'Employers at the heart of the system?': the role of employers in qualification development

This chapter explores the longstanding exhortations from government for employers to engage with the education system within England, in particular the drive to encourage employers to become involved in the development of qualifications within the compulsory phase. It describes history and rationale for such an approach within the later stages of secondary education between the ages of 14 and 19 years. The chapter suggests that the recurring policy rhetoric has been couched in the same terms, with encouragement for employers to be 'key partners from the outset', to jump 'in the driving...  [+] Show more

This chapter explores the longstanding exhortations from government for employers to engage with the education system within England, in particular the drive to encourage employers to become involved in the development of qualifications within the compulsory phase. It describes history and rationale for such an approach within the later stages of secondary education between the ages of 14 and 19 years. The chapter suggests that the recurring policy rhetoric has been couched in the same terms, with encouragement for employers to be 'key partners from the outset', to jump 'in the driving seat', to 'sit at the heart of the system'. Employers are being asked to design and develop the content of technical qualifications, to give their imprimatur to every technical qualification before sign off, even to contribute to assessment. The chapter concludes that while there may be a role for employers in qualification development, the nature and extent of this should be clearly articulated from the outset.

Abstract from publisher's website.

The volume from which this chapter is taken is available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 133.717.