Marcus Mason, Head of Business, Education and Skills, comments on the new government’s likely impact on the relationship between education and business.
In this Business Update video Marcus Mason gives us his views on how the new government’s policies will relate to the Norfolk Chamber’s wide campaign to bridge the gap between education and business.
Referring to the British Chambers of Commerce manifesto, into which Norfolk Chamber members had a major input, he foresees more effort being put into the development of key skills, including teamwork and communication. Similarly he predicts that Apprenticeships will be high on the agenda, although he expresses concern over where the funding will come from if the targets are to be met. Pointedly he raises the question that an increase in quantity of Apprenticeships brings with it an attendant danger of a decrease in quality.
Marcus also raises an issue that has a direct relevance to our region. Predicting a rise in the devolution in skills funding, he points out that London is already benefitting from the policy. But what of the rest of the country? For Norfolk to deliver its potential we must be supported with the necessary funding to allow our young people to cross that bridge between education and commerce, enabling them to contribute to the continued growth and development of our businesses.
It’s a profound point and one that must be high on our agenda for the immediate future.
