Rt Hon Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education was the keynote speaker at the Edge Annual Lecture in London on 9th September. The lecture was chaired by Lord Kenneth Baker. The Rt Hon. John Hayes, DBIS & DfE Minister with 'careers' in his portfolio was also present.
Michael Gove delivered a lively and seminal speech on 'Raising the stature of practical and vocational learning' which culminated in a formal announcement that Professor Alison Wolf, the Sir Roy Griffiths Professor of Public Sector Management, King's College, London, will lead on a major review on 14-19 vocational education, on behalf of the Coalition Government.
The contents of the speech highlighted key issues in the Government's commitment to elavating the status of vocational education as a key policy priority, in outline:
- 12 new University Technical Colleges, an initiative of and promoted by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, will be introduced in 12 major cities across England
- Considering plans for an English Baccalaureat
- More Modern Apprenticeships will require convincing employers to invest in staff training at a time when economic cuts are biting hard
- Plans to make it easier for industry to take on apprentices
- Differing types of vocationally focused institutions such as Academies and Studio Schools
- Need to be on the path to expansion but this is difficult when there's pressure on the budget sheets
Dr Deirdre Hughes, President, Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) asked the Secretary of State on behalf of the membership on his views in relation to careers education and guidance, and whether he agreed that proper attention must be given to ensuring all young people (and their parents) have access to high quality impartial careers education and guidance in order to make good decisions and implement their plans accordingly. He stated "yes" and indicated that his colleague "the Rt Hon. John Hayes is working closely with both DBIS and DfE on this very issue".
He went to say that "good quality careers work is essential for young people to help them make the right choices and the most of opportunities available." Deirdre reminded the Secretary of State that the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) represents careers professionals from public, private, community & voluntary sector and that we are working very closely with the Careers Profession Alliance to provide a single voice to Government. Deirdre urged the Rt Hon. John Hayes to review models for an all-age careers service framework that takes full account of careers professionals' viewpoints and experiences.
Read the full speech here: http://www.education.gov.uk/news/speeches/mg-edgefoundation
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