HAYES IN THE HOUSE - University isn't always the way
Many in the British establishment continue to either disregard or to devalue the immense value of practical learning – vocational careers’ foundation.
Which is why too many young people are misinformed – convinced that university is the only route to a good wage and worthwhile career. The truth is that, in a changing jobs market, some degrees are now surplus to requirements, while a short-sighted preoccupation with academic prowess is inhibiting practical, technical and vocational skills. The next generation of adults deserves better.
For most of my early life, nursing was a career of choice for women who, in the spirit of Florence Nightingale, chose a career in care beyond the classroom. As I grew up, more male nurses added to the mix of people whose skills and kindness made sick people better. Thank goodness for their dedication and expertise.
Then, a few years ago, nursing became a ‘graduate only job’. No longer could someone leave school at 16 - with no desire or intention of becoming a graduate - to become a student nurse, growing in competence and confidence under the watchful eye of Sister and Matron.
This may partly explain the shortage of nurses which I highlighted recently in the House of Commons. Thankfully, at long last, some inside Government too have begun to recognise there is a better way. I am hopeful that through the nursing apprenticeship, to be introduced later this year, we can rediscover nursing’s roots.
Similarly, the police service once largely comprised bobbies raised in the communities they went on to serve - men and women built into the social fabric; with an understanding of the unique challenges of particular places. This tried and tested system was first supplemented with the ‘police now’ programme, fast tracking young graduates from outside the local area to the rank of inspector in just two years learning, doubtless leaving those who had spent decades as Constables and Sergeants feeling left behind. Now the College of Policing are insisting that all new police officers in England and Wales will have to be educated to degree level from 2020. So those who simply want to be a ‘good copper’ working their beat to stop and solve crimes will miss out. I predict that as a result the police will struggle to recruit sufficiently and end up revising the insistence on degrees.
The University of Lincoln is working to address skills gaps and shortages. Its Holbeach campus is driving what’s truly needed – training men and women with technical tastes and talents. There, the National Centre for Food Manufacturing works to equip students with specific skills that will enable their concrete contribution to the agri-food industry. Last week in Parliament I was delighted to discuss proposals for expansion of these efforts at the Holbeach campus, with the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Agri-Food Technology – a new linchpin of the Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ),
The next Prime Minister must challenge the false narrative that academia is the only route to status. More, high quality apprenticeships, particularly in small and medium businesses, would provide invaluable opportunities for all those restless to earn while they learn.
Social harmony depends on each of us feeling a sense of purpose and pride. Those whose mission it is to serve should not be forced down a single channel if a lecture theatre does not entice or excite them. Instead their vocational commitment should be supported for the good of us all.
