Science and innovation investment framework 2004-2014: next steps

Topic: Education & Skills

Date: March 2006

Source: HM Treasury

Overview:

“Science and innovation investment framework 2004-2014: next steps” sets out the Government’s thoughts on the long-term challenges facing UK science and innovation, and the next steps to build on the Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014. The document sets out the proposals designed to create a more effective science and innovation system in the UK, and maximise the impact of public investment in research on the economy.

Outlined within this framework is a package of measures that aim to improve the skills of science teachers, the quality of science lessons and increase progression to A level sciences; including a series of targets to increase the number of young people taking A levels in physics, chemistry and mathematics, and increase the number of pupils achieving A*-B and A*-C grades in two science subjects at GCSE.

ETB linked activity:

The ETB welcomes many of the recommendations in the report but we are concerned that the role of the Further Education (FE) sector is largely ignored. This is especially important for the skills at technician level which underpin the entire fabric of UK engineering.

On 12th October 2006, the ETB will be hosting a vocational skills conference to discuss the preliminary findings of three pieces of research into engineering and technology skills within the FE sector. Workshops will be run in the afternoon session to debate the findings. To register your interest for the conference email: sarah.adams@neilstewartassociates.co.uk 

Further information:

The Science and innovation investment framework paper can be downloaded from the Treasury website.

Report: Vocational learning provision at Key Stage 4

Topic: Education & Skills

Date: January 2006

Source: Qualifications and Curriculum Authority

Overview:

QCA has conducted a review of vocational provision for 14 to 16 year olds in schools based on those taking qualifications in 2004.

The findings of this report have implications for work across the 14 to 19 reform programmes, particularly the development of Specialised Diplomas. The report also includes some familiar factors that help make the implementation of vocational qualifications in schools successful:

•   Funding, especially support for collaborative arrangements between schools and colleges;

•   Committed and enthusiastic staff, support and training seem to be the main issues here;

•   Management support;

•   More flexible timetabling approaches;

•   Industry links, now a requirement under the 14 to 19 Gateway criteria; and

•   Student and parent guidance.

The key finding of this is the challenge for a school in actually delivering all these factors. At a very simple level, the report finds that the more vocational a qualification, the harder it will be for a school to deliver it.

ETB linked activity:

It would be impossible not to endorse this finding at a fundamental level; this is why the ETB actively seeks to help by developing links with industry and providing quality careers material. Copies of this careers material can be downloaded from our website.

The ETB are also undertaking research in the area of Further Education (FE). One of these projects will be undertaken in partnership with the South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) to look at employer engagement in FE courses.

Further information:

This report can be downloaded from the QCA website.

Report: Work skills

Topic: Careers & CPD

Date: May 2006

Source: Sector Skills Development Agency

Overview:

Using a case study approach, this project from the Sector Skills Development Agency reviews and evaluates sectoral approaches to engaging employers and raising their interest in training issues. The case studies come from a number of mainly OECD countries outside the UK.

A number of important themes emerge and those worthy of note are:

•   When engaging employers it is vital for the sector bodies or initiatives to focus on a small number of issues that are highly relevant to their sector as a whole, and to ensure that the major stakeholders are on board in tackling them.

•   Though financial incentives are important with work force development there are other drivers for higher demand for skills. For example, establishing a learning culture within a sector leads to greater career development among the workforce.

•   Strong linkages with standards and qualifications can have an important role in engaging employers, ensuring that vocational training meets demand.

ETB linked activity:

There are useful recommendations in the report. Much of the focus is often given to the need to ensure the new supply of qualified engineers, yet the professional development of the current workforce is equally important. Our own research in these areas has highlighted that the productivity of UK plc is closely tied to the training and education of engineers after they graduate from formal education.

Research on continual professional development can be found on the ETB website.

Further information:

The Work Skills report can be downloaded from the SSDA website.

 
Report: Research council support for knowledge transfer

Topic: Innovation & Investment

Date: June 2006

Source: House of Commons Science and Technology Committee

Overview:

The Commons Science and Technology committee has published a report on research council support for knowledge transfer. It found that the research councils have an important role to play in adding value to research across the UK and that there is general support for the knowledge transfer schemes they have implemented. However, the report has also identified some weaknesses in their strategies for promotion of knowledge transfer.

The picture that comes out of this report is that many research councils focus too narrowly on technology transfer and spend little attention on the wider issues such as policy development. There is also a perception that the Councils are not closely attuned to the requirements of their stakeholders and that there is a particular need for them to enhance communication and engagement with the Regional Development Agencies and Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs).

ETB linked activity:

The ETB recognises that perhaps the greatest challenge in knowledge transfer is around engaging Small and Medium sized Enterprises who do not have large resources of time or money to devote to training. Ultimately knowledge transfer would need to be part of a wider program to develop a whole range of professional development provision through colleges, universities and training providers. To view ETB research on SMEs click here.

Further information:

The select committee report can be downloaded from their website.
 

 
HOT TOPIC: Engaging young people

To help you improve your approach to engaging young people, the Skills and Education Network has brought together the latest research, policy and good practice. The hot topic page has all this information in one place. Next month’s topic will be: Engaging the hard to reach. If you wish to submit ideas for this section please email: senet@lsc.gov.uk

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