The financial fallout of Brexit is laid bare, revealing staggering potential costs of up to £300 billion by 2035. Delve into the detrimental effects on businesses and trade with the EU since leaving the single market. The podcast also discusses the contrasting perspectives of global investors on post-Brexit UK and the urgent need for a national skills service to prepare workers for an AI-driven future. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fair media representation in public decision-making processes on critical issues.
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Quick takeaways
The collaboration of five universities in Northeast England aims to boost local higher education participation by addressing misconceptions and engaging with the community.
Integrating vocational training with university education is essential for aligning educational outcomes with regional job market demands and improving local economic growth.
Deep dives
Collaboration Among Universities in Northeast England
Five universities in Northeast England are collaborating to increase higher education participation rates in the region. The initiative, titled 'Universities for North East England,' aims to address the low university enrollment of 12%, compared to a national average of around 30%. By partnering with local authorities and further education colleges, the universities seek to improve community engagement and promote pathways for degree apprenticeships. This collective effort emphasizes the need for cross-institutional support, undermining the traditional competitive mentality among universities in the area.
Perceptions and Barriers to Higher Education
A significant barrier to higher education in the Northeast is the perception among local youth that university is not for them. Many students feel they are 'not clever enough,' leading to low enrollment figures and a reluctance to pursue higher education, compounded by financial concerns about student debt. University officials have been proactive in addressing these misconceptions by actively engaging with schools and promoting the value of vocational training alongside academic pathways. Providing more relatable and accessible success stories might help in shifting these perceptions within the community.
The Need for a Unified Educational Approach
The discussion highlights the importance of integrating vocational training with university education to better meet the needs of the workforce. Educational leaders argue that these pathways should not be viewed as separate but rather as complementary routes toward fulfilling local employment needs. Initiatives involving collaboration with businesses aim to ensure that skills taught in universities align closely with regional job market demands. This unified approach is critical to improving the actual participation rates and ensuring that graduates contribute effectively to the local economy.
Economic Growth and Investment Challenges
Questions surrounding how to measure the impact of educational initiatives on economic growth were raised, particularly considering the ongoing challenges in the Northeast. Stakeholders expressed the desire to improve living standards while increasing university participation, but noted the difficulties in isolating regional economic growth metrics from national and international influences. Existing large employers, such as Nissan, play a significant role in local economic dynamics, yet concerns about the attractiveness of the UK for foreign investment linger. As the discussion evolves, establishing clear, tangible outcomes remains essential for tracking progress within these educational collaborations.
Robert and Steph answer your questions including why Rachel Reeves chose to raise national insurance on businesses instead of simply putting up corporation tax and how much harm leaving the single market has cost Britain since 2016.