Fears Over Planned Adult Education Cuts
A North East MP is worried about the government’s plan for adult education cuts.
A North East MP is worried about the government’s plan for adult education cuts.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson believes it could lead to a closed door for many people in our region, including mums who want to go back into education.
It is claimed the cuts will see college budgets slashed by an average of 17%. However, because of protections on apprenticeship funding, the budget for other types of adult learning, could be cut by up to 24%.
The University and College Union (UCU) has warned that many of the courses most at risk cater for people who missed out on qualifications at school and are looking to refresh their skills as a means of getting back into employment.
Victoria Valentine is 25 and from Sunderland. She is now at university studying to be a nurse after doing an access course.
Victoria said: “Why cut something that’s working really well. There is a lot of single parents out there that think I can’t afford this amount of money.”
Kate Linney is a mum of two and is at Teesside University again after doing an access course, she said: “I didn’t think I was ever good enough to be at university and I’m in uni now. I would never have got there without that course.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”