Invest 2035: The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy

In November 2024 the government launched its Industrial Strategy – a 10-year plan to deliver the conditions required for businesses investment, that in turn will drive its “economic growth mission”.

The Industrial Strategy process began with the publication of a white paper and consultation. As a company that help employers understand labour market dynamics and how best to futureproof their workforces at scale, while helping workers gain the skills they need, Pearson welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the development of this important strategy.

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Outcomes

Our submission to this consultation highlighted several key areas, including:

Focus on existing system

We suggest policy and delivery effort should be focused on making the core existing system work excellently rather than making low-volume, low-impact, high-cost innovations at the margins.

Vocational education and training

We discussed the need for a clear and consistent understanding of vocational education and training. Vocational education focuses on foundational knowledge and skills, while vocational training is about the latest industry practices and trends. We stressed the importance of flexible learning models, including microcredentials, to meet the needs of both younger learners and adults looking to reskill or upskill.

Skills strategy

We highlighted the need for a coherent skills strategy that aligns with the broader industrial strategy. This includes supporting long-term partnerships between education and industry, providing relevant qualifications, and ensuring high-quality vocational teaching and learning.

Emerging sectors and technologies

Our workforce modelling incorporates emerging subsectors and technologies, using economic projections and technology impact modelling to create future workforce scenarios. We recommended the government uses similar bespoke economic modelling and AI to predict and utilise emerging technologies so it can meet local skills needs.

Different phases of education

We emphasized the need for a clear and consistent understanding of the different phases of education and training. Younger learners need a broad educational experience to build foundational knowledge and skills for work and life. Adults may need access to similar provisions to reskill later in life, as well as a broader range of learning options to acquire the skills needed for workplace success.

Pearson's response

Explore Pearson’s response to the government’s Industrial Strategy Consultation, submitted on the 22nd November 2024.

Read our response