UK government pledges fundamental reform of technical education

Based based on recommendations made by a panel led by Lord Sainsbury, the proposed reforms have been hailed by the Royal Academy of Engineering as the most significant transformation of post-16 education since A levels were introduced 70 years ago.

Lord Sainsbury’s review found that young people considering a technical education today must choose between more than 20,000 courses provided by 160 different organisations. A young person wanting to pursue an engineering career faces a choice of 501 different courses.

The review recommends simplifying the current system so that technical education is provided through 15 routes, with standards set by industry professionals. Several of these routes would provide skilled recruits for the engineering profession, including engineering and manufacturing, digital, transport and logistics, and construction.

Acting on the review’s recommendations the government has today published a Post-16 Skills plan that pledges to implement all of the Sainsbury panel’s proposals where budgets allow.

The plan will enable students to choose whether to take technical or academic qualifications after their GCSEs. Those opting for a technical route will be able to choose between a two-year college course – with standards and content led by employers – or an apprenticeship.