Technical skills undervalued and overlooked – Logistics UK
Technical skills have been undervalued in the UK for too long and contributed to a lack of key skills, according to Logistics UK.
Speaking during National Apprenticeship Week, Logistics UK head of skills policy Bethany Windsor has claimed that there has been an over-emphasis on academic qualifications at the expense of real skills critical to the UK economy.
Untapped talent
She said: “There is a pool of untapped talent of almost one million 16-to-24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training and, at the same time, there are some 213,000 job vacancies that are attributed to skills shortages.
“It is a massive, missed opportunity and indicative of an education system that has historically prioritised academic achievement over technical pathways, rather than ensuring both are equally valued.
“Apprenticeships offer employees hands-on experience, sector-specific skills and professional training, all while earning a salary. And the financial rewards continue: five years after qualifying, higher level apprentices earn £37,300, on average, compared to £32,100 for the average university graduate.
“While university education has clear and lasting value, there must also be a sharper focus on training the workforce for the jobs the country needs to thrive and drive growth.”
Growth and Skills Levy
Meanwhile, Logistics UK, which offers industry-focused apprenticeship programmes is supporting the government’s plan to replace the Apprenticeship Levy with a Growth and Skills Levy.
It believes this which will provide employers with greater flexibility and allow up to 50% of funds to be invested in high-quality, non-apprenticeship training that meets immediate workforce needs.
