Technicians and Progression - a Skills Commission report

The Skills Commission has published findings of a six month parliamentary inquiry, which highlights the crucial importance of technicians to future economic growth.

'Technicians and Progression' includes recommendations for government departments, professional bodies, colleges and employers. It examines the role of university technical colleges, apprenticeships, further education colleges and universities in training technicians, and recommends that the government should develop a cross-department plan for STEM growth.

In conclusion, the report asserts that for the UK economy to become more production and export-led it must become more technician-led.

"The UK currently employs 1,069,000 technicians, only 3.7% of its workforce compared to an EU average of 5.3%. Concurrently, China has increased its technicians seven fold over the past decade. To take advantage of new emerging markets and provide much needed new job opportunities, the UK must reconsider its technician and higher level skills training." (Skills Commission)

The inquiry was chaired by Professor Alison Halstead, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Innovation) at Aston University, and supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, TTF, and Pearson. The report is available to download below; further information from the Skills Commission.