Sunday, 1 May 2011
Mark Astley Media
For further, more recent examples of my work - both written and in video form - please be directed to http://markastleymedia.weebly.com
Sunday, 6 February 2011
City employers offered Apprenticeship Week drop-in sessions
Employers in the City will get the chance to learn more about Apprenticeships and the benefits they can bring businesses during a series of drop-in information sessions to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.
The National Skills Academy for Financial Skills (NSAFS) is running the sessions, between 7 and 11 February in London, to outline the benefits of Apprenticeships, such as higher productivity, improved quality of work and staff retention.
NSAFS chief executive Sylvia Perrins said: "We are continuing to focus on encouraging financial services employers to increase the number of Apprenticeship placements offered and claim funding to run the schemes.
"Apprenticeships are a great solution for our industry's needs; they are recognised as high-quality programmes that deliver excellent results for both apprentices and their employers."
NSAFS exists to support emerging and existing talent in the financial services sector, and to ensure that the industry is productive and efficient to compete in global markets.
According to NSAFS, in the majority of sectors, employers who invest in Apprenticeships recover their investment in an average of two or three years.
During the drop-in sessions, skills academy advisors will be on hand to discuss how Apprenticeship schemes work in the financial services industry.
Those advising will include Karen Davies, NSAFS' head of quality and development and regional director Therese Reinheimer-Jones.
The drop-in sessions will run from 12pm until 2pm at NSAFS offices (2 Finch Lane, London, EC3V 3NA).
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Construction firms to cut training by nearly a fifth this year
The survey found that 18% of construction employers are planning to scale back their training provision in the coming year, with businesses in the West Midlands, the North West and Scotland being worst hit.
The Employer Attitudes and Motivations to Learning and Training survey also found that 26% of construction businesses in the UK reduced their training activity in 2010.
The study - which was published by SSC CITB-ConstructionSkills - asked more than 1500 construction employers how the current economic climate has impacted on their training provision over the last year.
Job-specific training was hardest hit by the employer cut backs, with 16% of all employers reducing their provision.
Health and Safety was also affected, with 8% of employers reducing their training support. Management and supervisory training also suffered with a 2% reduction.
Mark Farrar, CITB-ConstructionSkills' chief executive, said: "As a cost cutting measure in times of economic hardship, training budgets are sadly often the first to suffer. Although recognition of the importance of staff skills is high, the research shows that training levels could fall further still.
"For these reasons, CITB-ConstructionSkills will be doing all it can to help and support construction employers in continuing to up-skill and train their workforce – ensuring that they have right skills, in the right place and at the right time."
However, despite the planned reduction in training, the findings also suggest that employers do still recognise that training is crucial to post-recession recovery – with 24% of employers believing that improving staff skills is ever more important in the current economic climate.
The research has also shown that 10% of companies actively increase training support in 2010 – with 41% making the decision in order to increase the skills level of their staff.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
NAS launches 2011 Apprenticeship Awards
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) launched the 2011 Apprenticeship Awards yesterday to recognise the achievements of apprentices and their employers across England.
The Awards ceremony will be held in London on 29 June and will cover eight categories.
John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: "I have put Apprenticeships at the heart of our skills strategy because they encourage ambition and enterprise, and help drive economic and social progress.
"These awards offer a great platform for young people and employers to gain recognition not just for excelling in their chosen field, but for playing a leading part in that vital process."
Apprentices will be recognised in four categories. Those nominated will compete to be named Young Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year and Higher Apprentice of the Year.
Holly Manley, a retail management apprentice, was crowned National Apprentice of Year at last year's ceremony, and has since been promoted from supervisor to store manager at Superdrug.
"Winning the 'National Apprentice of the Year 2010' was absolutely amazing and has opened up a lot of doors for me," said Ms Manley.
"It's amazing to be selected from all the apprentices nationwide – and such a boost to know that all your hard work is being recognised."
Employers will also be heralded alongside apprentices in four categories: Small Employer of the Year (1-24 employees), Medium Employer of the Year (25-249), Large Employer of the Year (250–4,999) and Macro Employer of the Year (5000+).
As well as the category winner, the best 24 employers in each category will be published in the Top 100 Apprenticeship employers list by the NAS, in partnership with City & Guilds.
NAS chief executive Simon Waugh said: "The Apprenticeship Awards recognize the achievements of individuals engaged in training and the organisations that invest in them.
"Apprentices provide a real boost to Britain's economy, helping businesses secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities often not available on the external job market. They bring fresh ideas and innovation to organisations and help to increase staff retention."
The Apprenticeship Awards launch comes just a few weeks before Apprenticeship Week.
The national celebration, which will take place 7-11 February, aims to highlight the talents and skills of apprentices, and celebrate the importance of Apprenticeships to the economy.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Scotland's Colleges appoint new CEO
John Henderson, incoming chief executive of representative body Scotland's Colleges, has expressed his delight at being appointed to the role following its extensive restructuring.
Currently deputy director of the Scotland Office, Mr Henderson will be responsible for improving Scotland's Colleges' effectiveness as the sector support, policy and training agency for the college sector in Scotland.
"There is no doubt that the college sector in Scotland has a vital role to play in helping ensure that Scotland has a well-trained, well-educated workforce with the appropriate skills necessary, which are vital to our economic recovery," he said.
Scotland's Colleges was created from the merger of the Association of Scotland's Colleges, the Scottish Further Education Unit, Scotland's Colleges International and COLEG (College Open Learning Exchange Group).
It exists to support, represent and develop the Scottish college sector, whilst providing leadership, guidance, training and policy to achieve sustainable change in the sector.
Mr Henderson added: "There are many challenges – particularly reducing budgets at a time of unprecedented demand for college places and the whole future of higher education funding where over 20 per cent of HE is delivered by colleges.
"However, I know I am joining an experienced team and I very much look forward to getting out and about in visiting colleges and meeting colleagues throughout Scotland."
Mr Henderson has worked across the FE sector, including his role within the Scottish Education Department as the head of the Further Education Funding Unit, and as head of team for Vocational Education in Scotland.
Brian Keegan, chairman of Scotland's Colleges, said: "We had an excellent response to the job advertisement with several candidates of a very high standard. However, the panel was unanimous in its selection of John Henderson as the outstanding candidate.
Mr Keegan continued: "We are confident, given the financial and political challenges the sector is currently facing, that John is the right man for the job. John's extensive experience as a senior civil servant, as well as his previous roles within the Scottish Education Department, make him, not only a CEO for this organisation, but one for this sector and for the future."
He will take up his new position from 21 March, replacing outgoing CEO Ray Harris following the restructuring.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Educators must develop activities that require 21st Century skills, says Microsoft
More educators need to develop learning activities that require 21st Century skills, according the results of a new survey.
Innovative Teaching and Learning (ITL) Research – which was sponsored by Microsoft's Partners in Learning programme – found that although the skills that students need for modern work and life are found in schools, students are rarely able to take these them on board in practice.
Anthony Salcito, vice-president of worldwide education at Microsoft, said: "Education policy-makers and school leaders have long voiced a commitment to transforming education so that students get the skills they need.
"The problem is that the policy is not being put into reality on the ground. Most educators don't know how to implement these ideas with their students."
The Microsoft Partners in Learning programme is a $500 million commitment by Microsoft to help transform education systems around the world.
The research is part of an international attempt to assess innovative teaching practices such as student driven learning, extending learning outside the classroom, and the use of ICT in education.
The pilot year of the study was conducted in coordination with the governments of Finland, Indonesia, Russia and Senegal, with data collected from 25 schools and 600 teachers in each chosen country.
The success of the pilot scheme has prompted the governments of Australia, England, Mexico and the United States to join the research project.
Dr Mary Langworthy, director of the ITL Research, hopes the findings will help policy makers better understand the relationship between classroom practices and the intentions of the policies that are created.
She said: "When schools and educational systems begin to clearly define, measure and recognise innovative teaching practices, educators see an alignment between the rhetoric of change and the reality of teaching and learning."
In order to help educators develop these definitions and better practices, Microsoft has introduced a new free tool - the Partners in Learning School Research – which will allow education systems to conduct their own research based on the study.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Nearly half of WBL professionals are over-qualified, finds survey
Almost half of all work-based learning (WBL) sector professionals are over-qualified for their current job, according a survey by recruitment specialists GPRS Recruitment.
The second annual Salary & Benefits Survey, to be published tomorrow, reveals 43% of WBL sector workers were found to be over-qualified for their jobs.
