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Ofsted boss calls for vocational education
The chief inspector of schools, David Bell, has called for the British industry to collaborate with educational institutions in order to add kudos to vocational education.
In a speech given at the Tomlinson and Beyond: Linking Pathways to Learning and Earning conference in London on 15 November, Bell voiced his beliefs that vocational training and apprenticeships are presently held in low esteem.
He said: “Well known names such as Jamie Oliver are an example of some of our most successful, practically-minded professionals. We must ensure that young people are given the opportunity to fulfil their full potential.
“It is essential that vocational courses are tailored to the needs of employers, are taught by teachers with relevant experience and are recognised with the high esteem they deserve.”
Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), supported the government’s efforts to improve the reputation of vocational education.
“Vocational courses present an excellent opportunity to prepare young people for the challenge of today’s workplace,” he said.
“Our research however, shows that 47 per cent of employers are unhappy with young people’s basic skills. This demands urgent attention and dramatic improvement. To deliver vocational provision that companies truly value, the government must make the qualifications relevant, flexible and well taught.”
The speech coincided with the publication of a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), which found that while half of the general further education colleges are undertaking a significant amount of work with and for employers, sixth form colleges – which are more focused on academic provision – rarely work directly with employers.
Chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, Bob Cotton, joined Jones in pushing for an increase in vocational education.
He said: “More vocational education is exactly what the hospitality and leisure industry wants – the dash to degree courses has taken too many eyes off the vocational ball.
“The trouble is, craft courses in catering are being squeezed out of college curricula because of their cost, to be replaced by less expensive tourism and other leisure courses. We need to encourage more young people into craft courses and colleges to offer these craft courses – especially in cookery.”