The Skills Mismatch: the biggest problem facing the next Government Lord Baker of Dorking CH Sunday Times Festival of Education, Wellington College 20 th June 2014

We know the problem: In 2013, the top two shortages for jobs worldwide were for skilled trades workers and engineers. Global Talent Shortage Survey, Manpower Group

The economy is changing

An even bigger story: the baby boomers are retiring (Thousands)

Huge numbers of people will be needed by 2020 Between 2012 and 2020, we need – – 830,000 SET professionals (degree level) – 450,000 SET technicians (levels 3 and 4) SET = science, engineering and technology Figures include growth + replacement demand (mainly to replace baby boomers planning to retire)

But supply won’t meet demand Demand for science, engineering and technology graduates: 104,000 per year between 2012 and 2020 Number of new graduates taking UK jobs in SET occupations: 64,000 per year Shortfall: 40,000 graduates per year UNIVERSITIES

Higher education has grown rapidly – but not in all subjects

Percentage of graduates in non-graduate jobs 30 months after graduating, by class of degree Purcell K, Elias P, Atfield G, Behle H, Ellison R and Luchinskaya D (2013), Futuretrack: Transitions into Employment, Further Study and Other Outcomes. Manchester: Higher Education Careers Services Unit

Employment in retail, catering, waiting and bar jobs six months after completing a first degree in 2012 AGCAS and HECSU (2013), What Do Graduates Do? Area of study Percentage of graduates in work who had retail, catering, waiting and bar jobs Fine Arts29.0 Media Studies26.7 Performing Arts23.5 Design23.1 Sociology22.7 Physical and Geographical Sciences 22.1 History21.1 English21.4 Biology20.8 Law19.8 Psychology18.9 Geography18.8 Sports Science17.4 Marketing15.9 Politics15.4 Languages15.2 All employed graduates13.7 Business and Management Studies 13.7 Chemistry13.1 Finance and Accountancy11.3 Computer Science and IT10.5 Maths9.3 Physics9.0 Electrical and Electronic Engineering 8.8 Economics7.9 Architecture and Building7.9 Mechanical Engineering5.6 Civil Engineering4.7

Over the last 20 years, there has been a steady erosion of laboratory skills taught in school science. Gatsby Charitable Foundation SCHOOLS

The development of D & T in the UK has seen a move away from a skills- focused curriculum to a knowledge- focused one. Mike Martin and Gwyneth Owen-Jackson: Is design and technology about making or knowing?

Design and Technology GCSE: only one student in three takes a high-tech option

But Design and Technology GCSE is taken by only one student in three

Therefore the proportion of all students taking high-tech options is… Resistant Materials: 8.4% Electronic Products: 1.4% Systems and Control: 0.6%

In Austria, technical and vocational education starts at 14. In England, most technical and vocational education starts at 16 – two years behind. FURTHER EDUCATION

Other countries value vocational education more highly …

…and have lower youth unemployment

The connection is obvious

Number of 16-24s starting apprenticeships in 2011/12 % change since 2010/11 Business, admin and the law80, % Retail and commercial enterprise63,6707.6% Health, public services and care49, % Engineering and manufacturing38,1006.8%

Percentage of each age group participating in apprenticeships at the end of 2012

We need new specialist institutions “Smaller specialist units, including University Technical Colleges, should be created with stronger links to business, commerce and industry.” Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Unseen Children, speech, 20 June 2013

New pathways: University Technical Colleges

The 50 approved UTCs

Some employers partnering with UTCs

Universities partnering with UTCs

New pathways: Career Colleges

Career Colleges Established by further education colleges subjects linked to labour market – hospitality, catering, tourism, financial science, digital graphic art. Employers: partners in designing and delivering the curriculum 40% of career college board members Progression to apprenticeships, higher education and employment Two pioneering Career Colleges opening in September 2014 in Bootle and Oldham.

New institutions will make a huge difference – but they are not enough on their own.

Every school should have a link with engineering and manufacturing.

My recommendations Get in touch with your local school. Don’t take “no” for an answer. Rally behind a smaller number of big initiatives in schools. Support teachers, especially in Design and Technology. Get a 3D printer into every school.

A FINAL THOUGHT A target for all schools:

So support UTCs!