Ministers are keen to see colleges delivering more apprenticeships - that’s understandable. After all, colleges are well-placed to offer solutions to employers as well as great access routes and progression for apprentices.

But institutions need to have confidence that there is a long-term commitment to support the investment they want and need to make. Over many years of turbulent policy shifts, colleges have learned that caution is often a good strategy when it comes to growth. After a decade of 30 per cent real-terms cuts, we are in an era of narrow margins and low reserves.

So, for colleges to deliver more, the government needs to engage us in developing a proper long-term strategy. It could focus on the industries, people and regions that will help to deliver a stronger and sustainable economy with better jobs and good pay.

It could offer colleges and providers the support to invest in the off-the-job training spaces, equipment and people. It could set meaningful targets for the impact of the programme.

It could set a new, ambitious and exciting agenda for the future, which all political parties would be able to endorse. Now, wouldn’t that would be nice?

David Hughes is chief executive of the Association of Colleges