Report calls for technical skills upheaval
8 Jul 2016
A report of the Independent Panel of Technical Education has called for major reform of technical education, which it says will help ensure the development of technical knowledge and skills that industry needs
The report outlines four focus areas that need to be implemented to improve the failing technical education system in the UK.
These include a government-designed education system, with industry experts laying down knowledge and skills.
The system must also provide “clear educational routes” that lead to employment in specific occupations, as well as flexible bridging provisions to enable individuals who come to believe they have made the wrong decision to move between the academic and technical education options, the report says.
The new system must cater to individuals who are not ready to access a technical education route at age 16. These individuals should be offered a flexible transition year tailored to their prior attainment and aspirations, the report adds.
The focus on academic routes into industry over the last 20 years, has disenfranchised and stigmatised many people who have wanted to undertake more vocational, technical-based option to learning and skills development
Stephen Tetlow chief executive of the IMechE
Commenting on the report, Stephen Tetlow chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), said: “The focus on academic routes into industry over the last 20 years, has disenfranchised and stigmatised many people who have wanted to undertake more vocational, technical-based option to learning and skills development.
“So I welcome this ground-breaking and radical initiative to modernise and simplify our outdated system.”
Tim Thomas, director of employment and skills Policy at manufacturers’ organisation EEF, said the report acts an important contribution to the on-going debate on how to radically improve technical education.
“Manufacturers have been extremely vocal about their challenges in finding the right people with the right skills in the right numbers. Collective action must now be taken by employers and education and training institutions, together with government, to produce the next generation of people demanded by industry.”
He also backed the report’s focus on the need for technical education to meet the needs of employers.
“Manufacturers want a skills system that is as responsive to their needs as they are to their customers, yet this has failed to be delivered to date. The current system is overcrowded with qualifications, many of which remain unused.
“This needs immediate de-cluttering with any new qualifications or standards designed and developed with industry.
Industry body EngineeringUK also welcomed the report. Its chief executive, Paul Jackson, said: “It’s vital for the future health of the UK economy that young people in sufficient numbers develop the engineering skills that employers need.
“And it’s equally vital that the routes to developing these skills are student-centred, offering every young person the best possible opportunity to thrive in his/her chosen industry.”
