Tech Bacc ‘must not be rushed’

BIS and education ministers said that the ‘TechBacc’ a vocational and occupationally-driven qualification for 16 and 19 year olds, will be introduced in September 2014.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “It will be rigorous and challenging, finally giving vocational education the high status it deserved – putting it on a par with A level study and recognising excellence.”

IfL’s chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said, “Excellent teaching and learning will be critical to the success of the technical baccalaureate, and IfL believes that learners must have the guarantee of being taught by qualified, expert vocational teachers and trainers who stay abreast with the latest developments in their specialist area, and in teaching and training methods, through continuing professional development (CPD). It is vital too that teachers, trainers and their learners have access to industry-standard equipment and training facilities.

“We do have concerns about the proposed timetable, especially since the government is still consulting about the list of vocational qualifications that will qualify for inclusion on the approved list. There needs to be enough time for teachers to prepare and be ready to introduce the changes, so that the new baccalaureate properly meets the vision that Professor Alison Wolf set out in her 2011 review of vocational education.

“ IfLwill work with teachers and trainers, our members, to keep them informed and to support them in the introduction of this rigorous and challenging new measure; and with partner organisations, such as the new guild, to maximise support for teachers.”