Looking forward to representing West Herts College and Barnfield College at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Winter Reception UK Parliament this afternoon and to hearing Skills Minister Jacqui Smith and #AOC CEO David Hughes CBE setting out their vision for #FE and #Skills over the term of this Parliament!

Our wonderful BSDC T-Level learners Emilia and Maisie demonstrating their fantastic skills at the House of Lords Association of Colleges (AoC) parliamentary reception.

Packed House of Lords terrace for Association of Colleges (AoC)’s winter reception. Jacqui Smith says ‘we can’t deliver the government’s missions without the contribution to skills you are making’

Good to meet with Alan Pease, head of @SuffolkNewColl which is doing great work across the county, particularly in #Halesworth where young people are learning new skills & regaining their confidence in education FE colleges have a vital role to play yet have been under-funded

Colleges have a critical role to play in kickstarting sustainable, inclusive economic growth across all parts of the country, says Paul Nowak, General Secretary at Trades Union Congress. Read more in our 'Mission accepted' report: aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns…

Good to attend Association of Colleges (AoC) reception House of Lords to meet supportive local MP Anna Dixon MP for Shipley . The Mission accepted report (the role of colleges across the government’s five missions) outlined by David Hughes CBE provides a real focus for the sector’s ongoing lobbying.

A privilege to celebrate with the Association of Colleges (AoC) as they launched their response to the Government’s five missions House of Lords yesterday. Very positive speeches from Jackie Smith and Helen Hayes 💙🌹 and lovely to see principals & their MPs aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns…

"We know that FE colleges are absolutely key in providing the skilled workforce we need to help Britain achieve net-zero." - Stuart Crooks, Hinkley Point C, on how colleges are delivering the government's mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns…

Last night, I spoke to representatives from the Association of Colleges (AoC), and wider skills bodies. We heard from the Skills Minister Jacqui Smith and discussed the importance of ensuring the Government delivers on its five missions, which I will continue to raise in parliament.

We are incredibly proud to be part of the AOC's new report showing just how important colleges like ours are in driving success across the UK. This video case study shows how our Energy Academy is leading the way in training for green skills.

We were thrilled to launch our 'Mission accepted' report in the House of Lords yesterday, celebrating the incredible work of colleges alongside college members and parliamentarians. You can read the report here: aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns…

I met with two of Suffolk's most outstanding educational leaders at last night's Association of Colleges (AoC) Winter Reception. Great to catch up with Alan Pease and Nikos Savvas and talk about how we drive up outcomes and expand life chances for young people in our town and county.

"I’ve witnessed the important role that colleges play in building safe, cohesive local communities." - nazir afzal, Former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, and former Chair of Hopwood Hall College & University Centre. Read more in our new report:aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns…

James Griffiths Chief Superintendent and Kirklees District Commander, West Yorkshire Police, emphasises the importance of having colleges at the heart of the safer streets agenda. Read more in our 'Mission accepted' report: aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns…

"It’s good to see the government publish the English Devolution White Paper today, offering local leaders and communities the powers and tools they need to deliver inclusive growth for their area." - David Hughes CBE, AoC Chief Executive Read more here: aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns…

Congratulations Josh Babarinde OBE MP A very warm welcome to our #FEHallofFame

Great to see Naushabah Khan MP 🌹 at PMQs raising the importance of tackling the college workforce challenge to deliver on the house-building target. She highlighted the valuable construction skills provided by MidKent College, and the recruitment and retention challenges they face.

I quoted this work yesterday to the FE & Lifelong Learning APPG expertly chaired by Jonathan Brash MP. The session highlighted how integral FE colleges are to the delivery of the govt's missions. David Hughes CBE Lewis Cooper Association of Colleges (AoC)

And finally... I met with the Association of Colleges to discuss important reforms to the skills sector that could drive economic growth.

A report from Association of Colleges (AoC) & @BellFoundation urges policy makers to learn from & work with devolved authorities on innovative approaches to ESOL provision which could realise the potential of thousands of English Language Learners. bell-foundation.org.uk/our-work/with-…