On-the-job-trials

Re “Theresa May to seek new ‘credible alternative’ to universities” (23 January, www.timeshighereducation.com).

The new technical courses look suitably redesigned and the reformed apprenticeships promisingly well funded. The massive problem will be the long-standing challenge of attracting students to them rather than to A levels.

There is also the hurdle of getting firms to provide the attractive, well-paid work placements and apprenticeships that extend over several years for technicians. Technical education provision usually responds to industrial/business demand rather than leads it. The previous track record of UK-owned small to medium-sized enterprises in particular is not encouraging in this respect. Much may depend on continued foreign investment by international companies in the UK’s post-Brexit economy.

W. Speedway
Via timeshighereducation.com

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