Earlier this week, DfE announced that the new Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will be leading on the skills brief with ministerial support from Children’s Minister Kemi Badenoch.
As already announced Jo Johnson will return to the department. This will be in his previous role as Universities Minister, in addition to also returning as a minister at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Confirming that Gavin Williamson's 'skills brief' includes Further Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, a Department of Education spokesperson said:
"All ministerial appointments have now been made and the Education Secretary will be leading on the skills brief, with support from the new Children’s Minister Kemi Badenoch.
"As the Prime Minister has said, further education and skills will be a priority for this government - and the Education Secretary taking the lead for this vital work is a reflection of that commitment."
Expressing the priority he will be placing on Further Education and Skills, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
"Further education and skills will be a big priority for this government and it’s fantastic to see first-hand today how apprenticeships can help people land a great job and embark on a brilliant career.
"We are reforming technical education and apprenticeships are offering excellent options for everyone while helping our country build the skilled workforce it needs for a productive economy.
"That’s particularly important as we prepare to leave the EU and I’m determined to do all I can to make sure more people and businesses take advantage of these excellent opportunities."
“This decision, together with the Government’s pledge for further skills and apprenticeships funding indicates the Prime Minister is matching his rhetoric on further education with action.” Lawrence Barton
Lawrence Barton, Managing Director of GB Training has said:
“The decision to hand the skills and apprenticeships brief to the Education Secretary is encouraging, provided skills policy is given the attention it deserves and doesn’t end up playing second fiddle to the wider education brief. It’s also right that further education, like higher education, is given proper representation in Government and at the Cabinet table. This decision, together with the Government’s pledge for further skills and apprenticeships funding indicates the Prime Minister is matching his rhetoric on further education with action.
"Despite this development, however, more action is needed. While extra funding is required, money alone is not a magic bullet. The skills funding system is riddled with a systemic bias in favour of FE colleges that comes at the expense of independent training providers. This bias is leading to funding bottlenecks, which mean money isn’t getting to where it’s needed. The ultimate losers of this system are learners themselves who are being deprived of the opportunity to train. A simplified, streamlined skills funding system is a key priority and an essential component to successfully delivering the skilled workforce this country needs to stay competitive in a post-Brexit world. This must be a key priority for Gavin Williamson as he adjusts to his additional responsibilities as Education Secretary.”
