Tougher GCSEs and A Levels will do little to fill the UK skills gap

As Ofqual announces tougher new GCSEs and A Levels, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is concerned the changes will do little to alleviate concerns from employers who they say struggle to find young people with the skills they need.

Stephanie Fernandes, IET Principal Policy Advisor, said: “It is widely agreed that reform is needed but we are concerned that this has been rushed through and will not deal with the issues it attempts to solve.

“GCSEs and A Levels do not always provide the level of practical experience that employers need.  The IET’s most recent Skills & Demand in Industry Report showed that 42 per cent of employers told us that they were disappointed with the skills of new employees. This is on top of many of the UK’s engineering employers are suffering from engineering skills gaps, shortages and an ageing workforce, which will only get worse in the future when huge numbers of engineers and technicians are forecast to be needed for new infrastructure and energy projects.

“One way to address these concerns could be by schools arranging work experience placements for students or by promoting apprenticeships.

“It is vital that we encourage more students to study science and engineering as we are facing a skills crisis.  But it is also vitally important that young people learn the crucial skills that employers are so desperate for.”