Gregory has raised fresh concerns over the future of post-16 education, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding specialist local provision - the Future Skills Centre in Bordon.
The purpose-built centre was designed to provide hands-on training in construction, engineering and other technical fields, helping to meet demand for skilled workers in the local economy. However, with training providers withdrawing due to financial pressures, the site is now standing empty.
In his recent column for the Farnham Herald, Gregory warned that cuts to adult learning and apprenticeship outreach risk deepening the recruitment crisis facing key sectors. He criticised the lack of a coherent national strategy for skills, stressing that local communities are being left to deal with the consequences.
Gregory said:
“Our purpose-built skills centre in Bordon is standing empty. Not because our community doesn’t need it - but because the Government is failing to take skills seriously.
The Future Skills Centre was designed to deliver hands-on training in the very sectors we’re crying out for. But with no serious national plan, and economic pressures forcing providers to withdraw across the country, it’s now left in limbo.
Labour scrapped apprenticeship outreach in schools. They pulled funding for adult learners. And they’ve left local authorities to pick up the pieces - with no real support.
This isn’t just neglect. It’s a systemic failure. I’ll keep fighting to change that.”
Gregory has pledged to continue campaigning for long-term investment in skills and training, warning that without urgent action, both young people and local employers will be left without the opportunities and workforce they need.
The full column can be read here with his recent commentary available above.