"By no means is this all bad news, as many [employees] are conscious of this, and indeed are comfortable being over-qualified," said Ruth Whitehouse, a market sector specialist at the group.
"This can often be a 'win-win' situation, as those businesses with foresight are striking deals with their employees to nurture their less experienced and mature contemporaries."
Although it could appear as though businesses are taking advantage of the current difficult job market, Ms Whitehouse believes the results show the value employers see in employing those comfortable in a role they have a lot of experience in.
She adds: "Would you really mind being under-employed on paper, yet benefitting financially from the knowledge and experience you can pass-on to others? This after all sits well with the very nature of training professionals. Smart employers have been quick to work this out and seize the opportunity."
GPRS, a specialist in permanent staffing for the WBL, Welfare to Work, and Entry 2 Employment sectors, surveyed 6,452 sector professionals between August and October this year.
The survey was originally pioneered by GPRS as a benchmarking exercise for clients that were experiencing difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.
It also reveals 83% of the sector professionals surveyed do not receive a long service bonus; and 86% believe that some form of profit sharing would considerably increase dedication to their employer.
Some 74% agree that there will be an increase in demand for Welfare to Work and E2E specialists within the next year.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
UK EuroSkills team win 17 medals
The UK's EuroSkills representatives have returned home with an impressive haul of 17 medals – including seven gold medals and three Medallions for Excellence.
Nearly 500 young people from 27 countries competed for medals at the competition – including 20 representatives from the UK.
EuroSkills, which this year took place in Lisbon, aims to raise the profile of vocational education and training in European countries.
The UK skills squad competed in 16 skills disciplines during the two day competition, which is seen by many as a warm up to next year's WorldSkills competition in London.
FE Minister John Hayes was on hand to offer his congratulations to the UK squad.
"I congratulate the UK competitors for their hard work and talent. These inspiring young people have demonstrated to everyone across Europe that the UK stands for excellence in skills"," said Mr Hayes.
The UK's seven gold medals were won in disciplines ranging from hairdressing to landscape gardening design, and the three Medallions for Excellence – which are awarded to those competitors who demonstrate that they have surpassed the European benchmark in their skill area – were awarded in the cooking and the cook and serve multi-skill categories.
Elsewhere, silver and bronze medals were won by the UK team in categories including fashion technology, welding, landscape gardening installation, farriery, stonemasonry and mobile robotics.
Reiterating the importance of skills training for the UK, Mr Hayes continued: "It's more important than ever that we continue to build the skills of our workforce, helping individuals find employment and succeed at work, and ensuring businesses stay competitive.
"That is why this Government is reforming and strengthening the skills system, including through an expanded Apprenticeship programme, to deliver the high level training that will drive growth."
Medals were won by the following UK competitors:
GOLD
- Mechanical Engineering CAD: Ryan Sheridan (19) from East Kilbride, Scotland who is a student at Motherwell College. Ryan is a member of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
- Landscape Gardening Multi Skill Team: Keith Chapman (24) from Richmond, Yorkshire, Grant Finch (19) from Scarborough, Yorkshire and Oliver King (21) from Woodbridge, Suffolk. Keith Chapman and Grant Finch are both City & Guilds qualified. Grant and Oliver are members of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
- Landscape Gardening Design: Keith Chapman (24) from Richmond, Yorkshire who is self employed and is City & Guilds qualified.
- Hairdressing: Linzi Weare (20) from Gloucester, who works for Reds Hair Company.
- Window Display: Kirsty Hoadley who is studying at East Berkshire College and Hannah Cook who is studying at University of Glamorgan.
SILVER
- Fashion Technology: Rory Andrew (19) who studies at North Glasgow College and Marcus Wernitznig (19) who studies at New College Nottingham. Rory and Marcus are members of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
- Farriery: Jackie Campbell, (19) from Newmiln, Scotland, who studied at Myerscough College.
- Welding: Danny Broadbent, (21) from Grimsby who works for Alstom Thermal Services. Danny is City & Guilds qualified and a member of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
- Landscape Gardening Installation: Grant Finch (19) from Scarborough, Yorkshire who is studying at ABC Landscape Academy and Oliver King (21) from Woodbridge, Suffolk who is studying at Otley College. Both are members of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011. Grant Finch is City & Guilds.
BRONZE
- Stonemasonry: Chris Berridge (21) from Crewkerne, Somerset, who works for Ham Hill Masonry Works and is City & Guilds qualified. Chris is a member of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
- Mobile Robotics: Puja Varsani (21) and Darren Lewis (21) who are both studying at Middlesex University. Puja and Darren are both members of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
MEDALLION FOR EXCELLENCE
- Cooking: Ben Murphy (20) from Hendon, London, who is a student at Westminster Kingsway College and is City & Guilds qualified. Ben is a member of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
- Cook and Serve Multi Skill: Ben Murphy (20) from Hendon, London and Ben Hare (19) from Solihull, who is a student at University College Birmingham. Both are members of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Scheme launched to encourage small businesses apprentices
A new 'work ready' Apprenticeship venture has been launched to encourage small businesses to employ more apprentices.
The Apprentice Agency, a joint venture between not-for-profit education body LSN and The Workshop, a creative consultancy, aims to cut the red tape that can put business owners off employing apprentices.
The programme is being piloted in Reading and Oxford, where businesses will be offered a choice of apprentices that will be given the chance to take one on.
Only three Apprenticeships, IT technician, Business Administrator and IT User, will be offered initially.
Phil Jefferies, manager of the Apprentice Agency, said: "We've launched with these courses first because every business needs administrative and IT support, and many don't realise that Apprenticeship is an option when they are looking to fill these roles.
"The service is completely employer-led, and available to help businesses source and manage a high quality apprentice."
Reading College is one of the Apprentice Agency's first clients, and has used the programme to secure its first ICT apprentices.
Sally Dicketts, principal of Reading and Oxford and Cherwell Valley Colleges, said: "In my view, Apprenticeships raise students' learning and future job prospects to a higher level, and many businesses report back on a whole range of benefits that apprentices bring.
"We encourage businesses to get in touch with the Apprentice Agency, to discuss the benefits, particularly in terms of time and cost, that it can offer them."
The Apprenticeship Agency aims to place 300 apprentices within its first 12 months of operation.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Ofsted: FE has much to celebrate, but more needs to be achieved
Work-based learning providers have shown considerable improvement, with 48% of those inspected rated good or better compared to 42% a year ago, a report by the UK's education regulator has found.
Ofsted's Chief Inspector's Report for 2009/10 reveals considerable improvement across the FE sector, with particular emphasis on colleges, adult learning and within the work-based learning sector.
This year's report saw Ofsted inspect 410 learning and skills providers – with work-based learning providers and colleges accounting for nearly three quarters of these.
Of the providers inspected, the "more established" work-based learning providers were more likely to be judged good or outstanding compared with newer providers, the report adds.
More than 82% had improved or maintained their performance since their previous inspection.
The report states: "Outstanding providers of work-based learning listen to their learners. They ensure that, by collecting and using feedback on learners' experiences, their interest and motivation are maintained."
Of the FE colleges surveyed, 57% were judged to be good or outstanding, and 70% of adult and community learning were also deemed to be of a similar stature.
However, the report also found some shortcomings and room for improvement throughout the sector.
For example, although it found teaching offered by adult and community learning providers inspected this year to be good, none were rated as outstanding.
Elsewhere, provision contracted by the Department for Work and Pensions is the weakest area of post-16 learning, with the highest proportion of inadequate providers - 28 out of 34 providers were judged to be inadequate in terms of outcomes for learners.
"It is true that we expect more from schools and colleges today, and more from our teachers," said Ofsted Chief Inspector Christine Gilbert.
"But we also know a lot more about how to deliver good, inspiring lessons that motivate and engage children, young people and adult learners. The report has much to celebrate. However, more needs to be achieved."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
NIACE calls for more adult investment
Adult learners are in need of sufficient funds in order to increase the impact of adult learning programmes, according to the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).
The announcement comes after the consultation paper on the Lifelong Learning Programme, which will run from 2014 to 2020, was posted online by the European Commission.
The Lifelong Learning Programme funds several FE programmes, including Leonardo da Vinci for vocational education and training; and Grundtvig, which funds training opportunities for UK adult education organisations, staff and learners.
The current Lifelong Learning Programme has a budget of over €1 billion a year, and funds thousands of projects, partnerships and mobility opportunities. Yet less than five per cent of this budget is to be spent on the Grundtvig Programme for adult education.
