At NCFE, we know how valuable vocational education is to learners and that the benefits of further education should not be underestimated. So, we’re delighted that this has now been backed up with evidence that shows the financial benefits that Level 2 or below qualifications can bring.
A recent study, led by Peter Urwin – professor of applied economics at the University of Westminster – commissioned by the 157 Group of colleges, and reported by the TES, suggested that low-level courses significantly boost income for learners who complete them.
The study used data spanning over a decade to link learners’ qualifications with their subsequent earnings, and showed that of the most disadvantaged third of learners, those who achieved a Level 2 went on to earn 12% more than their peers from a similar socio-economic background. For Level 2 Apprenticeships the figure was 10%, showing that while the government is right to focus on Apprenticeships, it’s important that the value of other vocational qualifications is not forgotten in the drive for the target 3 million Apprenticeships by 2020.
This contrasts with some of the conclusions in the 2011 government-commissioned report by Baroness Wolf, which argued that “many low-level vocational qualifications… do not bring their holders any apparent income gains whatsoever.”
It’s great to see studies like this one supporting the fact that gaining high-quality vocational qualifications can not only enrich learners’ lives and help them to get into their chosen career, but also offers significant economic rewards, especially for the more disadvantaged learners in society. Vocational education truly is a robust alternative to higher education for those who aren’t particularly suited to the academic route or who want to pursue a less expensive option – it’s helpful to have external validation of this, but there’s still work to do to raise awareness of the vocational route.
What do you think – are you surprised by these figures? If you’re a learner, does this match your experience, or if you haven’t yet undertaken any vocational qualifications, does the proof that they can boost your earnings encourage you to go down the vocational route?
