Why we’re bringing employers into education earlier

For centuries, university has been the more traditional and default destination for young people, with vocational education seen as the ‘alternative’. We need to broaden the conversation around what success after school can look like, with vocational and technical education such as degree apprenticeships offering valuable alternatives to a university degree. This is particularly important as more young people than ever are showing an interest in these types of qualifications.

By working closely with schools, sixth forms, colleges and universities, we can help young people understand the full range of routes available to them – from apprenticeships and higher technical qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs and HTQs, through to degree-level study.

So, why is there such a significant mismatch between what employers need and what young people are learning in school? And, why are young people hesitant to venture into construction careers when there is such a desperate need in our local economy?