BCC: There's no one route to success for young people

Commenting ahead of a speech by Education Secretary Damian Hinds, Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment and Skills at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“We are pleased that the government is looking to put apprenticeships and T-Levels on the same footing as traditional academic qualifications. For a long time, the British Chambers of Commerce has called for vocational education to be valued competitively alongside traditional academic routes.

“For young people, and those in the workforce wishing to develop their skills, the new apprenticeships and T-Levels will provide high quality routes to rewarding careers across a wide range of industries.

“With three quarters of businesses are now facing critical skills shortages, it’s vital that we have a stable and coherent skills system, so that more young people are given the information and support to choose a quality vocational route into skilled employment, alongside a sensible migration policy.

“There’s no one route to success, and for many years the BCC has called for schools to be measured differently - to help ensure young people can consider ‘earn as you learn’ options and technical qualifications alongside the traditional academic choices. They must now be properly funded to ensure they are available for young people, employers and the wider workforce.”