The conversation features Andy Forbes, Executive Director of the Lifelong Education Institute, interviewing Professor Tom Bewick about 1) his new book on the history of British skills policy, and 2) the current Government’s policy initiatives. Bewick explains that he wrote the book to reflect on his 30-year career in the sector and to provide historical context to current debates. He argues that to understand the future, one must understand the past. The book covers a sweeping history across 12 chapters, starting from the 1881 Royal Commission on Technical Instruction—a period when parliamentarians were already anxious about foreign competitors like Germany and the US outperforming Britain in technical skills.

Full event summary available to our members