It is vital that the Chancellor backs these plans in this summer's spending review with the sort of investment in vocational education that has been sorely lacking for many decades

David Gibson, AoC

The AoC says if one fifth of 15 and 16 year olds spent two days a week in college and a day a week in the workplace, an additional �123m will be needed in 2003-04, �310m in 2004-05, rising to �372m by 2005-06.

That money will be needed primarily by the colleges themselves to cover costs, says the AoC, which represents 460 further education colleges and sixth forms across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The warning comes as the government's Green Paper on the curriculum for 14 to 19 year olds plans to raise the profile of vocational training.

The proposed changes will include a range of new A-levels and GCSEs in vocational subjects, in areas such as engineering, manufacturing and tourism.

Resources

Chief executive of the AoC David Gibson said: "I very much welcome the government's increased commitment to vocational education, but any expansion will need to be properly resourced.

"It is vital that the Chancellor backs these plans in this summer's spending review with the sort of investment in vocational education that has been sorely lacking for many decades."

Colleges in England involved in pilot schemes had proved the new approach could motivate young people and improve their results and attendance, he added.

"We need now to move from pump priming in the pilots to realistic resources for a national programme."

Retain sixth forms

The National Union of Teachers said it would work with the government on changes to the 14 to 19 curriculum, but urged the government not to use those changes to close down small sixth forms.

"Secondary schools have been successful in promoting parity of esteem and a good mix of vocational and academic courses," said NUT general secretary Doug McAvoy.

"The government needs to build on this success. Closing sixth forms will damage any reform."

The plans were given a warm response from the general secretary of the NASUWT, Nigel de Gruchy, who said the general thrust of the reforms would give schools the flexibility to meet the varied needs of individual pupils.

"We need to enhance vocational education to make the curriculum more relevant and improve motivation amongst the less academically inclined," said Mr de Gruchy.

"A more flexible and vocational approach could also contribute greatly to reducing pupil indiscipline."