RED tape is being slashed to train more British builders instead of relying on migrants – as the Education Secretary pledges to “make trades great again”.
Bridget Phillipson last night announced 10,000 more apprentices will be qualified each year by scrapping the requirements on them to pass English and Maths.
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Backing our Builder Better Britain crusade, she said: “It’s time as a country that we took skills a lot more seriously.
“The Sun’s campaign has really shone a light on the challenge we face, but also the opportunities that are there for more young people to have the chance to get a trade.”
Channelling Donald Trump, she added: “And I think it’s time that we make trades great again.”
Ms Phillipson confirmed our exclusive last week that she is letting bosses award apprenticeships even if they have not passed Level 2 English and maths.
She is also shortening the minimum duration of a course from 12 months to eight months to boost the workforce quicker.
It is hoped this will drive home-grown talent in key sectors like construction, social care and healthcare that are currently heavily dependent on migrant workers.
Dismissing fears of “dumbing down”, the Education Secretary told The Sun: “We need to get boots on the ground.
“I know Sun readers want more opportunities for young people to take on a trade, but alongside that the need to reduce migration numbers.
“Unless we get serious about investing in our young people and our home-grown talent, we will remain dependent on foreign labour and we’ve got to break that cycle and provide more training opportunities and great careers for few people here in this country.”
By JACK ELSOM, Chief Political Correspondent
KIDS must be taught about Britain’s “proud history”, the Education Secretary has decreed after work charities pushed to scrap classes on the Empire.
Bridget Phillipson last night slapped down calls for schools to ditch lessons that praise our imperial past.
She is currently carrying out a sweeping review of the national curriculum that is collecting views from Brits.
The Bell Foundation reportedly made a submission proposing “moving away from the greatness of the British Empire”.
Ms Phillipson told The Sun: “It’s essential that all young people have a strong foundation in our country’s rich history, and there is so much to take pride in in terms of what we’ve achieved as a country.
“I also think that whilst it’s great to look to the past in our proud history, I want more opportunities for young people, because I think our best days as a country lie ahead of us.”
Ms Phillipson also insisted her VAT raid on private schools will not overwhelm the state sector.
