There is a particular kind of silence in rural education policy. It is the silence between a young person wanting to study and the bus that never arrives. Between an employer with vacancies and the skilled worker who cannot afford to live nearby. Between a college ready to deliver a strategically important course and the industry specialist who can earn far more by staying on the tools. Too often, debates about skills focus on shortages, pipelines and productivity. Those issues matter, but they overlook a more fundamental question: does our skills system properly understand place? Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in