Hand skills should be restored to the school curriculum

It is an unfortunate truth that an increasingly large proportion of young people are leaving school without any basic hand skills in woodwork, metalwork or detailed drawing, or an understanding of the interrelationship of materials in engineering or construction. We believe an early introduction (ie at primary school) to such training, by teachers who are themselves skilled, provides interest for young people, leading to enthusiasm to achieve skills, which can later be applied to engineering, architecture, design and construction at all practical and management levels and, more widely, for the benefit of all of us in business, sport or home life. If these skills are not introduced at an early age, they may never be learned. Hand skills stay with you for life. We would urge educationalists, head teachers and industry leaders to encourage the coalition government ( Report , 15 July), to look closely at policy in this area and to ensure that any adjustment to schools curricula includes a hand-work component, which has been so sadly lacking in recent years. Bringing back teachers with these skills, part-time or full-time in larger schools, who were highly valued 30 and more years ago, could make a profound difference to the lives of young people and give them an opportunity to discover their practical abilities at a young age. Our organisations would be able and willing to supply resources for schools, part-time teaching capacity, activity centres for hands-on experience, work placements, apprenticeships, leading to future employment possibilities. Young people today will be taking up their careers in 10 years or so. We are concerned to ensure that they have the practical skills to grasp the opportunities for employment in technical and practical fields. We firmly believe that, unless urgent action is taken, the quality of life of everyone will be gravely affected by a loss of practical skills that were once the hallmark of the workforce and industries of this nation. Terence Mallinson Trustee, Building Centre Trust Professor Robert Mair Head of the department of civil engineering and environment, Cambridge University Philip Bujak Chief executive, Montessori Centre International Peter Tidmarsh Headmaster, St. John's CE School, Buckhurst Hill David Lane Marketing and communications Director, Edge Dr Sarah Bowden Associate director, Ove Arup and Partners Christine Townley Director, Construction Youth Trust Len Conway Principal, Building Crafts College Annette McGill Director, Upkeep Paul Sykes Head of recruitment and careers, Construction Skills Stuart Goodall Chief Executive, Confederation of Forest Industries Susannah Podmore Co-ordinator, Forest Education Initiative Duncan King Director, Institute of Carpenters and Wood Technology Society John White Chief executive, Timber Trade Federation Tom Foulkes Director general, Institution of Civil Engineers Michael Rose Chairman, Building Centre Group Hand Skills for Life