Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, visits Manchester Met to discuss skills development and economic growth
Baroness Jacqui Smith PC, Minister of State for Skills, has visited Manchester Metropolitan to engage in strategic discussions surrounding the University’s role in addressing the skills gap and driving economic growth.
The visit on Monday 7 October explored how the University’s apprenticeship programmes and collaborations with local employers contribute to both the regional and national skills economy. The University currently has more than 2,400 apprentices and works with around 600 employer partners, ranging from SMEs to large corporates and public sector organisations.
After a tour of our campus and the newly reopened All Saints’ Park, Baroness Smith joined in a roundtable discussion with University leaders, employers, business partners and students to hear more about our apprenticeship programmes, which address skills shortages in Manchester and beyond.
During the conversation, apprentices shared their personal experiences, highlighting how our courses have positively impacted their lives. Baroness Smith also heard from employers about the importance of partnerships with our University in cultivating a talent pipeline that meets the evolving demands of industry. This collaboration between Manchester Met, local employers, and the wider community is seen as a key driver of economic productivity, with the University acting as a hub for both skills development and workforce innovation.
The visit ended with a private meeting between Baroness Smith and Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press, exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration between the University and the Department for Education.
Commenting on the visit, Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press, said: “We were delighted to host Baroness Smith and discuss how our University is tackling key skill shortages and driving social mobility through innovative degree apprenticeships. The visit marked an important step in our collaboration with the Department for Education. With driving economic growth at the forefront of the Government’s agenda, we look forward to working closely on creating more employment opportunities, delivering chances to upskill, plugging skills gaps and boosting productivity.”
