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Gloucestershire Business News

Cross party support for county college

Stroud MP David Drew and Parliamentary candidates Siobhan Baillie and George James showed their support for further education this week by visiting South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) as part of the national Love Our Colleges campaign.

SGS used the opportunity to showcase the brilliant work that goes on at the college and the dedicated staff that make it all possible, as well as highlighting the funding issues in further education.

SGS, alongside every other college in the country, has had to deal with an overall cut of 30 per cent to funding over the last decade. Despite these cuts, SGS continues to be at the heart of the local community, helping to train many young people and adult learners every year to achieve their personal ambitions and goals.

Siobhan Baillie, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Stroud, the Valleys & Vale, said: "Every time I come to SGS, I leave feeling even more inspired. If we champion and fund our colleges properly, the benefits from the young FE students and life-long adult learners will be positively felt in Stroud, Gloucestershire and the UK for many years to come."

David Drew, Stroud MP , spent time discussing college life with learners and the impact SGS has on the local economy.

He said: "It's very important to give students the chance to upskill leading them into a community where there are endless opportunities."

George James, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Stroud, took part in a number of construction activities with the learners.

He said: "Colleges have a unique place in the community. Be it an adult who wants to change career, or someone who wants to simply learn a new skill, colleges are there for people and they need to be given the proper attention they deserve."

Sara-Jane Watkins, College Principal, said: "Our aim is to ensure that all our students are properly equipped with the skills needed to make a difference in whatever discipline they choose. Colleges Week not only highlights the need for proper investment to make this happen, but also showcases the amazing place SGS is for students and staff. The week of action comes at a crucial time, the big contribution further education makes to society must be recognised and long-term investment is vital if we are to have the successful economy we need post-Brexit."

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