Lawrence Barton comments on Government appointment for Further Education and Skills

Earlier this week, DfE announced that the new Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will be leading on the skills brief with ministerial support from Children’s Minister Kemi Badenoch.

As already announced Jo Johnson will return to the department. This will be in his previous role as Universities Minister, in addition to also returning as a minister at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Confirming that Gavin Williamson's 'skills brief' includes Further Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, a Department of Education spokesperson said:

"All ministerial appointments have now been made and the Education Secretary will be leading on the skills brief, with support from the new Children’s Minister Kemi Badenoch.

"As the Prime Minister has said, further education and skills will be a priority for this government - and the Education Secretary taking the lead for this vital work is a reflection of that commitment."

Expressing the priority he will be placing on Further Education and Skills, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

"Further education and skills will be a big priority for this government and it’s fantastic to see first-hand today how apprenticeships can help people land a great job and embark on a brilliant career.

"We are reforming technical education and apprenticeships are offering excellent options for everyone while helping our country build the skilled workforce it needs for a productive economy.

"That’s particularly important as we prepare to leave the EU and I’m determined to do all I can to make sure more people and businesses take advantage of these excellent opportunities."