Skills Commission visits Birmingham

Friday April 8^th saw members of the Skills Commission visit Birmingham to investigate how the West Midlands can train the world class technicians it needs to revive its regional economy.

 

The meeting opened with scene-setting presentations from:

• Brenda Shiels (Principal), Kalil Ali and Ben Brogden (Students), Solihull College
• Richard Benefer, Foundation Degree Development Manager, Staffordshire University
• Patrick Highton, Director, Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull Lifelong Learning Network

This was followed by a wide-ranging discussion of the themes raised in the presentations, and the educational and economic challenges facing the region.

 

Hosted at the Midlands office of KPMG, the roundtable meeting was attended by representatives of local colleges, private training providers and business organisations. The roundtable was also attended by local MP Adrian Bailey, Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West and Chair of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee.

 

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Alison Halstead, Chair of the Skills Commission inquiry and Pro-Vice Chancellor at Aston University, said:

“The Government has recognised the importance of technical skills to growing the UK’s manufacturing and engineering industries. This inquiry will build on the recent Wolf report on 14-19 education by focusing on the next stage: technical vocational and professional skills for adults including apprenticeships and higher level education.

The successful development of such technical skills is key to the growth of the West Midlands economy and I am particularly keen to ensure the voice of local employers and participants are heard”


(l-r) Khalil Ali, Brenda Shiels, Ben Brogden and Prof. Alison Halstead