This free webinar will take place on Tuesday 8 September 2020 at 12:00 BST (13:00 CET). Register here for the Zoom session

On 8 September 2020 the OECD, in collaboration with Education and Employers, will launch the UK data from the latest cycle of Education at a Glance, the authoritative source for information on the state of education around the world. It provides data on the structure, finances and performance of education systems across OECD countries and a number of partner economies, this year focusing on vocational education and training (VET).

Vocational education and training has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19. But we know that strong VET systems can play an important role to buffer the negative economic effects of the crisis, as we saw in 2008 where countries with strong VET systems were able to keep youth unemployment low, and in turn keep their economies moving.

The crisis has also highlighted just how far modern society relies on vital services such as manufacturing and healthcare, professions which require candidates to undergo specialised vocational training to secure a job. It has brought home more than ever the need for governments to review the role vocational education and training can play for those entering work. 

Join Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills, as he presents the latest data for the UK, followed by an expert panel to discuss the findings and the role of VET in the post-coronavirus world. Panellists include:

• Yousra Assali, WorldSkills Champions Trust Regional Representative, Middle East & North Africa
• Prisha Bathia, Digital Marketing Apprentice, Google UK
• Jennifer Coupland, Chief Executive, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, England (UK)
• Sebastian Henke, Director of Human Resources, Optima, Germany
• Keith Smith, Director for Post 16 Skills and Strategy, Department for Education, England (UK)

Moderated by Nick Chambers, Chief Executive, Education and Employers
 
If you have any questions before or during the webinar please send them to edu.contact@oecd.org and via twitter.

You can also make your voice heard by participating in our online poll before the event. Simply click below to answer some questions on your view of how the crisis has impacted young people's career aspirations. Results of the poll will be discussed during the webinar.