Employers see the value of vocational and work-based qualifications

Jessica Benson, SkillsActive - 03/09/2007

During our Sector Skills Agreement consultations, employers voiced their frustrations about the content and relevance of university courses to the active leisure and learning sector. Many sport and active leisure related job vacancies are advertised at graduate level, however most employers now place a higher value on relevant work experience and vocational qualifications that many academic degrees do not currently provide. Employers in the active leisure and learning sector see the value of work experience and vocational education over and above academic achievements as they’re the skills they require of people doing the jobs. Jobs such as leisure centre managers and outdoor activity leaders are popular career paths and mainly require non-academic skills such as people management, communication skills and business acumen. Stephen Studd, SkillsActive chief executive said:

“SkillsActive is working closely with higher education institutions to clearly identify courses that are vocationally focused on the sector, with a focus of gearing new provision toward employer needs to ensure graduates enter the work market with the right skills needed to gain employment. We are involved in the development of the new 14-19 diploma and the Apprenticeships schemes which combine workplace and academic learning.”

Once a graduate has entered into the sector, most employers will insist on continuing development and studying toward additional vocational qualifications. Stephen Studd continued:

“In order for graduates to find the work they so desperately want and employers to have fully trained and qualified staff suitable for the job, the courses that are studied really need to lead to paid employment. This step needs a partnership. It needs graduates with the right attitude and a willingness to continue to learn and develop themselves once they are in work; and employers who are willing to support them in their development, recognising that their graduate skills are often a long-term investment that will pay dividends over time as they gain practical experience.”

However, for those under-graduates that want to continue onto higher education, and still want to start a career in the industry, there is a need for them, they just have to realise that practical skills are key. Courses that combine vocational and academic learning provide the foundations for entering work whilst at the same time providing intellectual stimulation.

For more information visit: www.skillsactive.com/careers