Practical and technical skills are essential to the understanding of and participation in science and chemistry during time in education and employment.
Practical work at school improves the scientific knowledge and understanding of students, as well as providing opportunities for working scientifically and developing hands-on skills. Effective vocational training is integral to ensuring the technician workforce has the up-to-date technical skills required by employers.
The quality of practical and technical skill development depends on adequate resourcing, confident and competent teaching and appropriate pathways of training.
Also in Education policy
Curriculum & assessment
High-quality teaching
Importance of practical & technical skills
Resourcing & diversity
The introduction of T levels
October 2018
We are closely monitoring the development of T level qualifications, with a particular focus on the route designed to lead to the occupation of laboratory technician.
Read our policy briefing on T levels.We are represented on the Science T level panel, who are developing specific content to be included for this T level, as well as providing input into individual strands of the programme such as the industry placements. Our Education Policy team have provided suggestions for relevant chemistry-related content to all panels within the Health and Science pathway, and respond to relevant consultations.
Our response to the Education Committee: Quality of apprenticeships and skills training inquiry
January 2018
We are supportive of apprenticeships and the Government’s ambition to create more, because we recognise the benefits they bring to individuals, employers and the wider economy.
We welcome the opportunity to respond to this inquiry as we recognise that if apprenticeships are to be valued they must be of the highest quality and afforded appropriate protection.
Resourcing practical science in English schools
June 2013
We were involved in producing a set of resourcing benchmarks for teachers and school practitioners to use when planning science budgets and equipping classrooms.
Following the development of these benchmarks, a research project investigated the levels of resourcing of practical science at secondary level and primary level in England. The research suggests that at both levels inadequate resourcing, facilities and funding were a common problem.
Resourcing practical science in Scottish schools
November 2014
We were part of a similar research project as a member of the Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish Science Education. The findings in Scotland also indicated that practical resourcing levels are not adequate at both primary and secondary level.
Learned Societies Group Summary Report
Full Pye Tait Analysis
You can find more detail about how we engage in matters related to the assessment of practical work in the curriculum and assessment section.
Supporting technical skills in the chemical industry
November 2013
Employers increasingly report shortages of people with technical skills necessary for roles within the chemical industry. In Supporting Technical Skills in the Chemical Industry we provide practical recommendations on ways to overcome this skills gap. This includes proposals to better recruit and support technicians, to improve the quality and sustainability of vocational and work-based training, and to improve communication of the different pathways of training.
Education Policy
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