Suffolk New College has given a warm welcome to plans from the government to boost technical training for young people.

College Principal Viv Gillespie welcomed the Government’s £500 million investment for the sector which was announced in today’s Budget.

Chancellor Philip Hammond revealed plans to replace 13,000 existing qualifications with 15 “routes” linked to the needs of employers. The new courses are expected to start from the 2019/20 academic year.

Mrs Gillespie said: “The Chancellor’s announcement of significant investment in vocational learning is recognition of the crucial role the sector plays in fuelling the economy by delivering the skills that industry demands, and for providing a fast-track into employment for young people keen to launch their careers.

“In countries like Norway and Germany, where youth unemployment is among the lowest in Europe, vocational qualifications are revered and have helped drive prosperity.

“But for too long in the UK, Further Education (FE) has been seen as a second choice to academic study, despite the national need for more skilled engineers, electricians, construction workers and the like.

“At Suffolk New College we pride ourselves on getting our students job-ready, with 93% going in to work or continuing in education when they complete their studies.”