The report “Overlooked and left behind: improving the transition from school to work for the majority of young people” raises concerns about a wide range of factors and makes some clear recommendations as to what needs to be done to improve circumstances for young people making decisions about that important transition from compulsory schooling at the age of sixteen.
Commenting on the report, IAgrE CEO said. “I am especially pleased to read the recommendation stating the need to reduce unfairness between academic and vocational routes to work, particularly in funding. Together with our partners representing the Agricultural Engineering industry, we work hard to promote the fantastic careers available in our sector but too often we hear stories of how specialist land-based colleges are starved of the resources needed to secure good quality staff and the equipment to support good quality vocational learning. It has always seemed unjust that universities and schools should have their funding ring-fenced while vocational learning at colleges has been subject to cuts year on year. All of this at the same time that research indicates a growing shortage of technicians”
The Select Committee Report makes a number of recommendations including; ensuring apprenticeships remain high-quality; improving careers guidance and advice for young people; increasing employment involvement with schools in the transition to work and inequality between academic and vocational routes to work.
Agricultural engineering is a highly specialised industry with a broad range of education and training opportunities. This includes manufacturer supported apprenticeships in land-based service engineering, college based diplomas in land-based engineering, degrees in agricultural engineering and off-road vehicle design, and a wide range of post graduate study at a number of top universities.
“We promote agricultural engineering at all levels” added Alastair Taylor, “This industry offers fantastic opportunities and we are as keen to promote university education as we are vocational training. It is our hope that the Department for Education takes heed of the select committee report and opens up access to sound careers advice and real parity of esteem for students and learners at all levels. We want to see a much more inclusive educational system with those involved in vocational studies as well supported as those in academia.”
