Commenting on the Curriculum and Assessment Review
response, Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK,
said:
“Manufacturers will welcome the Government's focus on
strengthening core subjects and modernising the curriculum to
include vital areas like computer science, data and AI. These are
essential skills for the sector's future, while it's also
encouraging to see a stronger emphasis on STEM subjects,
particularly through the ‘separate sciences', which will give a
real rocket boost to the UK's engineering and innovation
pipeline.
“We also see a real opportunity to build on successful models
such as University Technical Colleges and UTC sleeves, expanding
access to high-quality technical education and equipping more
young people with not just academic learning, but hands-on,
industry-relevant experience to best prepare them for a career in
manufacturing.
“To build on these positive announcements, it's vital we embed
digital and technical learning throughout the education system.
The UK faces one of the world's largest AI skills gaps, with
nearly half of manufacturers struggling to recruit people with
the digital skills they need. Extending AI and data education
throughout the school system - and reversing the decline in
Design and Technology GCSEs - will help inspire the next
generation of engineers and innovators.”
Notes:
-
42% of manufacturers identify a lack of digital skills as
a barrier to making use of data analytics. (Investment
Monitor 2024, Make UK & RSM)
-
There has been a 68% decline in D&T GCSE entries over
the past decade. (A Blueprint for Renewal: Design
and Technology Education, 2024, Design Council and
others)
