Business Secretary Vince Cable has told teachers that they know “absolutely nothing” about the world of work. In a speech to manufacturing industry executives, Cable identified education professionals as the “underlying problem” behind poor quality career advice. However, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, described his comments as “insulting to teachers”.
Meanwhile, Labour has backed a new programme to encourage more apprenticeships in science and engineering. Labour Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna has said that Catapult Centres, government-funded institutions that develop businesses out of technological innovation, will be able to offer apprenticeships as part of a plan to ensure Britain is engaged in a “race to the top” internationally.