Mark Ravenhall, NIACE's director of operations, said: "In order to increase the impact of adult learning programmes like Grundtvig more funds are essential. Adults are by far the largest group of potential beneficiaries, and the group with the greatest need, and yet they receive the least funding."
Mr Ravenhall is calling for NIACE members to respond to the publication in order to ensure better deals for adult learners.
He added: "The Grundtvig Programme, although a small part of the entire Lifelong Learning budget is valued enormously by Adult Education organisations because it supports the development of non-formal adult learning. NIACE, alongside our fellow members in the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), is urging all adult education organisations to respond to the consultation on the next programme."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Mixed reactions to new Skills Strategy
The Government's new skills strategy has been drawing mixed reactions from across the sector, after its announcement at the Association of Colleges (AoC) conference.
Skills for Sustainable Growth and Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth were published after being introduced by Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Vince Cable.
The publications outline the Government's planned reforms in the skills sector.
The reforms include increasing the number of Apprenticeships available to 75,000; replacing Train to Gain with a programme to help small employers train low skilled staff; and introducing Government-backed loans for learners.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has welcomed changes proposed by the Skills for Sustainable Growth paper.
The CIPD - which is one of Europe's largest HR and development bodies – work to sustain organisational performance in business.
Ben Willmott, senior public policy adviser at CIPD, praised the plans for a greater focus on leadership and management to boost capability in skills training and economic growth.
"With the economic challenges faced by this country over the next few years, boosting employment and productivity will be crucial – something that will only be achieved if the UK's people management skills deficit is tackled," said Mr Willmott.
"We are also extremely pleased the government has pledged to continue to support the development of these skills among small and medium sized organisations, through its Leadership and Management development grant, which the CIPD specifically called for."
Elsewhere, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which exists to create and sustain conditions in which businesses in the UK can compete and prosper, also welcomed the creation of 75,000 apprenticeship places, and the continued investment in vocational qualifications.
Susan Anderson, CBI director for education & skills, said: "We welcome the ambitious targets that the Government has set for expanding the number of apprenticeships and its acknowledgement that co-funding will be necessary for SMEs that provide on-the-job training."It is right that those who have left school without basic literacy or numeracy will continue to have access to state-funded training. There is still an issue around basic skills. About half of companies are concerned about the literacy and numeracy of the current workforce, with a fifth of employers already providing remedial training for school leavers."
However, the Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE), the national qualification awarding body, warned that a "one size fits all" approach is not the solution for vocational learning and skills training. The awarding body is urging the Government to ensure the new strategy meets the needs of the individual.
David Grailey, NCFE chief executive, said: "Whilst we welcome the Government's intention to give vocational learning the rightful recognition it deserves in the education sector, it is important to uphold the fact that apprenticeships and vocational qualifications have long provided an alternative option to academia for many learners.
"What we are seeing from apprenticeships and those achieving vocational qualifications is that by developing the necessary and relevant skills for the workplace, learners and apprentices can actually be in a better position for gaining employment in their area of interest upon leaving education."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Sector responds to Skills for Sustainable Growth Strategy announcement
The Government’s new strategy for skills, Skills for Sustainable Growth, and its sister publication, Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth, have been announced by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, and Skills Minister John Hayes.
The announcement – which sets out the Government’s vision for further education and skills training – was announced during Mr Cable’s keynote speech at the annual Association of Colleges conference in Birmingham.
Skills for Sustainable Growth sets out new Government reforms to improve the skills of the workforce and the performance of the economy.
The reforms include increasing the number of Apprenticeships available to 75,000; reducing bureaucracy in the further education sector; introducing government backed loans for learners aged 24 and over; and replacing Train to Gain with a programme to help small employers train low-skilled staff.
There has been mixed response from the sector after this afternoon’s announcement.
Brendan Barber, TUC secretary general, said: "There is much to welcome in the strategy – plans to increase the number of apprenticeships, continued free courses for adults who struggle with their reading and writing, and the recognition that unions are key to helping people sign up for learning at work.
"But at a time when UK employers are still putting far too little money into training their staff, cuts to the funding of courses which adults can currently access for free will force many more employees who want to get on at work to fund their own training."
Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), has called for more proposals based on the needs of learners, rather than the economy.
"Although the government is being honest about the significant budget cut for further education and skills, it is being disingenuous about the significant impact these cuts will have," she said.
