Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Electronics Technology Skills: North Lancashire

29 March 2023 · 0 other contributors · 3,597 words

Opened by David Morris Con Morecambe and Lunesdale

Responding minister: Robert Halfon

EducationEmploymentScience & Technology

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Morris raised concerns about electronics technology skills: north lancashire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale highlighted the shortage of practical electronics skills in graduates, particularly in radio frequency/analogue electronics and software development languages like C and C++.
  • The MP called on the government to incorporate practical workplace skills into electronics qualifications and to provide incentives for businesses to train new staff in this discipline.
  • The Minister acknowledged the growing demand for STEM skills in the economy and noted the Government's investment of 3.8 billion in further education and skills over the Parliament.

Key requests to Government

The MP asked the Government to incorporate practical workplace skills into electronics qualifications. He requested more incentives for businesses to train new staff in this discipline and urged the government to promote electronics as a career, encouraging more people to enter the workforce in this sector.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

David Morris Con Morecambe and Lunesdale

The Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale highlighted the need for practical electronics skills in graduates to make them work-ready. He mentioned a shortage of radio frequency/analogue electronic skills and software development skills, such as proficiency with C and C++. Businesses have formed 'electech clusters' to address these gaps and are collaborating closely with educational institutions like Lancaster and Morecambe College to create relevant training programs and labs for students.

Government Response

Robert Halfon

It is a pleasure to serve under you, Mr Hollobone, and I extend special congratulations to my hon. Friend—the Member for Morecambe and Lunesdale on securing the debate. He is a champion of skills. The Minister highlighted technological change and the future economic direction of the country means that demand for STEM skills such as electronics in the economy is growing. To address this, the Government has invested an additional £3.8 billion in further education and skills over the Parliament period. Over 90% of apprentices who complete get good jobs or go on to further education. The Minister also mentioned that there are more than 650 apprenticeship standards in general, including many opportunities in electronics such as level 2, level 3, and level 6 electrical engineering apprenticeships. In addition, the Government will invest up to £500 million a year in T-levels once they are fully rolled out. The Minister also discussed higher technical qualifications at levels 4 and 5 designed by employers to meet specific needs. Furthermore, skills bootcamps provide free training in STEM subjects with guaranteed job interviews upon completion. In north Lancashire, Tech Lancaster offers key industrial experience in electronics for adults to acquire the necessary skills local businesses need. The Minister also introduced Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) which identify and address regional skill gaps. Overall, £2.8 billion is being invested in capital improvements including on T-levels, more post-16 places, and improving the condition of FE estates over the next three years.

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