In 2013 we commissioned Sir John Holman to research what pragmatic actions could improve career guidance in England. The Good Career Guidance Benchmarks which emerged from the report have now been adopted as part of the Government's careers strategy for schools and colleges.
Learn More
In late 2015 David Sainsbury was asked by government to chair a panel of experts that would provide clear recommendations for measures that would not only improve, but transform, technical education in England. The panel’s report was published alongside the government’s Post-16 Skills Plan in July 2016.
Learn More
Technicians are the linchpins of the UK economy. They are skilled people who use their science, engineering or technology knowledge to identify and solve practical problems. They are the electricians and plumbers that we all rely on, but they are also crucial to the success of many of our country’s future-growth areas, including the aerospace, chemical, digital, engineering, and manufacturing industries.
Learn More
Once in secondary education, exposure to effective science and maths teaching delivered by teachers that are knowledgeable and passionate about their subject can be transformative. That is why we care about the supply and training of specialist teachers in these subjects.
Learn More
Good career guidance has never been more important. Changes in technology and in the labour market mean that increasing numbers of jobs require specific education and training, yet career guidance in English schools has often been criticised for being inadequate and patchy.
Technical education offers young people a clear route from school into rewarding technician occupations, and progression to higher education for those who wish to study further before entering employment. The implementation of the Sainsbury Review recommendations will bring a step-change in the quality of technical education provision in England.
Reform to technical education is a key priority for Gatsby and its success is predicated on a fundamental shift in the public’s perception of and attitude towards technician jobs. Therefore, we undertake work to raise the profile of technicians and promote greater recognition of the importance of their contributions to modern society.
On 2nd December 2020, Wonkhe published this article by Simon Field on his latest report for Gatsby, Beyond the Missing Middle: Developing Higher Technical Education. It is replicated below in full.
On 29 September, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a Lifetime Skills Guarantee offering free advanced technical courses for adults who do not have an A level or equivalent qualification, and a flexible lifelong loan entitlement to four years of higher education. This follows close on the heels of a government announcement on 14 July of plans to fill the ‘missing middle’ in the Eng
Read Article
As part of Gatsby’s ongoing work to support the careers guidance system in England, we have today launched a set of surveys exploring Gatsby careers Benchmark 7 (encounters with HE and FE) with schools, colleges and young people. The aim of the project is to learn more about how this Benchmark is being delivered on the ground, surface good practice and hear more about the barriers institutions are facing.
We are encouraging all secondary school and college Careers Leaders to take part in these surveys by following the links below. College survey School survey
Read Article
