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based apprenticeships, these have been replaced by modern apprenticeships,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. |