In Fiona Millar’s opinion piece on the new T-levels, I find myself in agreement with her. The divide between academic and technical education does need bridging. For far too long technical education has been sidelined; initiatives taken by successive governments, as she sets out, had their heart in the right place but ultimately failed to create technical routes that are the equal of A-levels and provision in our world-class universities.
But Ms Millar’s pessimism around T-levels will prove misplaced (‘T-levels are the latest in a series of quickly forgotten vocational qualifications that come and go’, 12 June). To improve technical education for every child, we need to truly shake up the system. In designing the new system we have looked carefully at previous reforms, along with Lord Sainsbury’s review of what works well in the best international systems, so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. T-levels are the biggest reform of technical education for over 70 years. So what makes them different? We have put employers and business in the driving seat; they are at the heart of the design of T-levels – working with us to develop course content, provide industry placements and ultimately employ the skilled workforce that T-levels will produce.
But this new qualification is one part of a much wider transformation of technical education; we are also improving the quality of apprenticeships and establishing institutes of technology that will offer top-quality technical training to degree standard. It is this holistic approach that will finally end the disparity between technical and academic education.
I haven’t met Ms Millar – which I assume is why she refers to me as the “barely known minister for skills”. While I would be very happy to meet her, how well known I am is not what matters. What matters to me is that I will have played my part in changing the lives of young people. We are serious about creating the highly skilled, homegrown workforce our country needs and making sure our young people gain the skills for the jobs of tomorrow. This is a chance to build the bridge, giving people of all ages – whatever their background, wherever they come from and whoever they know – a chance to get on in life. These exciting new qualifications will not be quickly forgotten. They are here to stay.
Anne Milton MP
Apprenticeships and skills minister
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