Tech Partnership employers welcome digital push of Post-16 Skills Plan

The wide-ranging reforms, announced by the Department of Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, reflect the recommendations of Lord Sainsbury’s review of technical education.

Under the new system, post GCSE students will opt for either a technical or an academic pathway. While those who choose the academic route will take the well-charted route through A levels and on to a degree, the technical stream will move either to a two-year college programme, or straight into employment and training via an apprenticeship. Progression routes will include higher and degree apprenticeships, and higher technical education.

The technical stream will feature 15 routes, of which Digital is one. In addition, all routes will include digital skills as part of a ‘common core’, alongside English and Maths. The first routes will be available for those sitting GCSEs in 2019.

In this new structure, employers will be responsible for developing the content and standards for each route, ensuring that they are valued and respected as routes to employment.

The Digital Apprenticeship Standards Steering Group, which is supporting apprenticeship standards development from level 2 to Honours and Masters degree level welcomes the Post-16 Skills Plan. “Digital skills are essential for the UK’s future prosperity in the global economy,” says Fred Rayers of Fujitsu, who sits on the steering group. “A dedicated Digital pathway will give young people entering work the chance to develop the knowledge and understanding that employers need. Putting digital skills in every qualification will ensure that no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.”

“The employers of the Tech Partnership stand ready to support these reforms,” adds Karen Price, CEO of the Partnership. “Employers have already been collaborating to put in place high quality apprenticeships, and these offer a great start to digital careers in companies of all sizes and sectors. This experience can be put to good use in helping to offer young people inspiring post-16 pathways within the education system. Equipped with qualifications that employers genuinely value, these workers of tomorrow can add value right away, and have the opportunity to progress to apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and beyond.”