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White Paper recognises vocational skills

An Institution of Engineering and Technology product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 25, 2005

The IEE has welcomed the UK Government's White Paper on the reform of the 14-19 education system.

The IEE is pleased that the Government, in the White Paper on the reform of the 14-19 education system, has recognised that good quality vocational skills, particularly in engineering and software development, are every bit as demanding and relevant as traditional academic achievement.

Dorrie Giles, the IEEs Director of Qualifications, said: "We welcome the Government's recognition of the importance of vocational courses and that they need to be supported by strong maths skills".

"Engineering needs the brightest people and they have to have a strong grounding in science and mathematics, whether they choose the vocational or academic route".

"Those taking the vocational route to HE will need to develop their mathematical skills through A-Levels as suggested by Ruth Kelly, or by taking appropriate mathematics units".

"The lack of technical, intermediate and graduate-level engineering skills, essential for a healthy economy, is having a major impact on UK productivity".

"Engineering is an esteemed subject at university and engineering graduates are in very high demand not just in design and manufacturing but also in many other areas of business and industry, where their analytical, numerical and problem solving skills make them highly employable".

Professor David Howard, Chairman of the IEEs Education Sector Panel, said: "It's good that the Government has recognised that there are many routes into engineering and that vocational routes are just as strong".

"However, it is essential that we have appropriately qualified specialist staff in secondary and further education, with up-to-date teaching material and support for continuing professional development".

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