Minister joins MP for visit to Dudley College
Education minister Jacqui Smith dropped into a Black Country college to celebrate vocational qualifications.
Baroness Smith, minister for skills, marked T-levels week with a visit to Dudley College of Technology with Dudley MP Sonia Kumar.
During their visit, the minister and MP discussed how best to support and promote T-levels, getting young people into work through placements, and how the Government could make use of vocational training to boost economic growth.
T-levels were introduced in 2020 as a vocational alternative to A-levels, focusing on vocational skills rather than academic learning.
They aim to blend classroom learning work-experience placements, preparing students for skilled employment, higher education or further training.
Dudley College offers a range of T-level subjects, with emphasis on science , technology, engineering and maths, as well as construction and health.
Mrs Kumar said it was a pleasure to welcome the minister, and she was proud Dudley College was leading the way in offering T-levels.
“It is only through supporting institutions like Dudley College so that we can close the skills gap, deliver growth, and break down the barriers to opportunity.”
Baroness Smith added: “Dudley College is doing a great job, and I know they’re being very well supported by Sonia Kumar MP.
"She understands how vital skills development is to the Government’s growth and opportunity missions.”
