Telford MP, Lucy Allan, yesterday joined a cross party group of MPs from the Education Select Committee on a visit to Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and the University of Warwick.
The visit enabled Members to meet academics, students and staff, to discuss matters relating to two of the Select Committee’s current inquiries: value for money in higher education and the quality of apprenticeship provision.
The visit consisted of tours of the International Manufacturing and Automotive Research Centres, interactions and discussions with students and staff, and meetings with Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, the Chair of the Warwick Manufacturing Group. The Committee were able to speak to young people currently undertaking degree apprenticeships sponsored by major businesses such as Dyson, Rolls Royce and Jaguar Land Rover, to learn more about the benefits of this type of learning.
Committee members also had the chance to meet PHD students who are currently working on aspects of the development of driverless cars.
Commenting, Ms Allan, who has been a member of the Education Select Committee since July 2015, said:
“Yesterday’s visit to the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and the University of Warwick was inspirational.
“The feedback we received from students, staff and industry representatives will form an important part of the Committee’s review in these two critical areas.
“I want to make sure that students from Telford, who choose to go to university are getting the right help and support both to attend university, but also to make a success of their futures.
“I would like to see more emphasis placed on technical education for those who want to pursue careers straight from school. It is important to provide our young people with a platform to access a career in industry and earn while they learn. I hope the Government’s Review of post-18 education will help address this.”
Notes for Editors
Details of the two Select Committee inquiries can be found at: