Education secretary Gavin Williamson has appointed a number of “FE reform parliamentary ambassadors”.
Siobahn Baillie, the MP for Stroud, the Valleys and Vale, Lia Nici, MP for Great Grimsby, and Ben Bradley, MP for Mansfield, announced their new role on social media today, as Mr Williamson delivered his landmark speech on the future of further education earlier today.
In their role, the ambassadors will promote and champion the FE sector, as well as to employers and key local partners, including colleges, said the government. As part of this voluntary role, ambassadors will help promote the benefits of the planned college reforms and help drive the ambition the government has for the sector.
In his speech today, Gavin Williamson spoke about the upcoming FE white paper, and said it will build a “world-class, German-style” further education system in England and “level up skills and opportunities.”
In her tweet announcing her appointment, Ms Baillie said that “we need high quality skills and training more than ever”.
Former skills minister and chair of the education select committee Robert Halfon congratulated Ms Baillie, and said she had “such a passion for FE”.
Ms Nici said she was “delighted” to have been appointed as “reform ambassador”.
And Mr Bradley said Mr Williamson’s vision was “spot on”.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Our new “FE reform parliamentary ambassadors” will champion the FE sector and the secretary of state’s reform plans as set out in his speech today, as well as employers and key local partners, including colleges. As part of this role, ambassadors will help promote the benefits of our planned reforms and help to drive the ambition which we have for the sector.”
