Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Future Skills Programmes: Universities

26 February 2025 · 4 other contributors · 4,181 words

Opened by Ed Davey LD Kingston and Surbiton

Responding minister: Janet Daby

EducationScience & Technology

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ed Davey raised concerns about future skills programmes: universities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The debate focuses on the need to enhance students' practical skills such as creative problem solving, digital competency including AI, adaptability, empathy, collaboration, enterprise, resilience, and self-awareness.
  • Ed Davey requests that the Minister visit Kingston University to learn more about the Future Skills programme and its potential for wider implementation.
  • The Minister stresses the importance of lifelong learning and highlights the Government's commitment to a comprehensive skills strategy including higher education reforms and the establishment of Skills England.

Key requests to Government

Ed Davey requests that the Minister visit Kingston University to learn more about the Future Skills programme and its potential for wider implementation across England and the UK.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Ed Davey LD Kingston and Surbiton

The debate focuses on the need to enhance students' practical skills, such as creative problem solving, digital competency including AI, adaptability, empathy, collaboration, enterprise, resilience, and self-awareness. These are essential life skills that businesses require but are rarely taught directly in universities.

Other contributors (4)
  • Gideon Amos LD Taunton and Wellington

    Asked the Minister for support to prepare workers at University Centre Somerset for new roles created by the Tata Agratas gigafactory, emphasizing the need for skills development.

  • Janet Daby Lab Dartford

    Acknowledged steps taken by Kingston University and expressed the importance of engaging with stakeholders to ensure effective and inclusive strategies.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the debate's focus on enhancing skills through online courses and programmes, suggesting that greater Government support could benefit more students.

  • Tahir Ali Lab Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley

    Supports the initiative for rolling out similar future skills programmes in many universities, highlighting its benefits for employability and daily life skills. Asked the Minister to agree that the skills agenda should start at secondary school and continue through, advocating for no barriers to opportunity.

Government Response

Janet Daby

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education

Stressed the importance of lifelong learning, highlighted the Government's commitment to a comprehensive skills strategy including higher education reforms and the establishment of Skills England. Emphasised the role of HTQs in providing essential skills and opportunities for learners from all backgrounds.

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