If I type “college” into my phone, the second word it automatically suggests I use next is “opportunities”. In case you wondered, the first is “cuts”. Make of that what you will.
We talk about the opportunities provided by the FE sector - both the avenues it opens for those seeking a second chance, and as a crucial first chance for anyone coming straight from school who wants a vocational option. But, actually, how much of government policy is really set out to widen those opportunities?
Call me a cynic, but it seems to me that reform is often motivated by the need to make the figures add up just in time for the next election. Look at the reformed apprenticeships, for example. Are they actually increasing opportunities? The continued drop in starts and the anecdotes of employers simply rebadging existing training certainly doesn’t suggest so.
As the implementation of T levels approaches, let’s make sure they don’t end up doing the opposite of what they should. Consolidating the massively complex vocational training landscape - and putting something in place that has the clout and reputation we are used to from A levels - sounds great. And if done right, maybe it can help promote vocational education more widely and finally give it the standing it deserves.
But I worry it will work out quite differently. As Tes’ George Ryan points out this week, the way these new qualifications are being set out, with quite a number not having a classroom-based route attached, means they could limit the opportunities available.
There is, of course, nothing wrong with doing an apprenticeship, but what if it just isn’t the right option for you? Given that four employment routes are expected to be delivered via apprenticeship only, are we just going to close the door to a range of industries for those young people for whom that is the case?
T levels, like the whole of FE, need to be about opportunity. They cannot become another way to shut a door in a learner’s face.
Julia Belgutay is acting FE editor for Tes. She tweets @JBelgutay
