Local MPs Ben Everitt and Iain Stewart have shared their delight that Milton Keynes College will benefit from a share of £83 million Government funding to boost teaching space.
39 post-16 education providers including MK College have received awards from the fund, which will be used to build new classrooms, science labs, and extend teaching facilities.
This builds on the steps set out in the Skills for Jobs White Paper to transform further and technical education and deliver the skilled workforce employers and the economy need, helping to level up skills and opportunities for more people across the country.
Ben and Iain both visited MK College recently to discuss the work they are doing to be the vital link between school and the world of work ensuring young people have the skills they need to be ready for MK’s business needs.
Schools and colleges benefitting from the additional funding will be required to show how their projects will support the government’s drive to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Post-16 Capacity Fund is part of a wider programme of significant, long-term investment in the buildings and facilities the country needs to deliver world class skills to students.
The Conservative Government recently announced that it will invest £2.8 billion by 2024–25 so that students have access to the facilities and equipment they need to fulfil their potential. This includes extra funding to support post-16 providers to increase places to accommodate rising numbers of 16 to 19-year-olds.
Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, said: “I am delighted Milton Keynes College is receiving a portion of this £83 million which will help boost their capacity to continue their brilliant work providing skills to young people in Milton Keynes.
“I know Julie Mills and the team at MK College are working hard with businesses and with schools to ensure they’re delivering the best possible outcome for students so we can plug the skills gap in the market and they’re doing a fantastic job.”
Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, commented: “While talent is spread evenly across the country, opportunity is not. And admissions should not be limited by the size of classrooms, but by the calibre of students and applicants.
“That is why I am grateful for the Conservative Government’s support for Milton Keynes College from their investment of £83 million in extra teaching space for students across England.
“By boosting teaching space, we can increase the number of students able to continue with their education or receive the skills they need to fulfil their potential as we build back better.”
Skills Minister Alex Burghart added: “Every young person should have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to reach their goals and go on to have successful careers.
“This investment will boost capacity so we can make sure there is a place for every 16 to 19-year-old, giving them access to the high-quality learning facilities they need to succeed.”
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