Sir Vince headed a round table discussion with around 20 students from the City of Liverpool College with the National Union of Students vice president for further education Shakira Martin.

Former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Sir Vince Cable has met with Liverpool college students to learn more about the paths young people take to further education.

Sir Vince headed a round table discussion with around 20 students from the City of Liverpool College with the National Union of Students vice president for further education Shakira Martin.

The students were from a range of courses, such as mechanical engineering, sports, computing and IT, health and social care, games and costume, apprenticeships and HND courses.

The group discussed a range of topics, including the information and guidance given to young people from schools or education centres about further education, the value of help to find the right course, often the lack of understanding or clear advice and how to get the best of their college experience.

The event was organised by The City of Liverpool College’s Students’ Union to help Sir Vince and Shakira continue their joint research project Students Shaping Further Education.

The initiative aims to collect information from students from all over the UK in further education about the issues they face making the most out of their careers, from accessibility to teaching.

At the end of the project, NUS will present a report with learners at the heart of recommendations to the government who have recently announced a wave of changes to further education, including what Prime Minister Theresa May called ‘credible alternatives’ to universities.

Ms Martin said “The work we are undertaking with Sir Vince Cable aims to put the views of learners’ right at the heart of further education reforms nationally and we really appreciate them taking the time out of their studies to talk to us about what matters to them in their education.

“Many of those at today’s round table talked about how they had been let down by a lack of good careers information, advice and guidance.

“Learners believe that careers advice should start from year seven to help make informed choices throughout their education.

“With the imminent launch of the government’s careers strategy, it is vital politicians listen to the experiences of young people on this topic.”

This year, the college will expand its higher education provision to offer full degree courses for the first time.