Principal & Chief Executive of Solihull College & University Centre, Dr Rebecca Gater, recently had the privilege of representing the College at a celebration event at 10 Downing Street.
The event highlighted the pivotal role that Further Education (FE) Colleges play in shaping the country’s future workforce. The visit was made possible through the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE), with Lord Lingfield, Ambassador for CIFE, hosting a Skills Reception Celebration during the Association of College’s ‘Colleges Week’.
The reception included a warm welcome from Lord Lingfield, underscoring the significance of CIFE, and a compelling talk by Minister of State (Education), Rt Hon Robert Halfon, discussing the crucial role of FE in the context of government funding and the broader skills landscape.
Dr Gater expressed enthusiasm about the proactive and agile nature of the FE sector, highlighting its ability to meet the evolving demands of education and workforce development. She commented: “Our collective focus is on helping students secure sustainable employment, enhancing communities, and contributing to economic growth. The event aimed to celebrate the efforts of the sector in achieving these objectives.”
Solihull College & University Centre is demonstrating its dedication to student prosperity as lead partner of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) and most recently taking the lead on the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) project.
The West Midlands region, including the Black Country, Birmingham, and Solihull, was notably well-represented, along with colleges from across the country. Dr Gater added: “Engaging in conversations with colleagues from various regions allowed for the exchange of ideas and best practices, fostering a collaborative approach to advancing the skills agenda.”
The visit to 10 Downing Street underscored the collective strength and commitment of FE Colleges in actively contributing to a skilled, empowered, and economically robust future.
