Million Plus

The university think-tank million+ has today (1 February) commented on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee report on the government’s Productivity Plan, specifically regarding the proposed target of creating three million apprentices and the sizeable role that universities play in delivering vocational qualifications.

Professor Dave Phoenix, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University, said:

“We welcome the fact that MPs have called for Ministers to set out how their apprenticeship policy links with the need for different skill levels in different sectors of the economy.

“However, the suggestion by the BIS Select Committee that vocational education is only linked with colleges is inaccurate. Over 25% of students now enter university with a vocational qualification and universities deliver a wide range of vocational and professional courses including higher level Apprenticeships and degrees sponsored by employers. Any business plan that the government produces to improve productivity through vocational education must therefore include the contribution of universities.”


ENDS

Notes to Editors
1.   For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 | 07527 336795 or press@millionplus.ac.uk
2.   million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3.   Professor Dave Phoenix gave evidence on behalf of million+ to the BIS Committee during the Productivity Plan Inquiry in autumn 2015. You can read the million+ submission here and supplementary evidence here.
4.   The BIS Committee report itself is released on 1 February 2016; it will be available here.