By Anika Bourley Parliamentary Correspondent

Last updated 11:39, Friday, 16 May 2008

GOVERNMENT ministers last night urged Copeland MP Jamie Reed to meet with University of Cumbria chiefs to see how courses can be developed to meet needs of both students and local businesses.

John Denham: ‘Meet the needs of employers’

Skills Minister John Denham said the Labour MP should arrange a meeting to see how Cumbria as a whole could benefit from the new university and students going through the system.

The call came in the Commons yesterday after Mr Reed asked what he should do to ensure the needs of local employers are met.

Mr Denham said: “We have all been delighted with the establishment of the University of Cumbria.

“What I suggest is to sit down with the University, with the document of higher level skills, produced a few weeks ago as that sets out the agenda and ways in which universities can work with local employers to develop foundation degrees, short courses and many other ways of working full time and part time.

“This can ensure both the university meets the needs of employers and equally important to ensure that his constituents that want to go to university have the chance to do so close to home, with a course that will really make a difference to their lives.”

The Higher Skills document published earlier this year is being discussed with employers, learners, higher education providers on what more we need to do to equip the workforce with the skills required for an innovative and competitive economy.

Mr Reed said with the University of Cumbria, the University of Central Lancashire, the University of Manchester at Westlakes, and new academy schools people were witnessing a “revolution” in education provision and opportunity for west Cumbria.

He added: “These developments are more than about education and training and improving society - but they are about our future prosperity and sustainability.

“They are also for everyone, not only young people and students.

“We no longer have to compete with Manchester and Birmingham for investment but Mumbai and Beijing. The Government recognises our ambitions and is investing in us.”