Posts By: Richard

The Importance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Introduction Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is even more important now as the country begins to tackle its skills gaps and shortages and the continuing low levels of productivity in manufacturing and industrial activity. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has recently published a timely and excellent charter on CPD.  The CIPHE have… Read more »

Here We Go Again!

The government has announced a new Industrial Strategy to bolster the country’s manufacturing, engineering and technology (MET sector) and a reconfigured technical education system). The key elements of the proposed technical education system include: ü  Simplifying the range of technical and vocational qualifications currently on offer ü  Creating an easier means of finding and applying… Read more »

Short Glossary of Education and Training Terms

  (Provides some simple definitions to topics covered on this website – hope it proves helpful). Accreditation: The issue of formal recognition that bodies or institutions or the procedures used by them meet specified requirements. Achievement/Attainment Test:  A test that measures achievement in a particular subject or occupation rather than potential. Assessment: Appraisal or estimation… Read more »

Book references for the History of Technical and Commercial Education and Training

The following references have proved useful in writing this history of technical and commercial examinations. A far more comprehensive set of references can to be found on the book references on the chapter for the History of Technical Education. I will continue to update. April 2017 Abbott, A. ‘Education for Industry and Commerce in England’…. Read more »

The Fourth Industrial Revolution?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution?           (This piece builds on the earlier article the ‘Future of the Economy and the World of Work’ (FEWW). The world is rapidly moving into the Fourth Industrial Revolution also called ‘Industry Four Point Zero (Industry 4.0). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT)’. The introduction of robotics, automation, digital transfer… Read more »

The Importance of Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

  A definition of micro and SMEs. Micros and SMEs defined as follows – micros: 1-9 employees, Small: 10-49 employees and Medium: 50-249 employees. I include sole operators in the definition of micros. The key to prosperity. The importance of micro and SMEs cannot be over emphasised. They are central to the country’s economy and… Read more »

Memories of Portsmouth College of Technology

Personal Note. Following the announcement of the reintroduction of grammar schools I thought a personal recollection of my experience of the 11+ and the selection system that resulted in the 1940/50/60s will highlight the real concerns I have on this divisive proposal. My first memory of Portsmouth College of Technology was in September 1959 climbing… Read more »

A Short History of Technical Education – Chronology

This entry is part [part not set] of 20 in the series A Short History of Technical Education

Some important Education Acts, Command Papers (C./Cd./Cmd./Cmnd./Cm.), Policy Statements, Circulars (Cir./Circ.), Memorandum (Memo), Administrative Memorandum (Admin memo), College Letters. Publications, Pamphlets, Research Reports (RR.), Research Briefs (RB.) and other important publications along with various relevant initiatives related to technical education and related areas to the education in schools and HE. In addition a number of founding dates… Read more »

The Future of the Economy and the World of Work?

  A Personal View. Writing about the future is always a challenge especially when the topic is about the economy and work so inevitably this article will raise more questions than answers  – this is my attempt.  Many of the issues are complex and multidimensional but must be addressed by governments and society.  Both are… Read more »