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Future Skills Programmes: Universities
26 February 2025
Lead MP
Ed Davey
Kingston and Surbiton
LD
Responding Minister
Janet Daby
Tags
Education
Word Count: 4181
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Ed Davey raised concerns about future skills programmes: universities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.