Earlier this year, JCQ commissioned NFER (with yours truly and Chris Bolton of Carina Consulting in support) to undertake a rapid literature review of the value of vocational / technical qualifications (VTQs). Building on the findings of a previous NFER review, it updates on literature published between 2015 and April of this year.

As anyone in the sector knows, this period has seen unprecedented reform of technical qualifications and apprenticeships, with the new Government new flagship technical qualification - the T Level - coming on line next year. 

No better time, therefore, to understand the value offered by technical qualifications, and to ensure that we build on the benefits that they bring.

Researchers consistently report positive benefits for learners, particularly at the higher levels of attainment. The majority of evidence relates to employability and earnings:

• The most compelling evidence relates to the positive impact of attainment on the earnings potential for learners - in short, it pays to take a VTQ at the highest level you can, and up to Level 3 the financial benefit is equivalent to the academic alternative (i.e. A Levels)

• Unsurprisingly, there is a similar picture when it comes to employment. People holding vocational qualifications are more likely to be employed than the 16 - 65 population generally, and VTQs are recognised by employers as being valuable. The higher level you achieve, the better chance you have to be employed.

VTQs are also growing in importance as a route into higher education. The use of qualifications like BTECs and Cambridge Technicals - either as a standalone or in combination with A Levels – is proving to be a popular preparation for university. This seems to apply particularly to those from disadvantaged backgrounds and from geographic areas of low participation in higher education, so there is a positive impact on social mobility.

And with mental health very much in the spotlight, it was interesting to see evidence emerging on the positive impact that study in the vocational learning environment can bring, with researchers finding improvements in mental health for post-16 learners in the vocational setting compared to their peers remaining in the school / sixth form setting.

The report is available to download from the JCQ web site here.

Dr Andrew Pember

MD Carina Consulting