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, therefore manufacturers will continue to work with Government going forward to build an education system that creates the next generation of creators, makers and innovators.”
