Industry leader calls for more focus on vocational qualifications

Diane Johnson, president of the Electrical Contractors’ Association, has criticised excessive focus on academia and warned of a coming graduate underclass.

“For too long now gaining a degree has been pushed as the preferred, or default, educational option. I believe this blinkered approach devalues the alternatives, such as vocational training and the apprenticeship route; it is incredibly short-sighted”, she said.

While she praised the government promise to create 50,000 additional apprenticeships she said candidates require industry experience and recognised industry qualifications to fully address the growing skills gap in Britain’s craft industries.