Column: A Level results are one chapter of a bigger story

Big congratulations to everyone across Leighton Buzzard, Linslade and the surrounding areas who have received their A Level, T Level and VTQ results this week. Many of you will be going to University and moving away from home for the first time.

It’s a big step, a chance to experience different places, meet new people and make friends for life. All while mastering the delicate diplomacy of the shared fridge or discovering Pot Noodle is a food group.

I hope you make the most of the amazing opportunities as Britain has some of the best universities anywhere in the world.

What our country’s historically been less good at is technical education. Only around one in ten workers holds an NVQ or technical qualification, far fewer than in countries like Germany and Canada.

That needs to change. So I welcome the Government's plans that from Year 10 students who want to, will have the chance to combine core academic subjects, including English, maths and science, with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to specific jobs. The idea is they will be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.  

Many local businesses tell me they are crying out for people with the right skills. This part of the world is at the heart of the Golden Logistics Triangle, and we have growing expertise in engineering and the green jobs of today and tomorrow. 

I’ve recently met apprentices across the constituency including at Initivo in Leighton Buzzard. Nearly half of their newest intake are women and they’re working on some of the biggest transport infrastructure projects in the country. 

Investment in apprenticeships is increasing nationwide to £3 billion a year, and there is major new funding for upgrades at Central Bedfordshire College.

I also want to see the downward trend in language learning reserved. Just 19 Bedfordshire students took an A-Level in French last year. That’s around 30% fewer than five years ago. I think we need a rethink on how we think about languages. In France, for example, languages are built into vocational qualifications, with students learning the practical skills they might need to communicate with customers, colleagues and businesses overseas.

So whatever the next step is and wherever it takes you, best wishes to everyone starting the next chapter of their lives.