Vocational GCSEs
Lord Roe of West Wickham Excerpts(1 week ago)
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Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)
The noble Lord makes an important point. We will consult on the content and nature of vocational GCSEs very soon, this autumn. Because this is about technical pathways delivered and developed at a local and regional level, we are also working closely with mayoral authorities, employers and others. I am sure that they, as we do, will want to ensure that there is strong advice for parents and clear information about what it means to take a vocational GCSE as part of that broad curriculum.
Lord Roe of West Wickham (Lab)
My Lords, I declare my interest as the chair of the Building Safety Regulator. I think it is fair to say that it is well understood across both sides of this House that the construction economy is one of the most important parts of our wider economy. It employs 2 million people, but it will run about 40,000 construction workers short every year between now and 2030. I know that the new proposed vocational GCSE for building construction has been widely welcomed by the industry, but what specific work is being done to ensure that the curriculum and syllabus are built on the needs of the industry and in conjunction with the industry?
Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)
My noble friend makes an important point. These qualifications must align with and be informed by what the industry sees as important, because that is what provides the opportunity for the young person to know that they are on a pathway that can lead to good work. That will be a key element of the consultation starting soon.