for and we will be engaging thoroughly with this consultation to ensure that detailed plans are well thought out and likely to deliver the significant impact that we all know we are able to achieve.”