Commenting on the new strategy for 14-19 qualifications launched today (31 March 2008) by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Judith Norrington, Director of Policy at City & Guilds said:

‘The needs of young people must always come first as the Government rightly acknowledges.   This has not always happened in the past and far too many young people have not been able to maximise their potential.   

We must ensure that their interests and long term aspirations are met, by developing curricula that are appealing and allow them to learn through theoretical and practical application, and by supporting them throughout their journey whichever route they take.

Providing young people with flexible options is essential.   We all know of people who do not learn best through text books, and prefer learning new skills through applying them. 
Apprenticeships offer a solution for some young people who prefer practical-based learning.  However, further measures are needed to incentivise employers to increase the number of apprenticeships offered.  The new Diplomas also provide a vocational context, but the model may need to accommodate more opportunities for greater practical learning which will help and benefit those not able to secure an apprenticeship place.  

The increase in the learning leaving age will undoubtedly place a greater need for an effective careers advice and guidance service for young people who more than ever need access to impartial advice to support their choices.

We hope that the increased clarity within the new strategy will be welcomed by parents and provide young people with a clear set of choices that can be tailored to meet their specific needs and long term aspirations.  Young people are the key to our future and we must invest in their development.’

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Media queries:
Oksana Higglesden/Phillipa Thomas
City & Guilds
Tel: 020 7294 2556/3437

Notes to Editors

14-19 Qualifications Strategy Consultation
City & Guilds will continue to advise and influence the Government on the implementation of the proposals set out in the consultation document.  These will come  into effect in 2013.

City & Guilds portfolio reflects the needs of two different needs:
- provision for 14-19 year olds who may be in study or new to the workplace and
- provision for post 19 year olds and older learners

City & Guilds is committed to providing young learners with a broad provision that meets individual needs and life-long aspirations.   City & Guilds with AQA is developing 14 lines of learning for the Diploma offer and has secured the following to date: 
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Information Technology
• Engineering
City & Guilds will develop qualifications that fit within the proposed lines – in particular the Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) elements of Diplomas.  ASL offers considerable flexibility in the Diploma structure providing a wide range specialist options.

City & Guilds (www.cityandguilds.com ) is the expert and leading authority in vocational education and training - both in the UK and beyond.
In operation for the last 130 years, City & Guilds is the UK’s leading awarding body for work-related qualifications.  Twenty million people in the UK have City & Guilds qualifications, and the organisation awards a further 1.8 million qualifications to learners every year.
City & Guilds also enables people to develop essential leadership and management skills through its Institute of Leadership and Management, which is the largest provider of management qualifications in Europe.
City & Guilds creates prosperity from skills for individuals, business and nations within and beyond the workplace.