BTEC: Soundings from the “Central Engine Room”

BTEC courses have not always been accorded the status for which the Business and Technician Education Council would have hoped. Aspects of the climate into which the precursor BEC courses were introduced are outlined before a presentation of a selection of views on BTEC recently expressed by employers - the “central engine room” which BEC’s First Policy Statement identified as the target for its courses. The relationship between BTEC National and A-levels is highlighted as a critical comparison. Some traditionalist employers are not impressed by the educationally “progressive” aspects of BTEC, but many have now gained a considerable respect for the courses.