BCC welcomes the launch of vital reforms to the 14-19 education agenda
28/11/2005
Commenting on the launch of Government plans outlining reforms to the 14-19 education system,
Bill Midgley, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
"Too many young people do not leave school with the basic skills they need for the workplace. Business needs an education system which provides potential employees with the right skills for business.
We are pleased with the Government's commitment to improve the basic functional skills of our young people, stretch the brightest at A level and the new focus on work-based and vocational options.
"We are hopeful that the new vocational diplomas will give more school-leavers qualifications that are relevant to the workplace, while also helping to engage those who are in danger of falling-out of the system. The involvement of business in driving the vocational route will help create a world-class education system that serves the needs of all our young people as well as those of the economy and the wider community.
"However, we remain disappointed that the Government has chosen not to revisit its decision to shelve Tomlinson's proposal for an overarching diploma, which we pushed for strongly. We believe that an overarching diploma would have helped to raise the value of the vocational route, encouraging more young people to take this path."
