Growth Means Funding for Skills, or at Least it Should
Date published:
Callum George, Policy Adviser, North East England Chamber of Commerce
I remember as I wrote my last column in October, there was next-to radio silence in terms of education policy. Being optimistic, I told myself “Well, at least things will quieten down before Christmas”. Fast forward eight weeks and we have a new Prime Minister, a new budget and a new focus on education. I’ll be honest – there are better ways to get into the Christmas spirit.
We know that schools are getting more funding, which – despite not being in line with inflation – is a step in the right direction. But part of me can’t help but think we’re forgetting about an entire group of pupils who needed more funding two years ago, and still aren’t getting it now. Of course, I’m talking about college students.
The Autumn Statement provides no new funding for colleges, which are the backbone for further education in the UK. We know that funding per college student has already fallen significantly since 2010. Even before recent economic headwinds, funding showed no signs of returning to the levels of twelve years ago.
Almost one in four young people aged 16-18 in the North East aren’t in long-term education, employment or apprenticeships. When you take this, lack of funding and increasing costs, you have the perfect storm for colleges to deal with.
In a time when colleges face huge pressures, you can only applaud the effort and dedication they have towards young people. I’m already incredibly proud of the work our colleges do in the North East and the role their learners will play in taking on the challenges of the future. As a Chamber, we’ve always supported our colleges, and have campaigned for more investment in skills and education.
It’s not news that businesses across the North East are struggling with staff shortages. For a lot of businesses, big or small, they will be relying on trainees and future talent to fill those gaps.
The government has said that it will be reviewing further and technical education, that colleges are responsible for delivering. More funding for colleges would be a positive approach to reducing pressures to deliver on targets. This would help learners thrive and businesses find new, driven employees and apprentices.
A key word the government has coined in the last few months is “growth”. Just imagine the potential for growth in the North East if colleges had more funding, with the vision of making the region a better place to live, learn and work.