12 JUL 2016

How Further Education Can Embrace Brexit

Brexit: whether you love it, hate it or feel indifferent, there is no denying that the past few weeks have seen the UK sucked into a maelstrom of derision, division and political chaos.

Brexit: whether you love it, hate it or feel indifferent, there is no denying that the past few weeks have seen the UK sucked into a maelstrom of derision, division and political chaos. With our leaders resigning and our news media stuck in an endless cycle of blame, speculation and opinion, it can feel like the country is stuck in limbo. In the midst of this uncertainty, it is important that we begin to look forward and start planning for the future of FE in the UK.

Opportunities

Disruption can be a good thing for the FE sector

While the Brexit referendum vote and the implications of invoking Article 50 may have unforeseen effects on the economy, international relations and future trade, there is no denying that it will cause a shake up around the country. The FE sector can use this monumental upheaval as an opportunity to create change and embrace innovation. At FE News, Fran Parry has written about how we as educators and members of the voting public should “keep calm and seize the initiative” of this chaotic time. She has put out a call for ten issues that any new post-Brexit government will have to consider. Among these? A promise for a continued commitment to Cameron’s 3 million Apprenticeships target and the Apprenticeship Levy, calls for a cohesive national youth employment and skills strategy, and an urgent plea to replace the European Union Funding. These are all important issues that must be addressed as we move forward. As an industry, we can look at this moment in history as an opportunity to restructure any weaknesses and create the change that we have been clamouring for in FE. Write to your local MP, pen blogs and Op Eds for local newspapers and network within the industry to enact the changes that FE needs to ensure success in a post-Brexit world.

Education for educators

As educators, we must never stop learning ourselves. This can include taking additional courses and attending available workshops in order to keep our teaching methods fresh and contemporary. But in a post-Brexit UK, seeking new opportunities is more important than ever. Enriching our classrooms with information about the world outside our town and country is something that will increasingly fall on our shoulders, and training in this area is important.

Investing in skills

To be more important than ever

Once the UK officially leaves the EU, our economy will not be able to rely on previously established connections with these countries, and skilled European workers will no longer be able to easily apply for British jobs. We could face a severe talent shortage if we do not aggressively invest in skills; educating our FE students is key for the future of this country.

Competition

Greater competition for international opportunities

If the UK does indeed leave the EU (not to mention any speculation about the UK itself disintegrating), it will mean that our children and young people will face greater international competition. When it comes to competing for international jobs and placements at prestigious universities abroad, young British people will face more rivalry from students around the world. FE providers need to ensure that learners are as prepared as can be by providing the highest quality educational opportunities available.

Erasmus, Internships and Foreign Language Opportunities

Must be Protected

With an EU passport and rights to move between countries, our nation’s children had unfettered access to jobs and educational opportunities around 28 nations. While it still remains to be seen exactly what will be negotiated in terms of British citizens’ freedom to live on the continent, it is certain to become more difficult. This is why it is imperative that we protect our rights to valuable Erasmus programmes, language classes and internship choices, both domestically and abroad. The ability to fluently speak a foreign language is about to become more important – we must ensure that language education is protected. Similarly, hands-on internships will also become increasingly important, and current EU programmes need to be protected or replicated. While the next few years are certain to reveal many changes in this country and around the world, those of us in the FE sector must be ready to meet challenges – and to embrace opportunities – as they arise. Do you have opinions about the FE sector in the wake of the Brexit vote? Have your say and join the conversation in the comment section below.