'Tech Bacc' announced to boost status of vocational courses

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Monday 22 April 2013

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The Government has announced plans to introduce a Technical Baccalaureate as a 'mark of achievement' for the 50% of school-leavers who don't go on to university. It will consist of 3 strands, including an approved vocational qualification equivalent to Level 3, a core Maths qualification and an 'extended project’ designed to test skills in communication, research and motivation.

The Department for Education is currently consulting on the list of vocational qualifications that will qualify for inclusion on the 'Tech Bacc' approved list. These vocational qualifications could be in any sector area from engineering to hairdressing, but will be taught at a level of complexity on a par with A-levels.

For schools and colleges, the 'Tech Bacc' will become a league table performance measure from 2017.

What do you think? Will the 'Tech Bacc' reinforce the value of technical and vocational training for 16 to 19-year-olds? Do you think it will allow learners to showcase their credible skills to employers?

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

Schools

Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Learners

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