UCB's strength in vocational training vital to beat the recession, says Liz Lynne MEP

2.16.00pm GMT Sat 21st Feb 2009

Liz helps make Hot Cross Buns at University College Birmingham

Birmingham and West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne visited University College Birmingham yesterday to see how the College's vocational education and training courses are helping prepare students from a range of backgrounds to beat the recession.

The former Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies is now a University College specialising in education and training for the leisure and tourism industry, offers a variety of courses from further education (from age 16 onwards) up to Master's Degrees.

Liz Lynne toured a number of UCB's vocational courses with Principal Ray Linforth and Ladywood LibDem spokesman David Nikel. The LibDem Euro MP tasted canapés made by students on a Culinary Arts Management 4 year degree course and also joined a group of 'Train to Gain' programme students from Morrisons baking bread and Hot Cross Buns.

Speaking after the tour, Liz Lynne said:

"I was delighted to gain hands on experience of the work of UCB, which is gaining a reputation around Europe as a beacon of excellence in its field. That is why so many students from other European countries are keen to come to Birmingham and study here.

"It is hugely important that we provide students with the best training and education and stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. It is also essential in a recession that we invest as much effort as we can in retraining and helping people to increase their skills so they have the best chance of getting a decent job.

"Vocational courses and apprenticeship schemes like the ones run at University College Birmingham are a vital part of this process. The University College clearly has strong leadership and close links with industry and retail food sector.

"It was a real pleasure to meet enthusiastic students and talk to them about their aspirations and answer their questions. We need to ensure that examples such as the UCB are followed across the region if we are to unlock the talents and skills of the population and ensure we are best placed to take advantage once the recession is over."

UCB Principal Ray Linforth said: "The UCB now teaches students from over 63 countries and today Liz Lynne had the opportunity to meet a wide range of those students working in some of our practical facilities. She also spent nearly an hour with 20 students, drawn from across the UK and the rest of Europe, discussing their experiences living and studying in Birmingham and issues relating to the European Union. Our students found the meeting informative and really enjoyable."

ENDS