Britain Needs a National Policy of Technical Education

Abstract

THIS is the title of a pamphlet (price 6d.) published by Messrs. Pitman's and Son. It is a noteworthy addition to the many documents which have been issued to show the needs and possibilities of a reconstructed educational scheme, since it outlines strong arguments for the need for giving very special attention to the development of technical education. It reminds us that “Our education policy is being shaped now. Technical education is an integral and essential part of it, the importance of which must in no circumstances be overlooked or underestimated”. No one will deny that, especially if it be realized that “There is no future of any consequence for Britain save as a highly industrialized nation”. The pamphlet shows how technical education has been neglected in the past and underlines the disastrous policy which followed the Education Act of 1902 and separated secondary from technical education. Despite that neglect the magnificent work of the technical institutions since 1939 is made clear, and emphasis is laid on the fact that “the needs of peace will be as urgent and all embracing as those of war”. Recommendations which will lead to the desired end are set out in detail. Many of them have already appeared in other documents dealing with educational reconstruction, but they cannot be too often repeated. Rather mysteriously the title page tells us only that the author is “A Student of the Future”, but the pamphlet appears to be an expression of the views of the Association of Technical Institutions and the Association of Principals of Technical Institutions.