Launch – The FE and Skills Sector in 2020: A Social Productivity Approach, 26 May 2011 6pm

This major report, commissioned by the Learning Skills and Information Service (LSIS) argues that the learning and skills sector has a crucial role in helping to support a new model of growth, based on local enterprise and localised skills development.

Our panellists include:

• Lord Victor Adebowale, Chief Executive of the social business, Turning Point
• Paul Head, Principal of Haringey, Enfield and North East London College
• Phillip Blond, Director Respublica

Further Education rarely excites as much interest as schools and universities, which is why Sir Andrew Foster called it the ‘Cinderella sector’ in his report for the last government. Yet, at a time of large scale youth unemployment, the need for better vocational and adult education in order to improve skill levels is widely recognised. FE could play a powerful role, establishing local enterprise hubs, and leading citizen engagement.

The report draws on recent research across FE and skills. By focussing on three key cities – Manchester, Nottingham and Bristol – it explores innovative approaches to the following key questions:

• What challenges and opportunities face the sector as a more liberal, market-based regime emerges?
• How can the FE sector help drive ‘socially productive’ skills policy within a changing geography of local growth?
• How can local colleges become the democratic, community hubs that can link a more connected society?
• At a time of consolidation and cuts, how can FE be the glue that binds local integrated public services?

Please contact us if you are interested in attending.

Download the Executive Summary

Images from the launch