Vocational training needs more than money | Letters

Richard Adams is right to refer to the centuries-old cultural barriers limiting the expansion of apprenticeships and other forms of vocational training (Starmer’s further education plans augur well, but the policy detail will be telling, 30 September).

While the government’s apparent intention to increase funding for further education colleges and encourage parity with universities is both very welcome and necessary, it will take more than that.

When I was at the Higher Education Funding Council for England 30 years ago, 70% of 18-year-olds from the most affluent postcodes were already going to university. The proportion is no doubt even higher now.

Unless the moneyed classes stop seeing vocational learning as good only for other people’s children, the prime minister’s intention to do away with the 50% target for participation in universities may only reinforce inherited inequalities.
Rob Hull
Chair, New City College Group, London and south Essex

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