"Today the only natural resource we have is our people"
The Prime Minister

Star units are good for employers, good for learners and good for trainers and lecturers.

But they are more then just a refinement in the system of national vocational qualifications.

They are also CRITICAL for the development and success of the UK economy and British society.

Here’s why:

  • Globalisation means that in many key industries, which have implications for us all, the competition is worldwide. An ‘ordinary’ performance will not be enough to enable businesses to survive. We have to focus on world class performance
  • The vocational qualifications system sets the norm for standards at work. If there is no scope to establish and recognise ‘Exceptional performance’ then it is much less likely to be achieved in everyday working life.
  • In terms of learning, it is vitally important that we stimulate an aspirational culture. This can only achieved through the establishment of ambitious targets.
  • Vocational learning stimulates and fulfils talent which may not have flourished in the academic schools system. There needs to be a framework which can shape the development of that talent.
  • Pride in performance is vital to an ethos of high achievement. Objective measures are an indispensable ingredient in the nurturing of that ethos.
Star Units will make a significant contribution to the achievement of each of these critical features of a successful culture of vocational learning and development. At a time when the national aim is to increase the scale and improve the quality of Apprenticeships and encourage everyone to gain a minimum of ‘Level 2’ qualifications, Star Units provide the extra dimension which can transform an adequate performance into an exceptional one.

Links:

DIUS - Apprenticeships
LSC – Skills Pledge
Leitch Review