"Abolishing the education maintenance allowance will be hugely detrimental to developing skills amongst young people, as will removing funding from over 24s who want to take a GCSE or equivalent.
"Making apprenticeships the only option for those wanting vocational training appears deeply flawed. It is dubious whether companies will be able and willing to provide apprenticeships when the economy is weak. And we fear less scrupulous firms may use unpaid apprenticeships rather than employing staff to do their jobs."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
International officials attend 157 Group publication launch
College officials from across the world joined David Willets, Minister of State for Universities and Science, as the 157 Group published its 2009-10 impact review.
Members of the RC-2020 – a non profit association of community colleges in the UK, America, Canada and Australia - joined Mr Willets for the announcement during an annual reception at the House of Commons.
"Our impact review describes our achievements over the past year and the extent to which we have met the aims we set out in our strategic plan," said Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 Group.
"At a time when our sector and the country are facing extraordinary challenges, it is essential that we continue to play an influential role in ensuring that further education is valued for its significant contribution to the economy and to society."
The impact review was published alongside a set of materials that highlight the value of its member colleges' international work.
The materials included a paper entitled Colleges' International Contribution; six case studies examining colleges' international work; and a collection of stories about eight learners studying at 157 Group FE colleges around the world.
Dr Rufus Glasper, president of RC-2020 and chancellor at Maricopa Community College District in the US, said: "It's a fabulous privilege to be here and have the opportunity to share innovation and best practices with the 157 Group. We recognise that these are challenging times for all these countries to become more effective and efficient, while at the same time being asked to be more productive."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Ofsted highlights Diploma 'weaknesses'
The 14 to 19 Diploma has come under the scrutiny of Ofsted inspectors, who have highlighted "weaknesses" in the current system.
According to Ofsted, a lack of connection in the Diploma system can leave some learners struggling to develop and apply functional skills.
Approximately 36,000 learners enrolled last year on the courses, which combine theoretical study with practical learning.
Main strengths of the Diploma include its ability to motivate learners, Ofsted said.
The Diploma also benefits from "high quality resources, often in well equipped venues, provided opportunities for learning in work-related environments".
However, although Ofsted praised its main subject content as "strong", the delivery of functional skills, such as English, mathematics and ICT, was often weak.
Inspectors also found further weaknesses when it came to additional and specialised learning options, which were found to be limited and often "uncoordinated".
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
BT doubles apprentice intake after huge demand
Telecoms firm BT is to double its intake of apprenticeships after an unprecedented number of candidates applied for the initial 221 positions.
The firm has vowed to recruit more than 200 more apprentices by Christmas, after huge amounts of interest in the positions.
BT said that 24,000 people had registered their interest in the original set of vacancies – which is up from 9,000 applicants in 2009.
The company will take advantage of the surge in demand to help roll out its new high-speed fibre optic broadband network.
BT plans to offer fibre-optic broadband connections to ten million households by 2012.
Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said the government would invest £530m to offer the best broadband services in Europe by 2015.
Successful apprenticeship candidates, who will start on salaries of between £12,000 and £15,000, will go on to work in areas such as IT, telecoms, electrical systems and customer service, and will gain a BTEC qualification or a foundation degree.
BT's announcement comes hot on the heels of a government commitment to create a further 75,000 apprenticeship places, which was announced as part of a wide-ranging Comprehensive Spending Review.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
BT doubles apprentice intake after huge demand
Telecoms firm BT is to double its intake of apprenticeships after an unprecedented number of candidates applied for the initial 221 positions.
The firm has vowed to recruit more than 200 more apprentices by Christmas, after huge amounts of interest in the positions.
BT said that 24,000 people had registered their interest in the original set of vacancies – which is up from 9,000 applicants in 2009.
The company will take advantage of the surge in demand to help roll out its new high-speed fibre optic broadband network.
BT plans to offer fibre-optic broadband connections to ten million households by 2012.
Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said the government would invest £530m to offer the best broadband services in Europe by 2015.
Successful apprenticeship candidates, who will start on salaries of between £12,000 and £15,000, will go on to work in areas such as IT, telecoms, electrical systems and customer service, and will gain a BTEC qualification or a foundation degree.
