{"id":2436,"date":"2018-03-23T12:59:16","date_gmt":"2018-03-23T10:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/cgi-bin\/weblog_basic\/?p=2436"},"modified":"2018-03-23T12:59:16","modified_gmt":"2018-03-23T10:59:16","slug":"training-skills-for-a-21st-century-workforce-bcips-conservative-policy-forum-cpf-response","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/?p=2436","title":{"rendered":"Training & Skills for a 21st Century Workforce – BCiP’s Conservative Policy Forum (CPF) Response"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPF Group:<\/td>\nBritish Conservatives in Paris (CPF Group)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CPF Coordinator:<\/td>\nPaul Thomson<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Email address:<\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of attendees<\/td>\nStudent <25s<\/td>\nOther <25s<\/td>\n25-40<\/td>\n>40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2<\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0 0<\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0 0<\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0 8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Date of meeting<\/strong><\/td>\n22nd<\/sup> February 2018<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
If you have a Conservative MP, please tick this box to confirm that you have sent a copy of this response to your MP:\u00a0 <\/em><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Data Sharing Information: We occasionally like to share CPF comments in a public domain. Please indicate whether you would like any such comments quoted from your Group\u2019s responses to be attributed to your Group, to be anonymous or to remain private:<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Attributed\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2612<\/td>\nAnonymous\u00a0\u00a0 \u2610<\/td>\nPrivate\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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1. Whose responsibility should training be: the citizen, schools and universities, the employer, the state, or all of them? \u00a0\u00a0–\u00a0 ALL OF THEM\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

In the Armed Forces when you sign-up all training is paid for in return to several years\u2019 service, but this is not the case in the rest of the public sector. Is this fair? What new contract might we offer our citizens?\u00a0 –\u00a0 NOT DISCUSSED<\/strong><\/p>\n

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2. How might a Conservative Government seek to boost productivity across the UK?\u00a0 –\u00a0 PLEASE REFER TO OTHER ANSWERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

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3. In what ways could the UK build on its world-class reputation for training and expand opportunities for lifelong vocational education and training? Do we need a top-down national skills programme or a bottom-up sectoral or geographical approach?\u00a0 –\u00a0 (i) There is too much emphasis on university studies at the expense of technical studies\/training.\u00a0 The Swiss sytem should be noted:\u00a0 20% go to university; yet the country has one of the most competitive economies in the world (as well as a vibrant democracy).\u00a0\u00a0 (ii) Public awareness should be raised as to the export of British engineering services \u2013 asserted by a participant to be the largest source of GB exports.\u00a0\u00a0 (iii) The disinclination to pursue \u201cSTEM\u201d might be countered by different evaluation methods at the secondary level.\u00a0 Some secondary students may be put off following a STEM area of specialisation on the grounds that it would make it more difficult to obtain a place in a better university.\u00a0\u00a0 (iv) More innovative schools like the Paris region one now quite famous called \u201cL\u2019Ecole 42<\/em>\u201d (founded by Xavier Niel) which uses innovative pedagogical methods to encourage young people (from a variety of backgrounds) to be inventive and development an entrepreneurial bent would be desirable.\u00a0\u00a0 (v) More drawing on the successful apprenticeship systems used in Germany, Switzerland & Austria \u2013 which ensure a trained young work force corresponding more to employer\/market needs and thereby also reducing youth unemployment.\u00a0 (In France there is also a university level version of the same idea, involving alternating between formal studies and work in for an employer.)\u00a0\u00a0 (vi) The quality of the teaching of science in the UK leaves something to be desired:\u00a0 that likely discourages some young people from embarking on further studies in science.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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4. In what ways does training need to catch up with the changing skill requirements of modern technology? Are there any new and innovative models of training in your area that could be used elsewhere?\u00a0 –\u00a0 SEE RESPONSE TO Q3<\/strong><\/p>\n

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5. How should a Conservative Government deal with possible widening income gaps arising from increased automation?\u00a0 –\u00a0 (i) One younger participant:\u00a0 hands off (ie<\/em> redistribution not welcomed)!\u00a0\u00a0 (ii) An older participant:\u00a0 moving to ensure minimum income levels possibly including redistribution mechanisms may have justification in certain circumstances.\u00a0 The government has a responsibility to take care that society does not unravel.\u00a0\u00a0 (iii) Cf<\/em> the \u201cgig economy\u201d.\u00a0 Some considered this to be a promising avenue for individuals to be active in the economy (though the real-life relative impact on personal financial outcomes \u2013 income & wealth levels for example \u2013 were not explored).<\/strong><\/p>\n

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6. What policies should a Conservative Government adopt to balance the need for improved training and productivity in the UK with any desire to reduce our reliance on skilled technical expertise from abroad? How might these be paid for?\u00a0 –\u00a0 (i)\u00a0 GB should \u201ccopy\u201d the US in leveraging defence spending to stimulate both research (in companies & at universities\/research institutes etc) as well as business development for the GB economy not just in the defence sector but in other sectors where applications of technological advances first achieved in the defence sector could be discovered\/developed.\u00a0\u00a0 (ii) At the same time cooperation agreements (allowing for sharing of IP, marketing rights etc) with suitable non-GB partners should be encouraged especially where GB is not in a position to \u201cgo it alone\u201d.\u00a0 Defence cooperation arrangements and the broader relationship in this regard with France is a positive example.\u00a0\u00a0 (iii) Separate from (i) above:\u00a0 increases in levels of defence spending could have a positive effect by ratcheting up the leverage benefit stimulus impact to a higher level.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Other Comments (if any)<\/p>\n

