Six Steps to changing vocational attitudes

The education charity Edge has launched Six Steps for Change, a campaign aimed at transforming attitudes to vocational learning.

Lord Baker of Dorking, chair of the Edge Foundation, said this week that “learning by doing” must be part of every young person’s education.

Alongside the launch of Six Steps for Change – which takes the form of a policy statement – Edge is proposing a programme of studies for 14 to 18-year-olds where academic and hands-on subjects are combined.

Lord Baker said: “It’s vital that schools and colleges provide education which develops practical skills and personal qualities as well as subject knowledge. This has to include opportunities to learn by doing. This isn’t about the skills needed for a particular job. It’s about understanding how maths and English – and many other school subjects – are used at work and in adult life.