Policy Connect were delighted to launch the Skills Commission’s latest report, ‘Skills 2030: Building A World-Class Skills System’, in Parliament last week.

Chaired by the Rt. Hon Sir John Hayes CBE MP, the launch brought together parliamentarians, academics, industry leaders, and sector stakeholders to unveil an agenda for reforming the skills system in England over the next Parliament.

Skills 2030 highlights the importance of skills policy being a top priority for whichever party or parties form the next government. The inquiry heard from stakeholders across the sector about the vital importance of reforms to address challenges in further education, falling employer investment in skills, and persistent barriers facing both young and adult learners.

The report presents a holistic and wide-ranging vision to transform the skills system and ensure that it can adapt and respond to changing workforce needs in the years ahead. It sets out eleven recommendations to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements in the skills system, covering the following important themes:

• Reshaping Skills Policy Decision-making.
• Investing in the future of Further Education and Skills.
• Removing barriers for young learners.
• Maximising employer investment in skills.
• Making Lifelong Learning a reality.

Joined by representatives from across the sector, guests welcomed a set of recommendations that aim to place England on the path to a world-class skills system by 2030.

Panellists discussed the importance of making Lifelong Learning a reality, improving collaboration between Further Education and Higher Education, supporting young learners, and introducing a new FE Workforce Strategy and co-ordinated National Skills Strategy.

The launch event featured brilliant insights from:

• Hayley Pells - The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
• Michelle Burton – West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
• Dr. Benjamin Silverstone – WMG, University of Warwick.
• Lucy McLeod – East Kent Colleges Group.
• Professor Keith McLay – University of Derby.
• Dr. Peter Wilson – Policy Connect.

Thanks to our launch event sponsor WMG, University of Warwick, as well as our inquiry sponsors – The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Jisc, and the University of Derby.

For more information on Skills 2030, please contact peter.wilson [at] poliyconnect.org.uk (peter[dot]wilson[at]poliyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk).