Association Represents D&T at House of Lords Skills Roundtable

Published 23rd September 2025

Ryan Ball, Director of Education at the Association, represented the D&T community at a discussion in the House of Lords. The event formed part of the Twenty First Century Skills Group Round Table, chaired by Lord Lucas and hosted by the Digital Policy Alliance.

The roundtable brought together policymakers, industry leaders and education specialists to explore how schools and employers can better prepare young people for the realities of the modern workforce.

Preparing Young People for Modern Careers

Discussions focused on how businesses can plan more effectively for the skills they will need in the years ahead—and how this connects with the way schools prepare learners for work. Delegates highlighted the importance of recruitment and assessment processes that reflect the abilities employers are actually seeking today, such as problem-solving, creativity and adaptability, rather than relying solely on exam results.

A World of Continuous Change

Participants also examined the changing nature of careers. Instead of following a traditional linear progression, the workplace of the future is expected to demand lifelong learning, retraining and flexible career pathways. Skills such as resilience, adaptability and learning how to learn were identified as crucial foundations for young people navigating this landscape.

Why It Matters

Design and technology plays a vital role in equipping students with these skills. By contributing to this national conversation, the Association is ensuring that the perspectives of D&T teachers, and the competencies developed in their classrooms, are recognised in shaping future education and employment policy.

This roundtable forms part of the Association’s ongoing work to champion the relevance of D&T in national debates about skills, careers and the future workforce.