| Abstract: |
Education and Training (E&T) across all the United Kingdom (UK) nations is at an inflection point, with the sector facing significant pressure to fit into and contribute to governments' aspirations for economic growth and improved productivity, work and occupational structures and practices changing in response to technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), and pressures of net zero goals reshaping both work and E&T pathways. There appears to be a desire to rethink the policy approaches taken in post-16 E&T. This report presents findings from critical, comparable case studies of post-16 E&T in six key industries in the UK--gaming, cybersecurity, fashion, food, automotive, and construction. These industries offer a diverse range of roles and several different E&T routes and qualifications from school-to-work transitions and so provide important insight into broader issues facing E&T and the wider economy. This qualitative study examines current skill needs and shortages in each case industry, assesses the extent to which E&T provision aligns with employer demands, and highlights other related sectoral and industry specific challenges. Interviews were conducted with a total of 60 participants, including representatives from key employers, relevant training providers, industry membership organisations, and young people. The analysis gives diverse perspectives reflecting employer, E&T provider, and young people's experiences reflecting the complex realities and E&T challenges across the UK as whole. Findings clearly highlight that post-16 E&T across the UK is fragmented, confusing, and hard to navigate for employers and young people alike. While there are pockets of good practice across all of the UK devolved nations, the overall picture is that post-16 E&T is not working effectively for the economy, is failing to meet employer skills demands, and is leaving young people and individual learners frustrated, let down, and ill-prepared for the careers to which they aspire. Clear policy recommendations are provided that will ensure coherent approaches to post-16 E&T policy in a way that simultaneously meets national and regional economic needs, employer skills demands, social mobility, and supports individual career aspirations. |