Ensuring that skills reflect societies: Diversity and Inclusion in competitions and beyond
Details
–
Diversity and Inclusion concepts are being introduced and pushed forward in all possible industries. The topic is extremely relevant for technical and vocational education as well: Representation, recognition, positive role models and accepting workplaces are key to the wellbeing of all apprentices or employees. They are also essential part of a healthy and fair economy.
What roles do gender, ethnicity, sexual identities, special education needs, disadvantaged background play for young people in order to decide a specific profession/educational pathway, to be selected by a company, or to enter a skills competition?
WorldSkills UK has commissioned and published a ground-breaking study about Diversity and Inclusion in technical careers and apprenticeships, realising that a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment does not only support the empowerment of young people, but also has economic relevance by helping more people prepare better for work, so that employers will have more choice when recruiting, leading to more diverse and productive workplaces and more innovation.
The goal of the session was to create more awareness among skills organisations and to discuss specific tools and strategies in order to reduce stereotypes in the technical skills sector, to create a wider range of role models and to increase participation.