If technical education is the future, girls must see themselves in it

The GDST’s Director of Education, Dr Philip Purvis, says the ambition to give technical education the same status as academic education is the right one – but this must not come at the expense of aspiration, particularly for girls.  

The Government’s recent announcement, alongside Alan Milburn’s call for Britain to become a technical education superpower, reflects a growing consensus that young people deserve high-quality pathways that reflect different talents, ambitions and ways of learning. A stronger technical education system has the potential to benefit thousands of young people – and help address the skills shortage facing the UK.  

But this must not come at the expense of aspiration. For girls in particular, this distinction matters.  

Preparing young people for an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world is essential. 

Education, however, must do more than meeting today’s labour market needs. It should broaden horizons, raise ambitions and prepare young people to shape the future – not simply fit into it.  

GDST research consistently shows that girls’ aspirations are shaped by the environments around them. Confidence, belonging and visible role models all influence the choices girls believe are open to them. Left unchallenged, gender stereotypes continue to steer too many girls away from high-growth sectors such as engineering, technology and AI.  

Any reform of technical education must be accompanied by a clear strategy to ensure girls are not left behind. 

Young people need access to inspiring role models and exposure to careers beyond those immediately visible in their local communities. At the GDST we believe that technical education should open doors and drive ambition.  

Our own experience shows what is possible. Around 60% of GDST students study at least one STEM subject at A level, with mathematics our most popular subject. These outcomes do not happen by chance. They reflect environments in which girls are encouraged to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators.  

The UK’s future economy will need more technically skilled young people. It will also need more women leading it.  

The best education delivers both aspiration and employability, equipping young people with the skills employers need today while giving them to confidence to pursue the opportunities of tomorrow.  

Technical education shouldn’t limit ambition to a postcode. It should give every young person – and crucially every girl – the confidence, skills and opportunity to live lives without limits.