• Home
• About
• Courses
• Departments
• International
• Employers
• Jobs
• News
• Contact

News

City College Responds to Further Education White Paper

27 March 2006

In an FE White Paper published today, the government lays out its plans to entice new talent and persuade people to 'give something back' by training workers. Industry and public sector high-fliers are being encouraged to work in Further Education colleges in a new drive to raise England's adult skills. The announcement by Education Secretary Ruth Kelly and Chancellor Gordon Brown highlights the skills shortage. Ms. Kelly hopes it will bridge a 'major chasm' between training and jobs.

City College has made employer engagement a key part of its strategic focus in recent years. It was one of the first Colleges in the country to achieve 'Action for Business Colleges' accreditation (a Learning and Skills Council kitemark to employers signalling that the College provides services that are responsive to local employers' needs) and Principal Ann Smith was named Sussex Businessperson of the Year in 2005. The College works with over 2,000 employers in areas such as retail, digital design, hairdressing, catering and construction.

Ann Smith says:

"The White Paper takes a number of valuable new steps - such as the creation of the new 19-25 entitlement, and the emphasis on expanding specialist training facilities and we support the increased focus on the college role in leading the skills revolution. However, the Government could be bolder in requiring employers to take their responsibilities seriously, and be more helpful to individuals. The total investment in training undertaken off employer premises is only £205 per employee per year, a national total of £2.9 billion - only a faction of what the taxpayer spends on skills development."

"Colleges are one of the most successful and high quality parts of the public services. They should be trusted to respond strategically to the needs of their employers and their communities, and to deliver results without excessive regulation and bureaucracy. Rather than force colleges to cut training opportunities for adults, the Government should be moving urgently to shift much of the £500m currently spent on bureaucracy onto the front line."

For further information, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk

About City College Brighton and Hove: Founded over 100 years ago, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of excellence. Every year over 2,000 full-time and 13,000 part time students as well as many international and European students choose City College as their education provider. The College provides training to over 2,000 businesses and has a 'City Business Skills' department which focuses on employers' needs. Offering over 650 courses from basic level to pre-University level, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.