At this year’s Conservative Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has partnered with The Royal Society to hold an open fringe panel discussion: ‘How a broader approach to education can develop the necessary skills for a thriving workforce for the future’
England has one of the narrowest education systems in the world, with few other countries forcing learners to specialise in a small set of subjects in their final phase of schooling. Our current system does not offer young people the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge base, which is vital for the 21st century. This means that many young people miss out on the wide range of skills needed not only to enter the rapidly changing workforce, but also to ensure emotional and mental wellbeing, and to equip them to be active participants in democracy and society.
Currently, the UK is a global leader in science and engineering. To maintain this position, the importance of all young people having access to high-quality education, particularly in STEM subjects, to create a pipeline of talent cannot be underestimated, especially as business leaders report that young people entering the workplace often do not have the skills needed to fulfil these roles. This begs the question: how could a broader and more balanced education system equip young people with the skills they need to access high-quality roles and support the innovation economy?
This panel will bring together policy makers, school leaders and sector experts to discuss how a broad and balanced education system could close the skills gap and create a thriving workforce of the future. It will consider what impact broadening education may have on economic productivity and finally, beyond traditional STEM careers, what a broad scientific education can provide for other roles in terms of problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking.
We are pleased to welcome Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann, WorldSkills UK; Peter Finegold, The Royal Society; David Johnston MP and Evelyn Forde, Copthall School to the panel. Natalie Perera, EPI’s Chief Executive will chair the session.
** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Conservative Party.**
