By strengthening the routes into technical education, we help to make it more accessible to a wider range of learners – through curriculum reform, essential skills development, bridging pathways like the T-level Foundation Year, and targeted initiatives for those not in education, employment or training (NEET).
A system that works for everyone
We recognise that some learners will need additional support before they are ready to begin a technical pathway. We back programmes that enable progression into high-quality technical qualifications at Level 2 and above, working with providers to adapt their curriculum and delivery models to reflect the new qualification landscape. We champion the wider availability of the T-level Foundation Year – a route for students who want to pursue a T-level but would benefit from extra preparation before starting. We contribute to curriculum and assessment reviews and collaborate with government and training providers to ensure that new initiatives, like foundation apprenticeships, meet learner and employer needs.
Essential skills for progression
Essential skills are highly transferable and critical for success and progression in almost every workplace. Gatsby supports the Skills Builder Partnership in shaping the Skills Builder Universal Framework – a shared language that defines eight key skills: listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, adapting, planning, leadership and teamwork. The framework is widely used by employers and educators, helping learners of all ages to build the transferable skills they need for lifelong success. We place particular focus on young people at risk of becoming, or currently classified as, NEET, advocating for inclusive, targeted interventions that re-engage them with learning and open up pathways to technical education.
