Bridgwater and Taunton College’s (BTC) outstanding contribution to apprenticeship training was recognised in Parliament this week as Sir Ashley Fox MP highlighted its achievements during a debate on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ashley Fox praised BTC as the UK’s largest provider of apprenticeships, supporting thousands of learners in gaining the skills and experience needed for today’s workforce. He pointed to the college’s extensive employer partnerships and industry-aligned training as key to its success.
“Bridgwater and Taunton College is a national leader in apprenticeship provision, offering outstanding opportunities for young people to develop the skills needed for today’s job market,” he said. “Its registered nurse degree apprenticeship alone recruited 53 apprentices in the 2023-24 academic year. This is exactly the type of employer-engaged, industry-focused training we should be fostering.”
While acknowledging the Government’s aim to streamline the governance of technical education, Ashley Fox expressed concerns that the Bill, in its current form, risks centralising decision-making and reducing the input of employers, education providers, and industry specialists.
“The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education was established to ensure that apprenticeship standards and assessments were shaped by those with direct knowledge of industry needs. Replacing this with a group of civil servants appointed by the Secretary of State risks making technical education less responsive to the labour market,” he said.
Ashley Fox reiterated his commitment to scrutinising the Bill as it progresses through Parliament, ensuring that any reforms continue to support high-quality apprenticeship provision and maintain the link between technical education and employer needs.
