Isabel McKeown: Good vocational training makes economic sense

Anthony Cohen, in calling last wekk in The Scotsman for higher education to be made a national priority, says: "Scottish businesses and professions need well-prepared graduates."

While this is true, we must not forget that high-quality vocational education is equally important to Scotland's economic wellbeing and, given the swingeing cuts facing universities and further education providers, is likely to become even more so.

The Wolf Report released last week savages much of the vocational provision south of the Border and has important lessons for Scotland.

We must ensure that our vocational education courses are fit for purpose. This means schools working hand-in-hand with Scottish businesses and independent educators to give young people real skills that will help them land real jobs with real benefits to our industries and our country.

With cuts to further education, schools are now the front line in the battle to ensure our young people are adequately trained in vocational subjects. But from construction and mechanics to catering and hairdressing, teachers cannot be expected to possess the necessary specialised knowledge. Businesses and independent training providers must fill this gap, offering pupils the chance of proper accredited qualifications based on meaningful and hands-on workplace experience.

As a provider of training, I know that vocational training provides a solid foundation on which to base a lasting, fulfilling career. I also know that such opportunities make a real difference to the lives and attitudes of students, who overwhelmingly react positively, becoming enthusiastic and engaged, with spin-off benefits for other areas of their schooling.

In an era of increasing financial constraint, every area of the curriculum will face scrutiny to ensure it offers value for money, so getting vocational education right is essential. Inevitably, there is a cost, but it is a relatively small investment with potentially huge returns for young people, our education system and the country as a whole.

• Isabel McKeown is a director of an independent training provider