Pauline Holbrook, Head of SEND Network, reflects upon the current system in place for our young people, and why it is important to recognise both vocational and academic skills.
I don’t think any of us would argue against the premise that all students regardless of geographical location, school they attend or ability have a right to high quality information and guidance in relation to adulthood which of course would include employment. Therefore, it is interesting that the The Education Committee has launched a cross party inquiry into careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) for children and young people.
Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the Education Committee, said:
“Despite the great efforts of all those individuals and organisations involved in providing careers guidance and support, the truth is that careers guidance policy is not for purpose in this country. We will never create a parity of esteem between vocational and technical skills and academic learning until we change the culture of careers.”
“What is needed is a sea-change of careers advice which puts ‘skills, skills, skills’ first and foremost. The Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, currently progressing through Parliament requires only one careers meeting per pupil over three key year groups. Instead, we should see at least three careers meetings per pupil, per year, involving colleges, technical education providers and apprenticeship providers. This would show we mean business when it comes to supporting our young people with their futures.”
“This inquiry will be a root and branch review of the current system, not just looking closely at the data and outcomes for young people, but it will also set out a plan for the future.”
I certainly agree with Robert Halfon in that the government and society needs to recognise both vocational/technical and academic skills and stop talking about five good passes at GCSE’s as the “gold standard” that all students should achieve. When you go to the garage with a puncture do you ask has the person changing your tyre or mending the puncture have five GCSE’s? I certainly don’t, I just need to know that they have been trained well to know which punctures can be legally repaired and which cannot, and then either mend it or put on a new tyre safely.
What is heartening is that one of the questions being asked is – Whether the current system of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) is serving young people, particularly those who have a special educational need or disability. For once our sector is not an afterthought.
