Employers Tell Government That Vocational Education Must Increase :: A recent survey of more than 1000 employers has suggested that employers feel the government must do more to boost the availability of vocational learning. Indeed, three fifths (60%) of those questioned felt that the UK government does not do enough to encourage and support skill-based education and training. Importantly, just fewer than three-quarters (72%) said that vocational skills were ‘essential’ for preparing young people for the workplace.

The research was carried out by City and Guilds and the Edge Foundation, a skills charity, and asked the opinions of recruitment managers at a range of businesses across the UK – including small, medium and large enterprises across a wide-range of sectors. More than half (53%) stated that they valued vocational, hands-on qualifications above academic achievements when considering the potential value of a new employee.

Almost four in five (78%) of those questioned thought that students who showed more aptitude for, or enjoyment of, practical learning tasks should have better alternatives to A-levels than are currently offered. In addition, an even larger majority (83%) felt that young people in the UK needed better guidance on the potential careers open to them. A similar number (84%) also felt that pupils needed a better, more robust, level of work experience whilst at school.

The report widely criticised current vocational routes – suggesting that practical education can be low quality, last for too short a period and, upon completion, can leave a young person without the opportunity for a role or to move forward with further study. Two recent reviews of the vocational education landscape (by Prof. Alison Wolf and Doug Richard, particularly) have made recommendations about potential changes to the system – with Wolf advocating a wholesale reform.

Earlier this year, the Confederation of British Industry drew attention to what it described as a ‘chronic skills gap’ and criticised the education system for encouraging a ‘default’ route focusing on university.

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