For many young people the chance to study abroad provides an invaluable opportunity to develop both personally and academically. Previously, the UK participated in the Erasmus+ scheme, which provided opportunities to study abroad, and I know that many people were keen to see something similar take its place.
Earlier this year the Government announced the £110million Turing Scheme, which aims to continue providing funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. The scheme is set to support a staggering 40,000 placements – exceeding the Department of Education’s own estimates! Among these placements will be 28,000 placements for university students, compared with only 18,300 under the previous Erasmus+ scheme in the 2018/2019 academic year.
The scheme has a truly global focus, adding Canada, Japan and the United States to over 150 international destinations where UK students will be funded to take up work and study placements – alongside many European countries as well.
We want to see everyone able to study abroad, and I am delighted that social mobility is a key factor in the Turing Scheme, with areas that saw lower uptake of the Erasmus+ programme being targeted. In addition to this, 48% of the places available will be going to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, a key part of the Government’s broader levelling up plans.
On the topic of opportunities for young people, readers will know that I am also a huge advocate for apprenticeships. They allow young people to develop and learn while earning a wage at the same time, and they also ensure employers are investing in and training the skilled workforce they need. I was therefore very pleased to hear that the Government is launching a new £7 million fund to support more flexible apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeships have to last at least 12 months, so some sectors with flexible employment patterns and short-term roles, such as digital, adult social care, transport and manufacturing have found it challenging to benefit from the high-quality opportunities available.
This new fund will establish a small number of agencies that will set up new flexi-job apprenticeships, where an apprentice can work across a range of projects and with different employers. For example, someone on a construction apprenticeship can fulfil several different contracts to complete their apprenticeship. I think this is a great idea which will benefit both apprentices and employers.
Finally, as a huge sports fan, I have spent these last couple of weeks thoroughly enjoying the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
One of my favourite things about the Olympics is hearing the inspiring stories it generates, such as 13-year-old skateboarder Sky Brown. By winning a bronze medal, Sky became Great Britain’s youngest ever Olympic medallist – a feat made more impressive by the fact that just 18 months ago she sustained serious injuries, including a fractured skull, in a very nasty fall. We can all learn something from Sky’s bravery and resilience.
Having spoken to friends involved with local clubs, I know that after the Olympics they are expecting to see a huge increase in the number of children taking up a sport. They will have been inspired by watching Olympians such as Adam Peaty and Charlotte Worthington, and will be hoping to emulate their success.
Congratulations to Team GB, you have made the country very proud!
