IOM3 welcomes Government ambition to strengthen technical education
The Government announced proposals today that aim to reshape the pathways to technical education.
IOM3 welcomed the Government's ambition to give technical education equal status with academic routes, but warns that the reforms must be backed by sustained action to address critical skills shortages and ensure the UK has the workforce needed to support economic growth, resource security and the transition to a circular economy.
Under proposals announced today, regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape new technical education pathways tailored to local industries and growth sectors. This approach aims to enable education provision to reflect regional economic strengths, supporting sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, clean energy, life sciences, construction, health and care, and the creative industries.
The announcement closely aligns with recommendations set out in the recent IOM3 joint report with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and the Royal Society of Chemistry on jobs and skills for the circular economy. The report called for greater recognition of vocational and technical pathways, increased opportunities for industry experience, and improved coordination between industry, education providers and policymakers to address critical skills shortages.
Dr Colin Church CEnv FIMMM, CEO of IOM3, said:
A skilled workforce is fundamental to the UK’s future prosperity. Giving technical education equal status with traditional academic routes is an important step forward for sectors such as materials, minerals and mining. It will also help more young people see technical careers as rewarding and ambitious pathways into industries that are central to the UK's future.
Raising the status of technical education must now be matched by action. Our recent joint report highlighted significant skills shortages that threaten the UK's ambitions for economic growth, resource security and the transition to a circular economy. Addressing those challenges will require much closer collaboration between government, employers, educators and professional bodies.
Greater regional flexibility is welcome, but it must be matched by a strong national focus on strategically important sectors facing persistent skills shortages. Professional bodies have a vital role in identifying future skills needs, promoting career pathways, supporting professional development and ensuring technical education keeps pace with industry. We will continue to work with the Government and partners to help equip people with the expertise these sectors need.
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