A.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0On positioning of the Party and certain of its leading figures:\u00a0 (i) One young participant:\u00a0 the party is not considered \u201ccool\u201d by young people:\u00a0 a handicap.\u00a0\u00a0 (ii) A different young participant:\u00a0 the party needs to stand up for itself \u2013 its values as well as its policies – more generally and with more assurance:\u00a0 this would enhance credibility & appeal including to younger people.\u00a0\u00a0 (iii) Re J Rees-Mogg:\u00a0 the young participants:\u00a0 JRM has a \u201cserious following\u201d among young people.\u00a0 He has authenticity; & does not hesitate to stand up for monarchy & British values & culture.\u00a0 Support for him among young people is not tinged with the irony (or professed irony?) signaled by some young people with respect to Boris Johnson \u2013 which did not appear to indicated that BJ was not also genuinely appreciated by younger people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

B.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>On CPF Brief 17-4 re Youth (as to which we regrettably missed the 31.12.18 deadline and which, to catch up, was discussed at the same 22.2.18 meeting):\u00a0\u00a0 (i) Young Participants:\u00a0 the Party needs to be more aggressive in going out to find young supporters.\u00a0 (ii) Idem<\/em>:\u00a0 \u2026 and to welcoming those who do express interest (some offputting experiences of bad management of the same were described).\u00a0\u00a0 (iii) Idem<\/em>:\u00a0 \u2026 and to be more modern in its modes of communication \u2013 using more & better such instruments as SnapChat, Instagram, Twitter etc \u2013 more friendly and more efficient.\u00a0\u00a0 (iv) More marketing savvy was needed: \u00a0cf<\/em> Corbyn\u2019s \u201ccoup\u201d by appearing at Glastonbury \u2013 deemed effective politically by the the young participants.\u00a0\u00a0 (v) Should the glorious history of the Party be played up?\u00a0 Views varied.\u00a0\u00a0 (vi) Re the economic deck of cards stacked against them (for the young):\u00a0 (a) The young participants did not seem too fussed by this (perhaps not in the line of fire).\u00a0 (b) Some of the older ones though thought there were real issues to be addressed; and that if they were not addressed in a substantial way the Party would risk substantial political damage among the younger generation because their \u201cplight\u201d is entirely real (not imagined) & is characterized by a simultaneous accumulation of structural disadvantages that can jeopardise their individual economic development & well-being for their entire lives.\u00a0 If not all older people deign to take cognizance of this, the vast majority of young people are painfully aware of it and it can colour their view of society & politics in a not insignificant way.\u00a0\u00a0 (vii) Selling Brexit to young people?\u00a0 (a) A young participant:\u00a0 difficult because ski holidays may become more bothersome to organize \u2013 ie if a visa might now be needed.\u00a0 (b) An older participant:\u00a0 Brexit is inherently unsellable given the current state of uncertainty.\u00a0\u00a0 (viii) Tuition fees etc:\u00a0 (a) It was pointed out that on the Continent such fees in most universities are nominal \u2013 how therefore could one say there is no alternative thereto?\u00a0 (b) The rate of interest charged on student loans (semble<\/em> 6.1%) was considered apparently by all to be outrageously \u2013 and mind-bogglingly – high (in view of current low market interest rate levels).\u00a0 (c) On the question of lower tuition fees there was no consensus \u2013 with there being apparently support for the status quo, for some drawing back from the same (some fee reductions), & for a return to the pre-Blair levels.\u00a0\u00a0 (ix) Cheaper Housing for Young People:\u00a0 (a) Expansion of housing supply was diversely appreciated as a concept:\u00a0 (I) some did not want new housing \u201cin their backyard\u201d eg on greenbelt or otherwise vacant land nearby; (II) others though it was indispensable to increase supply by significantly increasing building activity \u2013 given the ongoing disequilibrium between supply & demand overall.\u00a0 (b) Disincentives to absent owner-\u201coccupants\u201d:\u00a0 several agreed that the market was suffering significantly from the distortions caused by wealthy investors taking up housing to invest\/park wealth not otherwise engaged.\u00a0 The marginal benefit to these people, not necessarily all British citizens, should be compared to the marginal detriment to those completely frozen out of the housing market and\/or forced to live at huge distances from their place of work, to spend inordinate amounts of time in public transit etc (and many in this latter group may be British citizens \u2013 therefore having a certain call to having their needs taken into account by the political decision-makers).\u00a0 Several considered that higher taxes on empty housing units would be justified; though all did not necessarily support this idea.\u00a0 The idea of limiting\/strictly regulating purchases by foreigners\/non-residents of housing was not discussed, however, due to lack of time.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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FEEDBACK ON PAPERS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What do you find useful?\u00a0 –\u00a0 The two briefs covered above were considered to be of very good quality by the participants \u2013 well organised, presented & articulated.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

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What you do not find helpful?<\/p>\n

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Do you have any suggestions for how we might improve future briefings?<\/p>\n

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Thank You.\u00a0 Please return to: CPF.Papers@conservatives.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    CPF Group: British Conservatives in Paris (CPF Group) CPF Coordinator: Paul Thomson Email address:   Number of attendees Student <25s Other <25s 25-40 >40 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 \u00a0\u00a0 0 \u00a0\u00a0 0 \u00a0\u00a0 8 Date of meeting 22nd February 2018 If you have a Conservative MP, please tick this box to confirm that you have […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[375],"tags":[170,171,376],"class_list":["post-2436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cpf-21st-century-workforce","tag-british-politics","tag-conservative-party","tag-training-skills"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2436"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2436\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2442,"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2436\/revisions\/2442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conservatives-paris.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}