Attendees on plumbing courses should be taught both the practical and theoretical aspects of the trade.
This is the view of Jane Artess, director or research for HECSU, who suggested that she would want a technician to understand the science behind his or trade, as well as knowing how to carry out procedures.
She suggested students taking vocational training - such as plumbing courses - would also benefit from being taught how to adapt their knowledge to a wide variety of different employment opportunities.
"There is a balance to be struck between teaching practical skills and building job competences with the need to ensure that knowledge and the capacity to update knowledge is secure," explained Ms Artess.
Her comments follow the news that the secretary of state for education Michael Gove has called for Alison Wolf to review the way vocational courses are taught in order to maximise the opportunities for young people going into certain professions to progress.
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