Elisabeth Wilson and Lord William Wallace with students from Calderdale college
On Thursday 15 April Lord William Wallace of Saltaire, deputy Lib Dem leader in the House of Lords, paid a visit to Calderdale College with Elisabeth Wilson, Lib Dem candidate for Halifax. In conversation with Chris Jones, the principal, and Lynne MacKenzie, chair of the governors, William and Elisabeth were impressed about the range of courses offered. Concerns were raised about recent changes in government funds for the college, which has led to a cut of 9% in the college finances.
William Wallace was interested to learn about the college’s success in engaging younger and older people in returning to learning. Elisabeth Wilson welcomed the news that the college is to start its first training in solar panel installation. Elisabeth commented afterwards “Green jobs are a key plank in Lib Dem proposals for tackling unemployment, as they provide work, and help cut fuel bills as well as reducing our carbon footprint.”
Elisabeth Wilson and William Wallace also had the opportunity to talk to a group of students about their current studies and hopes for the future. “They explained how unemployment has had an effect on part time jobs – they just can’t find any” said Elisabeth. “Nevertheless many of them have ambitions to go on to higher education.”
Elisabeth and William explained Lib Dem proposals to abolish student fees over a six year period. As William said to the students, he got his university education free.