Familiarity with technical education reforms varies by industrial sector, according to a recent Ofqual survey.

The survey found that awareness of qualification reform varies by sector, with for instance, nearly twice as many respondents from the transport sector reporting awareness of Functional Skills reform than employers from the hospitality sector.

The survey also found that:

• Large employers are significantly more likely to arrange or fund training that leads to a qualification
• Employers who have been involved in the development of qualifications are more likely to report positive perceptions
• Employers in sectors that are regulated are more likely to be familiar with qualifications
• 65% of employers who recruit staff to skilled or supervisory roles consider it essential for applicants to hold a relevant vocational or technical qualification. 
• More respondents from the public sector recruit people with or arrange training leading to Functional Skills, compared to the private sector.