Earlier this month, Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of the Council, met with education, apprenticeship and training providers from across Brighton & Hove to understand the challenges and opportunities that the sector is facing.
City Provider Forum (Adult Education and Apprenticeships)
On Wednesday 2 October, Councillor Sankey joined local providers of training and apprenticeships, further and higher education, and adult education at the first meeting of the City Provider Forum (Adult Education and Apprenticeships).
Providers shared challenges and opportunities to inform the direction of future work and views on how we can work together to deliver responsive provision that meets the economic needs of the city and addresses skills gaps.
Councillor Sankey was also eager to hear providers’ ideas about how we can support the Government’s plans to develop a single picture of national and local skills needs, simplify the skills system and increase the supply of skilled workers through the Skills England Bill.
A range of next steps were identified for the forum and the council, including:
- Preparing to respond to reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy, as the Government recently announced that it will become a Skills and Growth Levy
- Working collaboratively to plan for National Apprenticeship Week 2025 to increase the profile of apprenticeships in the city
- Growing the Business Pre-Employment Forum which launched in September, to ensure more employers feel supported and ready to engage with the various pre-employment programmes available
16-19 Curriculum and Standards Network
On Monday 14 October, Councillor Sankey met with local training providers for 16- to 19-year-olds, including Cardinal Newman College, Plumpton College, University of Brighton, Brighton MET, Varndean College, DV8, SupaJam and Sutton and District Training.
The 16-19 Curriculum and Standards Network meets regularly throughout the academic year to discuss the curriculum and share current challenges and opportunities.
At the latest meeting, providers also heard from Councillor Sankey about the council’s priorities and approach to devolution.
Local collaboration
Councillor Sankey said: “I had a very productive and inspiring set of meetings with our education, apprenticeship and training providers in our city and wider region who provide a high quality offer, despite sector challenges.
“There was a strong consensus that with greater local collaboration and greater long-term certainty from Government, we can provide opportunities that will allow all learners to reach their potential and unlock growth and progress for our region.
“I look forward to building on the connections made and hearing how the opportunities discussed are progressed.”
Nick Fenn, Principal of Aldridge Adult Learning, said: “It was fantastic to see so much passion and energy in the room related to apprenticeships, learning and skills.
“It was exciting to hear about the benefits that devolution may bring to the city as well as the impact we can have by working in partnership with other providers who attended the meeting. I look forward to discussions continuing.”