Skills count for more

Employers are increasingly placing greater value on vocational skills than academic qualifications, according to the Edge Foundation and City & Guilds, organisations that promote and develop vocational training programmes.

Their study polled more than 1,000 businesses and found almost three-quarters of them view vocational qualifications (VQs) as essential for improving the skills of young people and preparing them for work. More than half rated VQs “more valuable” than academic qualifications. And 84% agreed that pupils needed more robust work experience while they were still at school.

www.edge.co.uk/research/views-on-vocational-qualifications