Vocational education and experiences should form part of every teenager's learning
Our latest report, Untapped Potential, finds that many young people are missing out on the wider benefits of vocational education that can prepare them for life after school: things like contact with employers, experience of workplaces and high-quality careers guidance.
But schools can't do this alone. Read the report to discover our recommendations for creating a vocational ecosystem that supports students for life and work.
Read more about the impact of our new report in this news article →
New technical pathways for 14-16
Lucy Carey breaks down the government's plans for new technical pathways for 14- to 16-year-olds and explores what schools need to know, including potential opportunities, challenges and key questions still to be answered.
Combining academic and technical learning
The policy team summarises the government's announcement for plans for new technical education pathways from age 14, combining academic and technical learning to create clearer routes into employment, apprenticeships and further study.
‘Structural barriers’ holding VQs back
Vocational and technical qualifications give 14- to 16-year-olds practical learning, but too many are excluded. New research highlights strong support for them, while misconceptions, limited awareness and pressures around staffing, resources and accountability continue to restrict access.
Technical Awards for 14-16
Cambridge Nationals
Cambridge Nationals are Technical Awards that sit alongside GCSEs, giving students the opportunity to develop practical, career-related skills and knowledge through applied learning without narrowing future progression choices.
Through subjects such as Child Development, Health and Social Care, Engineering, Enterprise and Marketing, Creative iMedia, IT, Sport Science and Sport Studies students can begin to understand how classroom learning connects to future opportunities.
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