I’ve been advocating for technical education and apprenticeships my entire parliamentary career. That is why the prime minister’s commitment to putting technical and academic education on an equal footing is so welcome, accompanied by additional funding for further education.
This week is Colleges Week, the perfect time to celebrate the incredible work which our FE colleges do, offering a ladder of opportunity and the prospect of a skilled job to people.
Technical education means a foot in the door. It means practical, on-the-job experience and support to learn the vital skills that our economy – and country – needs. It opens up competitive sectors to people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
I share the vision of the prime minister and the education secretary to bring about parity of esteem between academic and technical education.
