Education Secretary announces social mobility package

In response to the social mobility package announced by the Education Secretary, Justine Greening MP at the Conservative Party Conference today, David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC), said: “Further education and sixth form colleges have a vital role to play in supporting the Government’s vision for improving social mobility. Colleges already contribute so much to the fabric of people’s lives, working in partnership with schools and businesses to offer education and training where everyone can achieve. “In each of the identified ‘Opportunity Areas’ there are colleges standing by, keen to take on the challenge of improving opportunities for people in their local community. “If the Government’s plan is to succeed, careers education and guidance must ensure that young people are aware of all the options available to them post-16. If young people are to become socially mobile, they must be studying the right course or training in the subject that will help them progress on chosen career path. I'm pleased that the Secretary of State is keen to develop the technical training routes in colleges which young people deserve, as set out in the Skills Plan.”