Tech-levels a 'huge step forward' but questions remain, says Corporate IT Forum Skills Commission

Value of qualifications must be tested, says co-founder Poplawska

Vocational qualifications in technology - known as Tech-levels - will gain the same status as A-levels from 2014, in a government announcement that the Corporate IT Forum Education and Skills Commission has branded "a huge step forward".

The move means students who achieve vocational qualifications in subjects such as computing, engineering, accounting and hospitality will have the same status as those who gain grades in more traditional A-Level subjects.

"We welcome this announcement as a huge step forward," said Joanna Poplawska, co-founder of The Corporate IT Forum Education and Skills Commission.

"The Commission has persistently called for government to involve business in the development of IT qualifications. But we have questions about the value these new qualifications will bring to young people and employers, and how exactly they will be delivered."

While the Commission is pleased the government is taking action to make vocational qualifications meet the requirements of business, said Poplawska, "any new qualifications need to be recognised by parents, teachers and businesses alike. Without support from all three there will continue to be a lack of young people inspired to pursue the wealth of opportunities available in IT".

"The needs of business are diverse and the proposed ‘Tech-levels', particularly in computing, must deliver on what is needed for both the vendor and user community," she said.

"We'd therefore like to hear more about the criteria exam boards will use to select the five companies to endorse these qualifications, and how the government will ensure the consistency of standards."

Poplawska also expressed concern that there was no mention of how the proposals will be suppored in terms of funding.

"Education resources are already stretched, and IT is a particular area where a lack of qualified teachers has been identified," said Poplawska.

"It is critical that teachers, schools and colleges are supported through these changes to ensure they can deliver quality, technical teaching."