Section three: UK Insights

The UK has a strong tradition of TVET programmes that include courses in web development where many UK’s educational institutions have strong ties with tech companies.   
The UK regularly hosts hackathons and coding competitions that encourage innovation and practical problem-solving skills. These events provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in competitive settings, preparing them for international competitions like WorldSkills.  

Many institutions offer extracurricular programs and clubs focused on web development and programming. These programmes provide additional practice and mentorship, helping students to refine their skills and gain confidence in their abilities. 

What are the UK’s areas for development? 

Despite the UK’s strong infrastructure and potential in the field of web development and vocational education, several key areas require attention to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of the UK’s TVET system, particularly in the FE sector: 

• up-to-date industry knowledge – educators need regular training to stay current with the latest technologies and industry standards. Continuous professional development (CPD) programs should include courses on new programming languages, frameworks, and tools such as React, Node.js, Laravel and cloud-based technologies 

• outdated curriculum – one of the primary issues is the outdated curriculum that does not keep pace with the rapid advancements in web technologies. While other countries continuously update their curricula to reflect the latest industry trends and technologies, the UK’s FE sector often lags behind. Educators should collaborate with industry experts to design and update the curriculum. This ensures that the skills and knowledge imparted to students are aligned with industry needs 

• industry-relevant skills – there is a need for a curriculum that emphasises current industry standards, including modern programming languages, frameworks, and tools that can better prepare students for the demands of the tech industry 

• insufficient practical training – while the infrastructure exists, the FE sector often falls short in providing sufficient hands-on training opportunities. Practical experience is essential for mastering web development skills, and there is a need to integrate more project-based learning and real-world simulations into the curriculum 
• student-centred learning – the UK education system should emphasise student-centred learning, where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their education. This approach will increase critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills that are essential for success in both competitions and professional settings.  

• strong knowledge in multiple coding languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP) and JS/PHP based frameworks (React, Vue, Laravel Node.js etc).  

• skills in creating user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces 

• regular coding challenges and hackathons to enhance problem-solving speed and accuracy and ability to learn new technologies and adapt to changing environments 

• comprehensive understanding of both front-end and back-end development with projects that require students to build complete applications, from database to user interface 

• ability to effectively communicate project ideas and results 

• proficiency in using Git and GitHub for collaborative projects and version control 

• encourage students to create a portfolio of projects that demonstrate skills and knowledge.  

• employers frequently cite a lack of soft skills among graduates, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are critical for career success but are often underemphasised in the current curriculum. 

• addressing the elements required for WorldSkills International Standards of Excellence will enhance students’ employability, as these aspects are integral to the industry standards for full-stack web developers.