Pupils ‘not told enough about vocational paths’

SCHOOLS in Wales don’t give pupils enough information about alternatives to academic education that may be more suitable for them, Senedd members have said.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK

This means many young people never hear about nonacademic options on offer, so follow exam routes they may not be suited for.

Some teenagers follow academic routes when they would be better suited and happier on vocational courses, Senedd members on the economy, trade and rural affairs committee said.

The academic system and path is well recognised and schools “work hard to signpost and encourage their students to progress to A-levels and degrees” but the same is not true for apprenticeships, a report from the committee adds.

Education watchdog Estyn told the committee: “The information available to pupils when considering their choices is often too limited, with apprenticeships often seen as inferior to opting for A-levels or full-time university degrees”

Other witnesses told the Senedd members there was “a social bias against promoting the apprenticeship route compared to the sixth form - degree route”.

South West Wales Regional Skills Partnership told the committee inquiry that “apprenticeships are a ‘second choice’ option compared to university degrees”. ‘The Institute of Civil Engineers Wales agreed, saying apprenticeships still carry a stigma.

In its report into how to boost awareness and access to apprenticeships in Wales the committee said: “For many people looking to follow an educational route, apprenticeships are the best choice. They combine learning and earning, work and training”.

Committee chair Andrew RT Davies, Conservative MS for South Wales Central, called for schools to promote apprenticeships more effectively.

He said in his foreword to the report: “The apprentices we engaged with as part of this inquiry were enjoying their courses and they are indeed thriving as a result of these opportunities.

“However, we heard about many challenges facing people who want to undertake an apprenticeship, not least understanding and navigating the apprenticeship system itself.