"For too long, our Further Education sector has been plagued by short-termism and funding cuts. However, against the backdrop of a changing economy, Brexit, and now the urgency of the corona crisis, it is clear more than ever before that we need our Further Education (FE) sector to be at the forefront of social and economic recovery.
The Skills and Post-16 Education Bill offers a step in the right direction. We need to support leaners of all ages to develop the transferable and technical skills to thrive, train and re-skill in our changing world of work. To be sustainable, we must ensure that people from all backgrounds are able to access support and training, and collaboration must remain at the heart of the system.
Government rhetoric now needs to be met with pace and urgent funding if we are to rise to this challenge."
Alice Barnard, CEO, Edge Foundation
