Join the debate

Technical Matters – a transformation of vocational education

Lindsay Plumpton

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Thursday 24 January 2013

0 Comment

A new report, Technical Matters, is calling for a transformation of vocational education, so that high quality technical and vocational studies are given the same prestige as academic qualifications. The report expresses concerns that the Government's increasing focus on academic skills, while welcome, "may not work to the advantage of all students in the education system".

Drawing on the 2011 Wolf Review and the Richard Review of Apprenticeships, the latest report suggests that employers should be involved in shaping the content of vocational education so that it’s relevant to the workplace and meets skills shortages. It also recommends that Apprenticeships should be available to pupils as young as 14, but should last 3 years and be as challenging as A-Levels.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has shown support for the findings of the report, stating that the Government is "reforming apprenticeships, introducing traineeships and overhauling the system to recognise only high quality vocational courses that lead directly to a skilled trade or profession".

What do you think? Does vocational education need to be transformed? Are current vocational qualifications meeting the needs of learners? Is it important to provide an alternative route through learning for those more suited to vocational training? Do young people need better career advice at a younger age? Let us know your thoughts.

No comments have been posted yet. Please feel free to comment first!

Post a Comment

Subscribe

Get notified when a new post is published.


Authors

Categories