Skills Minister Nick Boles has recently announced that the government will be making “ground breaking changes to technical and professional education.”
Many believe the upcoming changes are a continuation of the reforms brought on by the 2011 Wolf report, which sought to remove “3000 worthless courses”. The aim is understood to be to simplify the vocational education system and bring its reputation in line with university and higher education.
Learners will be able to choose from up to 20 different pathways, none of which have been announced, that will lead to either employment or further study at a degree level; this has been inspired by the Norwegian and Dutch education systems. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan has also expressed she’d like to relabel the vocational education sector as ‘technical’ or ‘professional’ education.
Following the completion of this programme of study, it’s hoped that many learners will move on to study an Apprenticeship. Much like Apprenticeship trailblazers, employers will have direct input into each of the routes that will become available. The idea is that employer involvement will allow the qualifications to give learners vital employability skills that meet the needs of businesses and help to fill growing skills gaps.
Skills Minister Nick Boles commented: “we want to help young people gain relevant skills by offering them technical and professional courses that are focused on a specific career”; these reforms are aimed specifically at 16-19 education.
It’s clear that these reforms are designed in part to help the government in reaching its target of 3 million Apprenticeship starts by 2020, and the reduction of two-year college courses will see education for many 16 year olds become preparation for studying an Apprenticeship. The potential loss of learners to college in their second year has triggered concerns that funding for further education could be cut yet again. Brian Lightman, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) commented: “Using the upcoming budget to undermine [16 to 18] funding any further would leave our economy in serious jeopardy.”
It’s been suggested that colleges not using a significant proportion of their Adult Skills Budget (ASB) funding to deliver Apprenticeships could have the funding for their centre reduced dramatically. It’s believed that at least 40% could be cut from the budget, with the exception of funding for Apprenticeships. Colleges delivering little Apprenticeship provision could then see over 60% of their budget cut if they don’t allocate it to Apprenticeships.
More recently, Prime Minister David Cameron revealed at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference that he intends young people to take either an Apprenticeship or go to university, creating two clear paths for higher-level study. He said: “we want to see fewer and fewer 18-year-olds leaving school without taking either path.”
European education systems are amongst the highest ranking in the world. Whilst it’s clear that the government is keen to look at best practice, there are major social, cultural and societal differences between our countries, and it remains to be seen whether this model will work in England. The focus on Apprenticeships is good for learners who require a more hands-on learning style and offers them real experience in the workplace, which is invaluable when it comes to their future careers. It’s imperative that Apprenticeships are promoted as a viable choice and a genuine alternative to further academic study at university. They must not, however, be forced upon colleges as a means to make savings. Finally, Apprenticeships should not be created solely for hitting the government’s targets; it’s vital that they’re of the highest quality.
What are your thoughts on these reforms? What impact will they have on your centre?
