The Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE) is pleased to announce that its Chief Executive, David Matthews, is to chair the Building Services T-Level Panel; one of the first three new T-Levels announced this week by the Education Secretary, Justine Greening.
Each panel will bring together the expertise of industry professionals and employers to develop the content of each T-Level.
Commenting on the Government’s announcement, David said: “British vocational training has been seen as the poor relation of education. However, in reality, it is often the best route to developing skills and a good career. By combining practical skills training with real-world academic knowledge, the vocational student gains the best of both worlds.
“The new T-Levels offer a significant opportunity for change. By raising the profile and standard of vocational training, they will provide the student with a broad base of knowledge and a specific skill-set that will be attractive to employers. Importantly too, they will develop life skills that will equip students to run their own business.
“As part of my role as Chair of the Building Services T-Level Panel, I will be championing the importance of install, design and business skills. As well as technical skills, modern T-Level graduates need to have an understanding of how to communicate with customers and colleagues and how to run a small business.
“Training and development are key priorities of the IDHEE, so as an industry body, we are well-placed to inform this new technical qualification to ensure future graduates are equipped to become trusted, expert service providers; and business managers.”
The first of the new technical qualifications will be taught from 2020, with the full set of T-Levels introduced by 2022.
First announced in 2016 and backed by £500 million every year in additional funding, the qualifications are seen as a key milestone in transforming technical education in the UK and they extend the offer for young people to study a technical qualification at Level 3 – equivalent to A-Levels.
Education Secretary Justine Greening said: “As we prepare to leave the EU, it is more important than ever that we create an outstanding further education and skills system, giving all young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and deliver a better future for our country.”
For the full announcement by the Department for Education, visit: www.gov.uk/government/news/education-secretary-announces-first-new-t-levels
For further information on the IDHEE and how to become a member, visit: http://idhee.org.uk/
