To ensure technical education has a parity of esteem with the more academic route, the newly proposed T-levels must match existing A-Levels.
This is according to the Federation of Master Builders, who in a response to yesterday’s (08/03/17) Spring Budget, highlighted the need to change the current approach to technical education.
Chief Executive of the FMB, Brian Berry, stated: “The Chancellor clearly understands that the UK won’t address the productivity challenge unless we rethink our approach to technical and vocational education. T-Levels could be the answer if they genuinely rival A-Levels in the eyes of parents, teachers and young people. UK society as a whole has been guilty of putting too much emphasis on the academic route – this has made it more difficult for vital sectors like construction and house building to attract the talented people we need. In construction, we are suffering from a severe skills shortage and this is likely to worsen once we leave the EU and no longer have easy access to European labour. This £500 million funding announced today for T-Levels is, therefore, a welcome and much-needed boost.”
He went on to state: “Today’s Budget was an all-round strong performance from the Chancellor and he had good news to report right across the piece. However, increasing tax on the self-employed is not helpful. If we want to establish a resilient, Brexit-proof economy, we must encourage and support our current and future entrepreneurs in the construction industry and beyond. A jump in National Insurance Contributions from 1% to 10% next year could send the wrong message to those individuals who are considering going it alone. The self-employed are the backbone of our economy and the Government should tread carefully here.”
As an alternative to A-Levels, T-Levels are to be introduced from 2019-20 for 16-19-year-olds in technical education. In line with the recommendations from Lord Sainsbury’s independent panel, the Government will increase the number of programme training hours for those taking a technical route. On average this will equate to 900 hours per year, including the completion of a work placement within the industry.
