After opening with an evidence session hosted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority earlier in the month, Barry Sheerman MP recently chaired the second evidence session of the Skills 2030 inquiry in Parliament.  

Skills 2030 is a major inquiry by the Skills Commission into how to deliver a world-class skills system in England by the end of the next Parliament. It has sought to bring together leading figures from across the skills sector, including key stakeholders in Further Education, Higher Education, skills policy, industry, and academia. 

This session explores what policy measures the next government should prioritise to deliver a world-class skills system, with participants sharing their views on how policymakers can establish a more holistic vision for the future of the skills agenda.  

Whilst highlighted that career guidance is fundamental to ensuring there is a change in the way the public perceives and interacts with further education, there was also agreement that policies and processes must be altered through reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy and business foresight.  

There was also recognition of the need to establish a skills taxonomy, better assess the level and quality of current qualifications, and ensure more collaboration between higher education and further education.  

Thanks to participants for providing insightful evidence and our Skills 2030 sponsors Jisc, the Institute of the Motor Industry, and the University of Derby.  

For more information on Skills 2030, please contact peter.wilson [at] policyconnect.org.uk.