We’ve responded to the Industry and Regulators Committee (Lords) call for written evidence for Skills for the Future inquiry.
Our Response
1. Technical education must be engaging, inspiring, clearly communicated, and appealing to all individuals regardless of their gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or any other factors beyond their control. Previous administrations have viewed vocational education solely as a remedy for youth who don’t pursue A levels. This led to the creation of programmes that did not sufficiently challenge students. We must make technical education appealing and ensure there are plenty of high-quality opportunities from colleges and other providers with strong leadership and workforce to help more people meet national standards set by employers.
2. Ensuring effective integration between technical education provided by colleges and workplace-based learning, this would enable both employers and individuals to understand how they fit together and transition between the two smoothly.
3. Integration into viable pathways leading to technical careers in these emerging technologies. Currently, a disconnect exists between the technical skills and qualifications produced by existing educational routes and the specific recruitment needs of universities and research institutions. To ensure the success of these reforms and cultivate a robust pipeline of technical talent, a strategic alignment between technical education pathways and the evolving requirements of higher education and research is essential.
4. Employers should take the lead, working closely with education experts to establish the benchmarks for necessary skills, knowledge, and behaviours in professional roles. Government should continue to work in partnership with employers and providers, supporting them to create, design and deliver T Level placements and promote apprenticeships.
5. Recognise that the technical skills needed in the science, innovation and research sector are rapidly evolving. The government’s focus should include the upskilling and reskilling needs of the existing technical workforce. To address this, the government should prioritise a culture of lifelong learning that empowers individuals at all career stages to adapt and thrive. An ‘all age, all level’ approach is imperative, one doesn’t have to replace the other, there should be opportunity for all.
Click here to download the summary pdf
Author: Farheen Akhtar, Policy and Engagement Manager and Jo Hartley-Metcalfe, Universities T Level Support Manager