#GE2019: Business & The Next Generation

Education and Training can help shape the future of the world - and it's an issue that is climbing up the agenda.

Some have dubbed the December 12 UK election as the 'Brexit Election'. Yes, Brexit is no doubt a big talking point, but there are so many more topics to also consider - Health, the Environment and Transport, just to name a few.

In this article, I'll be focusing on how Education and Training has been discussed in the election and how it could impact both individuals and businesses in the future. Education and Training should arguably be an important topic of discussion in any election - we're talking about the development of the future.

Last month, I was delighted to be present at the CBI's Annual Conference at the InterContinental London O2 where education and training was a key topic of discussion, alongside Brexit and the Environment. I was at the conference as a Grad of NCS, a nationwide four-phase scheme for 15-17-year-olds, helping young people step out of their comfort zones, try new experiences, meet new people, develop key life skills and improve their communities through social action projects. More than 600,000 people have completed the fantastic programme, and it is one I am very passionate about - completing the scheme myself, working on the scheme as a Team Leader and being an ambassador to encourage more young people to take the opportunities it offers in personal development and more.

NCS is all about empowering young people and helping them to develop key skills, so it was interesting to hear and contribute to the discussions at the CBI conference, especially surrounding education - and for all age groups.

Education and re-training is one topic that seems to be getting much more attention in this election campaign compared to others in the past. There are perhaps a few reasons for this - in recent years, the education sector has been struggling due to budget cuts, some people have faced barriers to higher education due to high fees and also the massive growth in technology in recent decades means the nature of business is changing and we need individuals with the training and skills to help manage this.

The election campaign has seen some pretty major pledges on education and re-training;

• The Conservatives have pledged a new 'National Skills Fund' to be worth over ￡3 billion over the course of the next Parliament.
• The Labour Party have pledged a 'National Education Service', making lifelong learning free at the point of use.
• The Liberal Democrats have pledged an extra ￡1bn for post-16 education and have pledged to scrap Sats tests, Ofsted and league tables.

We've also seen the promise of climate apprenticeships that would supposedly help the UK to transition towards a Green Economy, which many argue is needed in the fight against the climate emergency.

One topic that hasn't received too much attention in the election is the universities sector. There have been some promises to abolish tuition fees, but compared to previous election campaigns, the debate over fees and universities has very much taken a back seat. More focus has been directed towards apprenticeships, training and re-training in later life.

At the CBI Conference, business leaders drew attention to the need for increased opportunities for re-training to prepare employees for new tasks and processes, such as brought on by new-tech but also to provide opportunities for re-training elsewhere in their sector or in a different role altogether. There were also some detailed discussions about work done by the CBI and businesses in youth engagement - it would appear businesses are definitely recognising the need to invest early in the next generation as well as the need to continue investing in the current generations of employees.

All of the major UK political parties have pledged something in relation to education and re-training, showing it really is an issue that is climbing up the agenda. This will no doubt be welcome news to business leaders, employees and job-seekers alike.

Pledges have been made, it's nearly time to vote and then to see if the pledges are actually taken forward - or whether the small matter of Brexit gets in the way...

Nathan Shoesmith is the Managing Director of The Speaker, a digital news media company reporting the top political news stories from the UK and beyond. For the latest coverage of the UK General Election, visit speakerpolitics.co.uk/election