Our response to the Education Secretary's speech

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said:

“Investment in education and skills is the foundation stone of a prosperous economy and the most important factor in closing regional divides.

“The CBI has been calling for investment and reform of our skills system to put centre stage. The Education Secretary is right to make colleges and further education a top priority.

“Today’s announcement, coming hot on the heels of further funding announced in the Spending Review, shows the Government is rising to the challenge.”

On the £120 million additional investment for up to eight new Institutes of Technology, Matthew said:

"Expanding high-quality technical education and training is a top priority for employers who will welcome this extra investment. By bringing firms, colleges and higher education together, these Institutes can open the door to great careers or further training.”

On the establishment of a new Skills and Productivity group, Matthew said:

“Business demand and expectation levels for skills is continuing to change. In a fast-moving economy, it’s critical that the Government hears direct from business the skills needed to compete and grow, and then adapts course content to meet these needs.”

On the introduction of specialist 16-19 maths schools in every region, Matthew said:

“More than four in five businesses rank developing STEM skills amongst their top three priorities for action, so a specialist maths schools in every region will help to plug this gap.”