At this year’s Conservative Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has partnered with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) to co-host an open fringe panel discussion: ‘How do we end the snobbery of academic versus vocational routes for young people?’
The Covid-19 pandemic and continued economic uncertainty has further illuminated the skills gaps that exist in our society. Following a review of post-16 qualifications, the Department for Education recently confirmed the introduction of a new streamlined system from 2023, centralising A levels, T levels and apprenticeships as the three main post-16 routes. However, there is growing concern of the consequences of removing alternative level 3 qualifications, which risks creating further disadvantage for young people’s career prospects and a lack of parity of esteem between academic and vocational routes. Bridging the academic and vocational divide to remove bias will be key to ensuring a system which supports all young people into fulfilling and purposeful work and tackles the skills gap as we look towards economic recovery.
This panel will bring together policymakers, education unions and stakeholders from across the education sector to consider how we can ensure that academic and vocational routes are considered as equally beneficial career routes for young people.
** 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.**
