The development of vocational qualifications is impaired by limited engagement from employers and a dated view of the UK skills infrastructure; that is one message from IEMA’s recent response to a major consultation on adult skills and qualifications.
As part of its Review of Adult Vocational Qualifications in England, the UK Commission (UKCES) for Skills (UKCES) invited key stakeholders including IEMA to contribute to its research to ensure that all adult vocational qualifications are valued by employers and individuals. IEMA’s response provides a professional body and environmental perspective.
IEMA believes that one central barrier to the effective development of such qualifications is due to “mixed levels of employer engagement”; the response states “This is in part due to the skills infrastructure that doesn’t reflect a developing economy, but focuses on an outdated description of sectors... Environment and sustainability skills cut across sectors, but the outdated view held by some organisations has resulted in a fragmented and inconsistent approach to the development of environment and sustainability national occupational standards and qualifications.”
As a solution, IEMA recommends that increased involvement from business is vital: “The design of Adult Vocational Qualifications should always be through engagement and participation of industry to ensure that the qualifications developed are fit for purpose and meet the needs of industry both now, and as far as possible, in the future.”
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 13th June 2013
Latest Posts
-
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024 -
New global alliance formed for 25,000 environment and sustainability professionals
- 29th May 2024