In a speech today (2 October) at a fringe event at the Conservative Party Conference, Professor Graham Baldwin, Chair of MillionPlus and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), will urge the Government to recognise and utilise modern universities as a key piece in the skills puzzle, ready to “seize the opportunity” to address skills gaps.
The event, titled Delivering the skills Britain needs - the role of modern universities, hosted by ConservativeHome takes place today and will also stream live (further details in the Notes to Editors). In addition to Professor Baldwin, the panel also includes: Rt. Hon. Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education; Councillor John Cope, education expert and Conservative PPC for Esher and Walton; and Naomi Clayton, Deputy Director of the Learning & Work Institute. The discussion will be chaired by ConservativeHome Assistant Editor William Atkinson.
Modern universities, with the sense of place part of their core mission and close ties with local industry and leaders in vocational education, can play a pivotal role in the Government’s skills agenda, Professor Baldwin will say:
“The skills agenda is currently at the forefront of policymaking in England… and it’s pleasing to see the Government is committed to expanding the pathways and opportunities available to people of all ages in skilling and re-skilling including via the lifelong loan entitlement which got Royal Assent two weeks ago.
