Commenting on the Secretary of State for Education’s speech on
technical education, Verity Davidge, Head of Education and Skills
Policy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation said:
“With manufacturers continuing to face a skills deficit,
particularly at technician level, which is only set to worsen as
the UK leaves the EU, now was the time to give a much needed
boost to the domestic supply of talent.
Manufacturers support the Government's ambition to end the
snobbery around technical education and the measures announced
today go some way to creating an education system with equal
kudos. For too long the technical education system has been
complex and confusing for all to navigate and today we take steps
to fix that.
Giving T Levels UCAS points gives the programme much needed
currency and allows young people to see how undertaking a T Level
in engineering and manufacturing can open opportunities for
further studies in higher education and or apprenticeships.
In addition, one measure for destination data and
employer-led level 4 and 5 qualifications is a clear signal to
all that technical education is equally as important as academic
education, helping to boost the number of young people entering
our industry and filling our skills gap.
Reforming technical education is a key driver in improving
the UK's productivity, this is why manufacturers will continue to
work with Government going forward to build an education system
that creates the next generation of creators, makers and
innovators.”
