Plans in the UK to cut funding for education that provides vocational training in subjects such as childcare, construction, engineering, health and social care, hospitality, information technology and computing, public and protective services, science, sport, transport, travel and tourism, are opposed by many. Many teachers are in fact severely criticising the government plans to withdraw funding from vocational training schemes. They warning that this will worsen inequalities faced by disadvantaged pupils and students.
The National Education Union (NEU) “strongly condemned” the decision which it said could lead to the closure of further education colleges. And the principle party of the opposition, Labour, warned that the plans will “embed inequalities” in education for thousands of young people. Labour said in fact, that withdrawing funding for the scheme will disproportionately hit disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs and disabilities.
These qualifications are indeed valued by employers, universities and students themselves. It is important that we are vigilant in order for such plans to be avoided in Europe. Education leading to practice-oriented professions is now more crucial for relaunching the economy than ever.