The APPGM met in the Attlee Suite in Portcullis House on 30 January 2006 to discuss the Government's funding priorities for the learning and skills sectors. DfES Minister Bill Rammell defended the changing funding arrangements. He argued that it is essential to meet the national priorities which were identified in the Skills and 14-19 White Papers, even if one consequence is that more learners and employers are asked to pay a greater share of course costs. While he accepted that more can be done to encourage progression of learners to Level 3 qualifications, Mr Rammell also pointed to a number of policies designed to improve management and leadership skills.
Sir Andrew Foster desribed the key recommendations made in his review of the future role of further education colleges, which was published in November 2005. The reports call for the Further Education sector to be given a primary focus on economically valuable skills, and Sir Andrew called for colleges to be more responsive to employers. However, he also challenged employers to adopt a more constructive attitude towards colleges and to be more realistic about their skills needs. Simon Roberts of McLaren Racing offered insights into how McLaren has worked with Kingston FE College to provide training for their managers and future leaders.
You can download the minutes from the meeting here.
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