Government Launches Drive to Boost Skills and Plug UK Jobs Gap
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has unveiled a bold plan to level up UK skills by boosting higher technical education. The move aims to tackle skill shortages in construction, manufacturing, and digital sectors, and fuel the country’s economic recovery.
Higher Technical Education: The Missing Link
Higher technical education—qualifications like Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) that sit between A Levels and degrees—could unlock the skills employers desperately need. But too few students are signing up, causing major gaps in crucial industries.
Last year’s review showed these qualifications lead to high-skilled, well-paid jobs. Now, the government’s new measures seek to boost quality and confidence in these courses, making sure they match employer demands.
What’s in the Package?
- New approved qualifications launching September 2022, backed by a government quality mark to ensure courses teach the skills employers want.
- Quality checks with Ofsted and the Office for Students to guarantee consistently high standards in universities and further education colleges.
- A nationwide awareness campaign teaming up with employers and careers advisers to spotlight the bright future higher technical education offers.
Government and Industry Praise the Plan
“For too long we have been training people for the jobs of yesterday instead of the jobs of today and tomorrow. Employers are struggling to find computer programmers, engineers, electricians, and technicians. These measures will help plug skill gaps, level up opportunities, and support our economic recovery,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
“Higher technical qualifications build people’s careers. It’s brilliant to see the Government committed to boosting their uptake. Putting employers in charge will ensure courses meet real-world needs. With most employers expecting to increase higher skilled roles, clear progression routes are vital,” said Matthew Percival, CBI People and Skills Director.
“There is a serious mismatch between education and economic needs. This major reform, alongside T Levels, can end this gap and deserves strong support across political and industry lines,” added Lord Sainsbury of Turville, chair of the Independent Panel on Technical Education.
A Big Bet on Britain’s Future Workforce
This announcement follows Williamson’s recent pledge to publish a White Paper outlining plans for a world-class, German-style further education system focused on employer-led, high-quality qualifications.
The Government is backing this with cash too. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has committed millions for new work placements, tripled traineeships, boosted apprenticeships, and expanded careers advice—investments to get young people into skilled jobs.
Higher technical qualifications will offer a clear step up from new T Levels and A Levels for young people—and retraining options for adults wanting to boost skills in STEM subjects.
Institutes of Technology and National Colleges are set to grow, delivering high-tech training in digital, manufacturing, and engineering. Universities and FE colleges like nottingham/" title="Nottingham" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Nottingham Trent and New College Durham are also key players in this skills revolution.
With today’s measures complementing the ongoing post-18 education review, the government hopes to build a joined-up, accessible system that truly meets UK employers’ demands.
