Higher education, initial vocational education and training and continuing education and training: where should the balance lie?. Issue 7 (16th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mason, Geoff
• Is Part Of: Journal of education and work. Volume 33:Issue 7/8(2020)
• Page Start: 468
• Page End: 490
• Publication Date: 2020-11-16
• Subjects: Higher Education -- Further Education -- Vocational Education and Training -- Apprenticeships -- Continuing Education and Training; Career education -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Préparation à une carrière -- Périodiques; Orientation professionnelle -- Périodiques; Marché du travail, Effets de l'éducation sur le -- Périodiques; Transition école-travail -- Périodiques; Insertion professionnelle -- Périodiques; 331.702
• DOI: 10.1080/13639080.2020.1755428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-9080

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper reviews evidence on two serious imbalances in the UK education and training system: The heavy bias in public spending on initial education and training (for 18–24-year olds) towards higher education at the expense of further education and vocational education and training. The very weak government support for continuing education and training (for adults aged 25-plus) compared to that provided for initial education and training for new entrants to the workforce. The effects of these imbalances are compounded by a marked reluctance by many employers to invest in work-based training, especially long-duration apprenticeship training. In a concluding policy section, the paper discusses ways in which both major imbalances could be reduced by abolishing tuition fees: first, for all Further Education courses up to Level 5 (for example, Foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas); and second, for work-related, community learning and general-interest courses which do not necessarily lead to formal qualifications. It also considers options for short-duration continuing education and training for adults of all ages to be encouraged without undermining current efforts to reform and improve apprenticeship training