This site complements my other website TechnicalEducationMatters.org. It comprises an archive of some of the articles published over 25 years which focused on technical education and training. Many of the publishers have now ceased to exist and none left an archive and as a result many people have asked me to establish an archive of the articles that were published – saying it would represent a useful resource for people interested in the subject, particularly the twentieth century technical education and training. The other publishers have given me permission to publish on this site.
I hope the articles successfully highlight how Further Education Colleges, other training providers and technical/vocational education and training has been affected by government policy over this period of time and too often the negative consequences that have resulted. The situation has remained the same with successive governments not supporting technical education and training nor giving the providers of technical and vocational education and training the recognition and status that they deserve. Always second best after schools and universities, with academic drift continuing and technical and vocational education and training being subservient. The span of time over which the articles were written highlights and reinforce this view and provides strong evidence of the continuing negative perception of technical education and training.
It has a number of categories covering issues associated with:
- Qualifications and Examinations.
- Science, Mathematics and Numeracy.
- Skills/ Engineering/ Manufacturing.
- Colleges, Education and Training Providers.
- Miscellaneous e.g. the persistent trend of poor economic and industrial development policies and strategies of governments; the deleterious effects of centralised planning on local economic and training and development needs.
- Other nations science and technology achievements.
I have attempted to include a wide range of issues in the articles. It is interesting and somewhat depressing to see how many of my concerns have become the reality. This material is a free resource. All I ask is that you quote its source. I hope that the site proves of interest and value to readers.
I am particularly grateful to Jenny Cronin who has offered invaluable advice, support and guidance to me whilst writing these articles and stíobhart matulevicz for his brilliant design and IT expertise.
Dr R. G. Evans FGLI. FInstLM . FInstPhy. Comp CIPHE.