Prime Minister launches Skills England to nurture home-grown talent
Speaking at the opening of the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has launched ‘Skills England’: an initiative to reduce the nature’s reliance on imported skills and foster talent within its shores.
In an inauguration speech acknowledging rising global geopolitical tension (with the threat of conflict very much present in the collective consciousness of the recently-formed government), “it’s a great comfort to know that Britain is at the cutting edge of defence and aerospace manufacturing,” commented Starmer. However, given that we “live in a dangerous, volatile and increasingly insecure world,” more must be done to ensure the UK remains ready and vigilant.
With the new government just three weeks into its tenure, The Prime Minister’s presence at the airshow – deemed a “real statement of intent” to effect meaningful change – symbolises that the “work of change” has begun; or in Starmer’s words, “taken the brakes off Britain”. With defence again a significant preoccupation, work thus far in this field has included recent meetings with NATO and the wider European political community.
Alongside recognising and praising the vital contributions offered by migrant workers, the launch of the Skills England initiative will be working with the migration advisory committee “from the get go” to address how the growth and skills levy could be spent. By collectively addressing the creation of a coherent skills system, this will enable many more people to experience the “pride of making a contribution”.
Starmer’s need of the Skills England programme is also reflected in a recent conversation he personally held with British apprentices, who in a private meeting highlighted their support of creating more educational opportunities.
