Vocation, Vocation, Vocation

Prime Minister, Theresa May, is leading a review into the UK’s education system, which is often accused of failing many young people by failing to provide alternatives to university.

The complaint is that the UK does not offer a vocational alternative to university and this is not a missed opportunity for the economy - but a waste of young talent.

The university system itself, does not fare that much better.

In a speech today, Theresa May, claimed that the university sector was charging too much to students, as all courses - regardless of cost - were being charged at the maximum £9,250 per annum fees.

Academics, politicians and commentators all agree that education policy is in dire need of a shake-up, so what are the Government proposing to do?

In October 2017 the Government unveiled the first new T-levels in Digital, Construction, and Education and Childcare. T-levels are a new technical study programme that will sit alongside existing schemes and apprenticeships.

The idea is to create new pathways for young people who want to learn vocational skills, rather than go down the academic route of college and eventually applying for university.

The reforms will also assist the UK economy during a period of uncertainty and change as a result of Brexit. By supporting young people living in the UK, the economy will become less reliant on talented workers from abroad.

The DMA supports the new standard and believes investing in young people is critical to the vitality of UK Plc.

One of the first T-levels will be in digital skills, which are critical to the marketing industry in a world where the intelligent use of personal data is driving added value within companies.

Diversity of talent was touted as a major objective of the Government’s education reforms.

Talking about fairness, May, said:

‘A country where your background does not define your future, and class distinctions are a thing of the past. Where a boy from a working-class home can become a High Court judge, thanks to a great state education. And where a girl from a private school can start a software business, thanks to a first-class technical education.’

Increasing diversity is something that is needed within the marketing community too. A diverse workforce means added different creative approaches from marketers and employees with a better understanding of today’s world.

The Government is focussing on promoting diversity and boosting the UK’s own vocational skillset with the new T-levels.

The DMA is supporting the new T-level qualifications and doing all it can to promote marketing as a career choice for young people today.