Future of education critical to UK business

Education reform report published by Mike Tomlinson, highlights changes to the teaching of 14 to 19 year-olds in the UK and sets out plans for the biggest reform in 60 years. The key finding of the report was to recommend a broadening of the existing curriculum that will leave school and college leavers better equipped to enter the workplace.

HTI (Heads, Teachers and Industry / www.hti.org.uk) is an independent consultancy with charitable status, which works in partnership with education, business and government to enhance leadership and management in schools and colleges. Through their links with the business community, HTI also work to promote employability issues to young people in education.

Responding on behalf of Heads, Teachers and Industry (HTI), Roger Opie, Trust Director, said:

The findings of todayís Tomlinson report further highlight the need for a close working relationship between education and business. For school and college leavers to make a smooth transition into work, the status and relevance of vocational education and skills development must continue to progress. Future advancement will only occur through consistent early-stage involvement from both education and business.

Likewise, the successes of national and local structures that emanate from the National Skills Strategy through the Sector Skills Councils and Local Learning and Skills Councils will only come to fruition if business engages with schools throughout the whole process. It is noticeable that in their present form, the structures exist but it is the processes that require sharpening in order to link into the Tomlinson report.

The reportís recommendations regarding e-learning and personalised learning must also invoke a watertight business-education coalition so as to generate sufficient future rewards for both parties. If successful, young people will be able to develop career management thinking at an early age.

For further information or interview requests, please contact: Jonathan Oates, Luther Pendragon 020 7618 9100