Thurrock MP Jen Craft visits Thurrock College as government highlights “crucial role” of further education colleges

ON Monday (10 December), Thurrock MP Jen Craft visited Thurrock College in Grays, to discuss their work in providing post 16 courses and training to young people and adults in the area. 

Part of the South Essex Colleges Group, the Thurrock campus offers a wide range of vocational and skills-based courses, with specialist workshop and studio spaces linked to courses for construction, music production and creative arts.

Mrs Craft toured the state-of-the-art music department and met with students and staff, hearing about the College’s aim to raise the aspiration of young people in Thurrock by providing them with the skills and training to access good jobs in the region.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Mrs Craft celebrated the work of South Essex College and the important role further education colleges play in the education system. This comes after the Labour Government committed to driving forward post-16 skills training, with £300 million invested into further education at the Autumn Budget.

Addressing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, Jen Craft MP said:

“This morning I had the pleasure of visiting South Essex college in my constituency, which offers a significant variety of post-16 skills-based courses, from theatre and music production through to digital skills, robotics and hospitality.

“The college is keen to raise the aspirations of local young people, matching their ambitions with the needs of employers in the region. 

“What role does the Secretary of State see the further education sector playing in delivering the Government’s skills agenda?”

In response, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted the central role of Thurrock College and other further education colleges in the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, said:

“My Honourable Friend is absolutely right that our further education colleges have a crucial role to play in providing opportunities for our young people and for adult returners to education. 

“Colleges have a strong impact on regional economic growth. We think that they have a bigger role to play still, which is why they will be a central part of what we take forward through Skills England.”

ENDS