More parents and schools need to be promoting vocational training

Research released at the end of May this year showed that 72% of employers see vocational qualifications as essential for improving the skills of young people and preparing them for work. Which is all well and good, but unfortunately, only 27% of parents judged vocational education to be worthwhile. Even more worryingly, 22% of students were told by their schools that they were ‘too clever’ for vocational training. There are fears that schools lack up to date information about vocational training and therefore perceive it to be something it’s not. That is why more needs to be done to give students a better understanding of the potential of apprenticeships and NVQ’s.

In a new report from The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), they predict that 90% of the most in-demand jobs of the future will be attained via vocational qualifications. How accurate this prediction will be remains to be seen, however it is clear that vocational education is going to become increasingly more important. So, it is equally important that there is a change of attitude towards vocational qualifications.

Technical, practical and vocational education has a unique role to play in the future job market, giving students the edge in a competitive jobs market by providing them with the skills, experience and clear progression routes they need to succeed. Vocational qualifications can aid progression along career paths, or facilitate entire career changes.

Brooks and Kirk have been delivering high quality vocational training for over 20 years. We’ve seen first hand how vocational education can help, not only to develop the learner, but the business as well. With qualifications starting at level 2 and going all the way up to level 5 (equivalent to a foundation degree), we have courses to suit people of all academic abilities and ages. Please visit our NVQ’s page to see what we can offer.