Technical Schools

It is good to see that Lord Ken Baker, former Education Secretary, has been tasked by the Coalition Government with reviving Technical Schools. Lord Baker's vision, which he has argued for over many years, is that such schools, will be available for young people from the age of 14-19 and will focus primarily on vocational education. The schools would be fitted out so that students were able to train on skills such as electricals, plumbing and carpentry. Not only would they be sponsored by local businesses, and provide grounding for future apprentices, but students would also get practical experience by embarking on pre-apprenticeship. Diplomas would be granted instead of GSCEs in order to prepare the students for work, or Higher Education.

The advantage of technical schools is huge. For the first time, students who wanted to follow the vocational route to getting qualifications, would at last have the educational facilities and needs suitable to them. The schools would also create a conveyer belt to apprenticeships and do much to change the apprentice-sceptic culture that exists in so many of our academic establishments. These students qualifications would have the same value of an academic based degree.

You can read more as to what Lord Baker is suggesting HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com