Education and skills - January 2008
Parliament returned from the Christmas recess at the start of last week. One of the first bills to be debated in the House of Commons was a bill on education and skills.
We all know that education is essential. It is at the heart of creating a fairer society and offering opportunity to all. And this Bill will extend the educational opportunities that are available to young people and adults.
We need to ensure that young people are engaged in education and training and are able to develop the skills they need to prosper in the modern economy. To do this we must ensure that every young person has access to suitable and worthwhile learning opportunities, and provide the support they need to access these opportunities. That is why the Government has introduced diplomas – combining the best of academic and practical learning – and apprenticeships, which will increase the learning opportunities available to 14 to 19 year olds. And that is why, over the next seven years, the education leaving age will be raised to 18.
But education does not end when we leave school. More than ever we are aware of the importance of adult learning. We certainly know this in Birmingham – following the collapse of Rover, the need to offer people the opportunity to train and continue to develop new skills is obvious. This Bill will also ensure opportunities are provided to enable adults to exercise their right to basic and intermediate skills development.
At the start of 2008, improving education is at the top of the agenda and it will stay there throughout the year. I would like to wish all Bromsgrove Standard readers a happy, healthy and educational 2008.
