Ofqual calls for straight talking about the qualifications needed by employers, colleges and universities
Tuesday, 25 January 2011 13:18
Ofqual has called on employers and colleges to say what they really want from learners. The call follows a statement by the regulator last month that said Universities should communicate clearly which qualifications they want applicants to their courses to have. The regulator is now saying the issue goes much deeper.
In a Westminster Education Forum speech today, Ofqual Director of Regulation, Fiona Pethick said "Qualifications can open doors to new opportunities but poor choices can limit learners options from an early age. Ofqual is calling on all those who use qualifications at all levels to be more transparent about what is needed for employment and further study."
Commenting on the current review of vocational education being led by Alison Wolf for the Department for Education, Fiona said that qualifications must meet the needs of learners and industry, whilst also facilitating progression into employment, further and/or higher education. She explained how Ofqual will hold awarding organisations to account for the quality and standards of qualifications and how a single qualifications framework could encompass qualifications of different design and assessment models.
Ofqual Director of Regulation, Fiona Pethick was one of the keynote speakers at the Westminster Education Forum event this morning (Tuesday, January 25). The keynote seminar, 'The future of vocational education in England' was timed to coincide with the Government as it reviews the future of vocational education.
Fiona's presentation and speech can be viewed below.
Download a transcript of Fiona's speech.
View the presentation on Slideshare.
