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Vocational Routes to Success
An article recently published in The Guardian extols the benefits of following vocational routes to qualifications and careers within the engineering and science industries.
Rather than following a traditional route to A-levels and then university, students with a strong interest in mathematics and science have the option of following a vocational route to gain their qualifications and build their career. Dr John Morton, the CEO of the Engineering and Technology Board, believes that vocational routes should seriously be considered because of the financial benefits, on-the-job experience and skills that students gain as well as the large demand from employers for this type of training.
“It’s a route to an exciting career in science and engineering, and it’s an area where there is strong demand,” says Dr Morton, “Companies such as EDF Energy, Centrica and the National Grid are all crying out for higher quality technicians” and with an average salary of around £31 000 for registered technicians it is certainly a career path worth considering for those with an interest in science and maths.
Once a student finishes their GCSEs, rather than following the traditional route straight into A-levels and on to University, they could go straight into a paid Advanced Apprenticeship and then study further for a degree or diploma whilst working. Engineering is a good example of how the opportunities and demand for vocational routes are increasing and as Dr Morton points out, “The government is doing quite a bit through the introduction of the engineering diploma. That comes in 2008 and we really need to make sure that people are aware of that as an opportunity.” |
