BUILDING COLLEGE JOINS ‘MIND THE SKILLS GAP’ LOBBY OF MPS

[THE PRINCIPAL of Leeds College of Building – West Yorkshire’s specialist construction college – joined colleagues from Yorkshire and across the UK on 1 March to lobby MPs at Westminster as part of a national campaign to bring skills to the forefront of the government’s agenda. The Mind the Skills Gap event issued a call for fairer funding, a right to lifelong learning and support for local skills shortages.

Following 12 years of declining funding for adults and young people, a 2022 report from the Open University and British Chambers of Commerce found that more than 68% of SMEs are currently facing skills shortages, rising to 86% in large organisations.

Nikki Davis, Leeds College of Building’s principal and CEO, commented: “Colleges are vital in addressing significant skills gaps across the economy, including the next generation of skilled construction professionals. Research shows that around a quarter of a million extra construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet growing demands on the UK sector, and to counter an ageing workforce.

“Without additional investment in further education we will not be able to fill critical shortages in priority areas – such as net-zero carbon emissions and modern methods of construction – and deliver the diverse labour market the country needs.”

The executive principal at Leeds City College, Bill Jones, added: “Education, particularly further education, has been central to the skills agenda for some time and the sector has been tirelessly campaigning in order to get the necessary support from government to successfully close the skills gap.

College leaders from across the country gather for the Mind the Skills Gap campaign outside Parliament, calling for additional investment in further education and skills.

“All the industries where skills shortages are being felt most acutely are bridged by Level 4 or 5 skills and qualifications, which are delivered in further education colleges. We will continue campaigning collectively to keep FE front of mind and to remind government of the important role it plays.”

His sentiments were echoed by Palvinder Singh, principal and chief executive at nearby Kirklees College, who commented: “Adult education is essential to local and regional skills needs and for the social mobility of thousands of learners. Insufficient funding for our adult provision limits opportunities for adult learners to gain the vital skills to support the future workforce and economy. This provision is essential for economic growth and productivity.”

As part of the campaign on 1 March the principals were involved in a panel discussion, organised by the Future Skills Coalition, that focused on how the lack of funding for colleges is having a direct impact on the sector’s ability to deliver the skilled workers the economy needs. q