Supporting further education will increase social mobility and address the UK’s stark regional disparities

Across the country, further education institutions are educating and training over 1.5 million people, equipping them with the skills they and our country need to succeed.

Colleges, like Shipley College in my own constituency, play a crucial role in the UK’s education system. They offer vocational training, apprenticeships, and essential skills to both young people and adults seeking to upskill or reskill.

By every measure, further education is one of the key drivers of the British economy, serving as a vital bridge between compulsory schooling and higher education or employment. These institutions help enhance productivity, address skills gaps, and promote social mobility.

So, in a day and age where the Learning and Work Institute projects that the UK could face a shortfall of 2.5 million highly skilled workers by 2030, how have they been supported since the previous Labour Government left office in 2010?

Significant funding cuts have left colleges in desperate need of support, with spending on adult skills and apprenticeships nationally in 2024-25 being 23% lower than it was in 2009-10. The sector is facing various challenges, including not only financial issues but also workforce pressures, overly complex structures, and outdated infrastructure.

During my time as a Member of Parliament, I have witnessed the tremendous impact that a well-run college can have on the local community. Shipley College, for example, is the leading institution for health training in our area and has established a strong partnership with Bradford Royal Infirmary.

I recently visited the college, where I had the opportunity to meet students and staff who were training with life-like robots that use AI-generated voices to simulate conversations with patients. This innovative approach clearly boosts students’ confidence and prepares them far better than traditional teaching methods.

Thanks to government funding, the college has invested in incredible resources, including Gaumard human simulators, Anatomage tables for studying anatomy and physiology, and immersive classrooms that allow students to practice delivering skilled care in realistic, low risk scenarios.

However, FE colleges require substantial investment to upgrade and maintain their buildings, facilities, and equipment, thereby providing modern learning environments and access to up-to- date technology. Since these colleges were returned to public ownership, they have lost the ability to borrow money for capital projects. Now, they must seek permission from the Department of Education to obtain funds, a process that is often slow. As a result, staff have reported that their ambitions for further capital investment are quite limited.

When equipped with the right resources, colleges can achieve remarkable results. Each year, 3.8 million individuals aged 19 and over in England pursue skills education, helping them build rewarding careers and achieve their aspirations.

With proper support, FE colleges can significantly enhance productivity in key sectors, including engineering, healthcare, digital technology, and construction. They can provide skilled technicians and specialists, allowing businesses to grow, innovate, and remain competitive.

I am delighted that this Labour Government is committed to equipping the workforce with the skills they need to rebuild Britain, including through the establishment of Skills England. And, I urge the Government to go further and empower local areas and colleges to tailor provision to local labour market needs and community demands.

By improving and effectively supporting FE, we can also increase social mobility and address the stark regional disparities across the UK – one of our core Labour values.

FE institutions encourage participation from learners with disadvantaged backgrounds by offering flexible schedules, part-time study options, and personalised support services to help overcome barriers to education. This approach is particularly valuable in cities like Bradford, where 10% of the population lacks any qualifications, contributing significantly to issues such as poverty, unemployment, and low-paying jobs.

For many, further education represents the most affordable and practical route to upskilling, career advancement, or progression to university.

These colleges are crucial not only to the UK’s education system but also to nearly every aspect of our economy. I believe it is time to support them effectively again, as the last Labour Government did. This can be achieved by increasing both day-to-day and capital funding, addressing teacher shortages, and ensuring that those in further education have the same opportunities to advance as anyone else.