Snobbery against vocational training must end: EAL

EAL, the organisation that awards vocational qualifications across the engineering sector, has called for an end to what it describes as 'snobbery against vocational training'. Watson said: "I sincerely hope that UTCs are successful at tackling 'snobbery against vocational training'. The Government has clearly placed vocational skills firmly within their sights, and makes no secret of the fact that it sees manufacturing and engineering as the key to securing the UK's economic future. Therefore to have a meaningful impact, UTCs need to create long-term opportunities for students long after they have left the classroom. "Many of our captains of industry started life as apprentices, so UTCs need to attract children of all capabilities and with different ambitions. We need to see students who have an interest in developing their skills-set, and with a flair for the practical, not use vocational training as a way of siphoning-off those who are disaffected by the traditional academic offering. This is especially true if we are to avoid, as many fear, creating a two-tiered secondary school system at such an early age." Watson believes that UTCs could, if executed effectively, have tangible benefits for employers, as students will already have a firm grasp on the skills which are vital to future training and development. She concluded: "An over-emphasis placed on the academic route post-18 has, for the last 13 years, created inequalities among young people which are only starting to emerge now. While I appreciate concerns that UTCs may be seen to be forcing young people to make serious decisions at an early age, it is vital that advice must be clear, unbiased and fully involve parents. A firm commitment must be made to maintaining standards in academic subjects, such as English and Maths, alongside the technical. This will leave both options open to students, should they change their mind at the end of their study."