Skills Commission Inquiry 2011 - technician and higher level skills

The Skills Commission has launched a new inquiry into provision of technician and higher level skills. The inquiry is being chaired by Professor Alison Halstead, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, and will examine whether current advanced and higher level vocational qualifications and awards are meeting the needs of employers and learners.

Commenting on the inquiry, Professor Alison Halstead said:

“The Government has recognised the importance of technical skills to growing the UK’s manufacturing and engineering industries. This timely inquiry will build on the recent Wolf report on 14-19 education by focusing on the next stage; technical vocational and professional skills for adults including apprenticeships and higher level education.  

With input from leading employers and educational providers we will explore whether the current system is able to meet the challenge of training people to meet their personal ambitions and the needs of the economy.”

In addittion to a series of parliamentary evidence sessions, the Commission will be holding a number of regional meetings, inviting local employers, colleges and learners to participate in the inquiry. A collection of academic papers on international comparisons of delivery models are also being commissioned.

The Commission has released a call for evidence, and will be taking evidence submissions until 31 May 2011. The final report will be published in October.

The call for evidence can be found here
The inquiry's terms of reference can be found here
A full list of participants can be found here

For further information, please contact the Commission's Research Manager, Christopher Hall, at Christopher.hall@policyconnect.org.uk or on 020 7202 8577.

The inquiry is being supported by Pearson, the Gatsby Foundation and the Tec Trust Fund.