The power of words cannot be underestimated. In a single sentence or phrase, the right combination of words can be the spark to achieving almost anything. Yet, as educators, while our intentions are good, we have arguably become inured to using words and phrases that can limit and constrain.

We often find ourselves using labels that can restrict. To say that a learner is “employable”, surely means that they are just good enough to get a job. To describe someone as “competent”, can readily be interpreted as simply the other side of incompetent. Is this good enough? We think not.

We must all take every opportunity to inject energy, optimism and belief into our collective efforts to shape a better future through the power of education. We must choose the words that inspire and take the actions that matter.

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Background: WorldSkills UK unveils £1.5m Centre of Excellence

Tackling vocational snobbery head on

That is why in the course of our partnership work on the development of the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, we have explored how the methodology of mastering a skill has empowered and impassioned young people across the world to perform incredible feats and achieve further success in work and life. Ironically, “aspiring to mastery” feels like a long-forgotten relic of our technical education system from days gone by. Yet, in an economy needing a boost in productivity, it has never felt more important.

Drawing on WorldSkills UK’s unique insights into global skills systems, and utilising NCFE’s expertise in curriculum development, the Centre of Excellence will help mainstream world-class methods in teaching, learning and assessment. This will help more and more young people, including those from disadvantaged areas, achieve higher standards in their training, so they have the competitive edge employers are looking for. 

By working together, we are seeking to tackle vocational snobbery head on and change the nature of the conversation to create more prestige for apprenticeships and technical qualifications, inspiring more young people to take this route.

From its inception, the aim of the Centre of Excellence was to equip young people from all socio-economic groups with the skill set and mindset to take their learning to the next level. High-quality educational experiences build confidence and self-esteem, helping to drive social mobility. Great educators are central to these positive learning experiences. Not only do they play a pivotal role in imparting knowledge and developing skills, but they also facilitate the development of traits that are proven to predicate success, such as a deep desire to learn, the hunger to succeed and the belief that anything is possible. They unshackle learners from their limiting beliefs and help them to develop the self-efficacy, resilience and resourcefulness to prevail, whatever the challenge.

Inspirational, world-class educators

This is why together, through the Centre of Excellence, we are actively investing in the art of technical teaching. Our shared vision is to create a cadre of inspirational, world-class educators who will drive systematic change from within colleges and centres helping transform young peoples’ lives.

Mainstreaming excellence in training standards through global benchmarking and delivering it directly to tens of thousands of young people at their places of learning is key to levelling up the economy. However, the language of excellence, and the aspirational mindset it generates, needs to translate beyond the classroom to move beyond simply talking about “jobs” and “employment” to the pursuit of meaningful, rewarding and fulfilling careers.

With the prime minister’s endorsement, the chancellor’s announcement of support for young people seeking to mitigate the risk of significant unemployment, and the secretary of state’s ambition for a world-class technical education sector, we all now have the opportunity to energise and influence an entire generation to pursue higher-skilled roles and career pathways through our collective ambition to drive the skills-led recovery.

This will not only benefit the economy but will also instil young people with a sense of pride and confidence about the future. In such challenging times, we all as leaders in education need to choose better words to inspire and motivate. Investing in the development of excellence is crucial for us to create more opportunity and power social and economic progress for the prosperity of all.

Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann is the chief executive of WorldSkills UK and David Gallagher is the chief executive at NCFE