The Government’s education white paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving, published this week, makes it clear that a core priority is ensuring young people leave school ready for the world of work, supported by clearer pathways into post16 education and skills.
We welcome this focus on broadening the curriculum and equipping the next generation for successful careers. As the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, writes in her foreword, “As they emerge from our schools, we need not just young people fit for the world of work, but engaged, responsible citizens ready to shape our country as we head towards the twenty-second century.”
The white paper reaffirms the government’s intention to strengthen routes from school into further education and employment through qualifications such as the new V Levels at Level 3 and the Occupational and Further Study Pathways at Level 2; proposals first set out in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper. Together, these reforms represent one of the most significant shifts in England’s vocational and technical education landscape in decades.
In our response to the government’s consultation on Post16 Level 3 and Below Pathways Energy & Utility Skills Group (EUSG) stressed that – against a backdrop of rapid infrastructure expansion, energy transition, water resilience challenges and the growing digitisation of essential services – the energy and utilities sector cannot afford uncertainty or inconsistency in its skills system.
Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement at Energy & Utility Skills Group, says:
“Post16 learning is as vital an educational stage as early years, primary and secondary, and the education white paper recognises that. It is the point at which many students will first form their future direction and begin building an occupational identity.
“If entry routes are clear, coherent and well communicated, more young people will be placed on pathways that fit their goals and talents.
“I welcome the aim to refresh and broaden the National Curriculum so that, as well as core competencies such as maths and English, students are being equipped with key skills for the jobs of today and, crucially, tomorrow.
“The government has recognised the need to prepare for the digital world our children will inhabit by teaching media literacy and AI skills; plans for improved financial, climate and sustainability education are all essential too.”
Narrow to broad
The government’s ambition to shift the curriculum “from narrow to broad” – enriching learning with areas such as civic engagement and life skills, digital and AI – is an important step towards ensuring every child is ready for the future workplace.
We particularly welcome the commitment for every young person to undertake two weeks of work experience and the continued investment in careers hubs, enabling stronger collaboration between strategic authorities, local authorities, schools, colleges and employers.
Removing barriers across UK systems
Breaking down departmental barriers will be critical to delivering these reforms. With responsibility for skills now transferred from the Department for Education (DfE) to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the transition at age 16 must be managed through a collective, cross-government approach.
Stephen Barrett added: “Anyone who has worked across government will have experienced the frustration of running into walls that have arisen between departments. If any siloed practice persists across DfE or DWP, these reforms will fail. Ministers and civil servants must work hand-in-glove to ensure their success.”
While the reforms apply only to England, their impact will be felt across all four nations: if England’s post16 system does not align with frameworks in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, learners may face barriers when progressing into work or transferring between regions. The energy and utilities sector relies on a workforce that moves across borders, applies consistent competence standards, and operates safely across diverse geographies and environments.
We therefore urge the UK Government to work collaboratively with colleagues in Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh to build a system that respects devolved responsibilities while supporting the needs of workers and businesses operating across the United Kingdom.
