London South East Colleges’ Bexley Campus today hosted a special visit for Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford and Louie French, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup.
The Members of Parliament were taken for a tour of the college, meeting students, tutors and support staff. They were shown around different curriculum areas, including the outstanding SEND provision and the Higher Education IT suite.
The event is the first of its kind to be held in person since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The two MPs were introduced to students, who asked them a variety of questions and spoke about their own experiences at colleges.
Speaking at the event, Louie French MP said: “There is a huge skills shortage, especially in south east London where we have fantastic local businesses that are doing really well and there is a real opportunity for local students to not have to move away. People have an opportunity to build your career here in Bexley - a fantastic career with lots of opportunities.
“And this is why London South East Colleges Bexley is so important. You’ve got the facilities here to give people the chance to retrain and develop the skills that they are going to need for the ever-changing workforce.”
Sir David Evennett MP added: “I think of education as lifelong learning and we must have facilities and opportunities for people whose jobs become out of date, to get the new jobs and the new opportunities, whether they’re 20 or 50.
“My aim is still to improve education – which we’re doing – get it better, get more opportunities for everybody to maximise their talent and abilities so that they can fulfil their life and also make a valuable contribution to society.”
Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group Principal and CEO of London & South East Education Group, said: “Engaging with our local MPs is hugely important and we are delighted to be hosting this visit today. We are so proud of our students and the work we do both in Bexley and neighbouring boroughs.
“However, we couldn’t do this without the wonderful support we receive from Sir David and Louie, together with our many other local MPs, councillors and stakeholders.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for us to work together as a community to meet the needs of local residents and businesses. It has been fantastic to welcome our MPs today, giving us an opportunity to share our future plans and discuss the skills challenges ahead.”
London South East Colleges offers a wide range of qualifications and courses for people of all ages and interests. To find out more visit www.LSEC.ac.uk