'We're already doing the job well' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

'We're already doing the job well'

A SWINDON teaching union representative has given his reaction to plans to reform further education colleges.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has set out plans to overhaul the sector to make sure that it provides students with skills needed by employers.

Phil Baker, pictured, Swindon branch secretary of the ATL teaching union believes that colleges in Swindon already do a pretty good job of this.

He said: "The colleges here have always responded well to the local economy and there are courses specifically tailored to suit the local economy.

"For instance Swindon College provides courses for those being trained at Swindon Pressings.

"The colleges have always sought to respond to local need."

And he added that some students may have other aspirations than working in Swindon.

"There are also the wider aspirations of students who are looking for other academic successes than just propping up the local economy."

The LSC's Agenda for Change document sets out proposals to streamline funding systems and cut red tape within further education colleges.