Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch, is calling for the Government’s industrial strategy to benefit Redditch, and says an Institute of Technology would be an excellent addition to existing provision in the town, as it would provide more opportunities for young people to reach their potential.
Today (7 November) in the House of Commons, Rachel put a question to Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Jo Johnson, regarding a proposal in the Industrial Strategy to set up new Institutes of Technology across the country.
The Department for Education and BEIS have just committed to the single largest increase in science and innovation funding in 40 years, adding £4.7 billion to science spending and helping to drive growth across the country. Part of this is the intention to establish high quality and prestigious institutions which specialise in delivering higher level technical skills that employers need across all regions.
And in answer to Rachel’s request for Redditch to be considered as a site for one of the new institutes, Mr Johnson said the Department would be calling for proposals before the end of the year and would welcome an application from Redditch to request an Institute of Technology.
Rachel said: “Given the great transport links in Redditch, our proximity to Birmingham and thriving local business community, this would be a fantastic asset to Redditch which would benefit the town and surrounding areas. It would be a brilliant opportunity for our young people to develop cutting-edge technical skills which are in demand by employers across the country.
“This is just the kind of project we need in Redditch to revive aspirations for young people. If you don’t aim high, you don’t achieve and I will be working hard with my team here in Redditch to take the Minister up on this invitation to ensure Redditch is in a position to apply."
