Easington MP Grahame Morris celebrated College Week 2020 (19 – 23 October) with the principal Suzanne Duncan and students from East Durham College.

During a covid-secure visit, Mr Morris discussed the importance of the Further Education sector in East Durham, where there are currently 7580 students enrolled in college programmes. Mr Morris offered his support for the Association of Colleges, Plan for Skills, a submission to the Treasury’s Spending Review calling for:

• a Plan for Skills which builds on this year’s plan for jobs;
• immediate action to close the digital poverty divide and a stronger support package for students leaving education; and
• a long-term further education strategy, with college business centres supporting employers through expert advice and delivery on skills.

Following the visit, Mr Morris said:

“East Durham College is an exceptional institution with truly world-class facilities. However, their greatest asset is the teaching staff and students who are delivering and developing the training and skills our community will need to secure a covid recovery.

Further Education Colleges have been under-valued and neglected over the last ten years. We need the government to end this neglect. Our colleges deliver the training employers want, providing people with the life skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

Investing in Further Education will pay dividends for the wider economy, and we need a long term vision to make our College Sector a global leader in the delivery of education, skills and training.”