Richard Quigley MP has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement of major reforms to create stronger links between education, technical training and local employment opportunities, saying the Isle of Wight is already demonstrating how this approach can work in practice.
The Prime Minister’s plans will see employers play a greater role in shaping technical education pathways, with schools, colleges and businesses working together to help young people develop the skills needed for local jobs.
Over the past two years, Richard Quigley has been building exactly these kinds of partnerships on the Isle of Wight through his Skills Summit, employer engagement programme, apprenticeship initiatives and support for T-Level placements.
Bringing together employers including GKN Aerospace, Vestas, BAE Systems, WightFibre and others, his work has focused on creating clear pathways from education into high-quality local employment.
Richard Quigley MP said:
“I warmly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to putting technical education and employment opportunities at the heart of our education system.”
“The Isle of Wight is ahead of the curve. While these reforms are now being rolled out nationally, we have already been bringing employers, training providers, schools, charities and community organisations together to build stronger pathways into good jobs.”
“I’ve been clear from day one that university is not the right route for everyone. Young people deserve high-quality alternatives, whether that’s an apprenticeship, a T-Level, a degree apprenticeship or vocational training linked directly to local opportunities.”
Article continues below this advertisement “The Isle of Wight should be a leader, not a follower. By working together with Island employers, we’re showing how local partnerships can help young people gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to build successful careers right here at home.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.”
