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The Future of Design and Technology in UK Schools and the Decline of Manufacturing Industry

 

Britain was the first country in the world to go through the industrial revolution. Consequently Britain developed industrial / technological processes that put it to the front of industrial nations for two hundred years. Out of this industrial and technological development came the education system, which put craft and technical skills high on the agenda for pupils in the state system.
Throughout most of the twentieth century technology skills were craft orientated with specialisms being based on Woodworking, Metalworking and Engineering. This prepared many pupils for a life long career in the strong industries of the time and gave them a direct link between what they learned in school and the skills needed in the workplace. Thirty years ago the Design and Technology department had clear vocational aims. Those pupils taking ‘O' levels or ‘CSEs' in woodwork orientated towards careers in joinery whilst those taking metalwork or engineering had careers with strong engineering, ship building and steel firms to consider. However, the drastic decline of Britain as a manufacturing nation means the clear links no longer exist and Design and technology has found itself with a less defined future.
Design and Technology departments now offer courses that reflect changing career opportunities. Pupils are just as likely to opt to take Food Technology at GCSE or a GNVQ vocational course, which will allow them to access, careers in the catering/leisure industry. Pupils may take courses that offer a combination of skills such as Product Design or Graphic Products rather than specialising. Although specialisms such as Engineering still exist, career opportunities are restricted with only the best pupils being selected by those companies that have survived the downturn in manufacturing. Gone are the days of meaningful manufacturing based apprenticeships, these have been replaced by modern apprenticeships, which can require high-level numeracy and communication skills.
It is easy to understand why British pupils prefer to look at careers outside manufacturing/engineering when Government support for these industries has been woeful. Britain has a history of Design and Technology that is second to none but without a substantial manufacturing base this is unlikely to continue. British Governments, especially over the last forty years, have not supported manufacturing industry in the way that Governments in other countries have supported their manufacturing industries. For instance, Triumph Motor Bikes once dominated the manufacture of motorbikes throughout the world. A lack of investment/Government support meant that by the early 1970’s Japanese manufacturers dominated the world market. Ship building in the UK has almost come to an end with the British Government even preferring to purchase cheaper naval ships from ‘protected’ foreign dock yards rather than supporting Britain’s own shipping industry. Reasons for the decline in manufacturing may be several but one major factor must be the lack of foresight/support from successive Governments. Governments in countries such as France and Japan have supported there manufacturing and technological base and consequently their manufacturing base has grown giving their pupils access to meaningful career opportunities with industry.
Despite the lack of support for manufacturing industry the Government has put large amounts of money into education and in particular, specialist technology colleges. Many technology colleges have invested in CAD/CAM equipment and are producing some interesting and innovative work. However, engineering in schools is still struggling as pupils see very few career opportunities and therefore opt to take subjects that reflect the new structure of work in the UK (retail based). Without clear support for manufacturing industry by the government and a return to a successful manufacturing sector Design and Technology departments will have an uphill battle to persuade capable pupils to consider a career in the manufacturing sector.
Is there a future for a country without manufacturing industry? It is difficult to see how Britain can be successful economically if it fails to manufacture products and sell them on the international market. A country that relies on the export of financial services or retail skills does not provide a nation with a sound economic base. Financial services and banking have recently seen a dramatic decline and this can happen overnight. These services cannot be relied on to provide an economic foundation that will sustain Britain as a successful and influential economic power. School Design and Technology departments are still producing capable pupils, as innovative as any previous generation, but the jobs in manufacturing are simply not available.
The future for Design and Technology is unclear. Manufacturing industry is in crisis with even modern industries such as semi conductor manufacture is having difficulties. However, one thing is clear, it is probably too late to invest heavily industries such as steel and shipbuilding. The new industries still are Britain’s hope. Electronics and CNC based companies can compete internationally and Britain still has an innovative base in these sectors. Consequently, schools need to emphasise these skills in the teaching of technology. Electronics, Systems and Control are important subjects and yet they are the ones pupils are less likely to take at GCSE, as they are more difficult, requiring a decent understanding of Maths and Science. Product Design and Graphic Products will continue to encourage pupils to consider a future in design whilst the Food/Catering industry will also be strong. The British Government must support both education and manufacturing industry if Britain is to have a viable long-term economic future.

 

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