Traditional degrees failing to prepare young people for work and UK needs more technical universities, new report finds

A think tank report says traditional three-year degrees are failing to equip many young people with the skills employers need. Backed by Lord David Blunkett and Sir James Dyson, it argues that more technical higher education institutions could improve job prospects and help address regional inequality.

The report points to more than one million 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training, alongside over 250,000 vacancies employers say they cannot fill because applicants lack relevant skills or experience. It examines the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering in Hereford, which offers employer-focused teaching and a two-year degree, and proposes a £50 million fund to establish up to 10 similar providers. Hartlepool, Grimsby, Doncaster and Barnsley are among the towns identified as strong candidates.