Research by York Consulting LLP shows the valuable role of Industry Associates to augment and complement teaching across further education (FE) provision. Many FE providers work with Industry Associates in a range of ways, although challenges exist to maintain current practices and to further develop this beneficial engagement.
Our FE teaching workforce is crucial for the provision of strong technical education across the country. Teachers draw on their underpinning subject knowledge, industry skills and teaching expertise to offer a curriculum that builds students’ knowledge, skills and confidence as they prepare for skilled employment either directly or via further study.
There is growing evidence that, in a competitive labour market, recruitment and retention of technical education teachers is increasingly difficult for FE providers. Alongside ensuring their core of well-prepared teaching staff is maintained, providers also work to incorporate current industry practice in their curriculum on an ongoing basis.
In 2022, Gatsby commissioned York Consulting LLP to gather evidence about how FE providers work with employers to engage Industry Associates in their curriculum delivery. The research was undertaken through an online survey and round-table discussions with FE staff.
