Podcast spotlight: Championing the role of further education in driving opportunity

Last month, Capital City College (CCC) CEO Angela Joyce spoke with former Education Secretary and Purpose Coalition Chair Justine Greening in a special podcast episode, exploring the role of further education in tackling skills gaps, boosting social mobility and preparing students for the world of work.

Organised by the Purpose Coalition and recorded live at CCC’s TV production studio at our Mosaic@Soho campus, the conversation highlighted how colleges are uniquely placed to support students of all ages, while helping employers access the skilled workforce they need in an evolving economy.

Angela said colleges play a crucial role in supporting people throughout their lives, whether they are entering education for the first time, retraining for a new career or returning to work.

Angela said: “What’s fabulous about the college sector is that we support people at any age and at any stage of their journey… We work with young people, apprentices, adults who are upskilling and reskilling, people changing careers and people returning to employment. Our purpose is to help everyone achieve their potential and succeed in the world of work.”

Supporting social mobility and economic growth

A key theme of the discussion was the role further education plays in supporting social mobility.

Around 65% of CCC students come from disadvantaged communities, with the college committed to helping them overcome barriers and access new opportunities.

Angela explained that many students thrive in the college environment because of its close links to employers and clear progression pathways. She said: “Every student has their own journey… Our role is to help each individual flourish, develop their talents and achieve their ambitions. We see every day how transformative education can be.”

Justine, who attended her local further education college before progressing to university, reflected on her own experience and the important contribution colleges make nationwide.

Justine said, “I went to my local FE college. There wasn’t a sixth form at my secondary school. I think that’s the case for a lot of people. I happen to do A levels and, for me, it was a really great environment to be in. It helped me learn independently and was a stepping stone to what became a university environment.”

Preparing students for a changing world

Angela and Justine also discussed the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, agreeing that future success will depend on a combination of technical expertise and broader transferable skills.

Angela said: “We need to give our students technical skills for their chosen industry, but we also need to develop creativity, problem-solving, communication and critical thinking… Alongside that, adaptability will be vital in a world where careers and industries continue to evolve.”

Justine added that today’s young people are entering employment during a period of significant change, requiring resilience and confidence as they navigate new opportunities shaped by technology.

Calling for fairer funding for further education

The discussion also addressed long-standing funding challenges facing the further education sector, including the issue of VAT recovery.

Unlike schools and academies, further education colleges are currently unable to reclaim VAT on many purchases and projects.

Angela explained that the issue has a significant financial impact on colleges, reducing funds available for investment in facilities, equipment and student support.

Angela said: “This is about fairness and parity across the education system… Students choosing a technical or vocational pathway should be valued just as highly as those choosing an academic route. Removing this funding inequity would help colleges invest even more in learners and their futures.”

Justine agreed, describing VAT reform as a practical policy change that could help create a more level playing field for young people regardless of their chosen pathway.

Looking ahead

Looking to the future, Angela outlined CCC’s commitment to expanding employer partnerships, strengthening routes to employment and developing new international collaborations.

Angela said, “We’re proud of the difference our staff make every day… Our focus is on continuing to support as many learners as possible, working closely with employers and ensuring London has the skilled workforce needed for the future.”

The full podcast will be available to listen to online soon.

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