BT's announcement comes hot on the heels of a government commitment to create a further 75,000 apprenticeship places, which was announced as part of a wide-ranging Comprehensive Spending Review.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
ALP welcomes Welfare to Work changes
The Association of Learning Providers (ALP) has responded positively to the announcement that the private and third sectors will play a much larger role in helping bring the unemployed back into the workplace.
The government intends to tip the balance of funding from the taxpayer towards the individual and employer, who will also benefit as their employees are trained to the highest standards.
ALP chief executive Graham Hoyle welcomed the changes and encouraged employers to invest in skills during the difficult economic climate.
"ALP is pleased that private and third sector providers have been earmarked to play a major role in helping people back to work," said Mr Hoyle.
"It is important though that ministers recognise the importance of skills training in enabling individuals to hold on to new jobs and progress within them."
According to Government figures, in September there were around 1,470,000 people in Britain claiming out-of-work benefits. This was up by 5,300 on the previous month.
The welfare to work changes came as the highly-anticipated Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) was unveiled by George Osborne, the chancellor.
Across the board, further education faces a 25% cut (£1.1 billion), with Train to Gain being scrapped, EMA replaced, and funding to help non-English speakers learn the language also abolished.
However, 75,000 apprenticeship places are to be created, and there will also be a boost to science and research.
Mr Hoyle said he was not surprised by some of the cuts in spending outlined by the CSR.
"The end of Train to Gain was not unexpected, but it is important that ministers recognise that some continued investment in other work based adult skills training is necessary to help sustain the recovery," he said.
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
New NSAFA recruit looking forward to challenge
The National Skills Academy for Financial Services' (NSAFS)'s newest appointment is looking forward to the challenge he faces as their new Regional Director for the East of England.
John Carter – who has been appointed to the role after 25 years experience as an employer in the sector – will work to nurture talent and skills in the local financial industry sector.
The NSAFS is an employer-led organisation dedicated to growing talent and building professionalism in the UK financial services industry. Its aim is to support future talent and to ensure that the industry is trained sufficiently to compete in global markets.
Mr Carter, who has previously worked as Head of Learning and Communication at the Norwich office of Marsh and Capita, is looking forward to the job ahead.
"The challenge facing the East of England is to achieve more with less. The training and development options offered by NSAFS make a real difference to businesses and will play a pivotal role in helping local industry thrive," he said.
"I look forward to shining a light on the vital work done by NSAFS and the benefits to both employers and those undergoing training."
Sylvia Perrins, CEO of NSAFS, said: "John's background demonstrates his passion and proficiency for training design, development and delivery which mirrors the NSAFS mission to build professionalism and grow talent. His extensive business knowledge and experience will help bolster engagement with financial services providers in the region."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
IfL reiterates call for teaching recognition
The Institute for Learning (IfL) has renewed its call for an alignment of further education teachers' professional status with that of teachers in schools.
According to the IfL, teachers and trainers with Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status should have the same recognition as those with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The call was made as part of World Teachers' Day last week, as the IfL paid tribute to around 200,000 teachers and trainers working in FE.
Toni Fazaeli, IfL's chief executive, said: "IfL regrets that our celebration of World Teachers' Day has to be muted.
"Under current legislation, excellent teachers of vocational subjects in further education who hold the professional status of QTLS are not recognised as being able to teach in schools."
Ms Fazaeli continued: "I look forward to when we can all celebrate World Teachers' Day unreservedly.
"For now, we say three loud cheers for further education teachers and trainers, and no cheers for the extraordinary system that fails to recognise their professional excellence as teachers of young people and their vocational expertise beyond the college gates."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Learners and companies benefit from work-related training
Employers up and down the country are benefiting from highly skilled and motivated staff involved in work-related training, according to a report by Ofsted.
The research by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills, showed the benefits of work-based learning such as work-placements and apprenticeships. Learners were able to gain good technical skills and knowledge, and work standards required.
The report, 'Good practice in involving employers in work-related education and training', highlights that training developed by providers working closely with companies helps employees make greater contributions to the effectiveness of their business.
Christine Gilbert, Ofsted Chief Inspector, said: "Employers, providers and employees all benefit from employer involvement in work-related training. Where employers and providers develop good relationships, learners, trainees and staff are able to develop the skills and confidence to reach their potential and help employers compete more effectively in the marketplace."
Employers in areas such as manufacturing, construction and retail gained skilled and knowledgeable staff through work related training, and small businesses benefitted from support from specialist training providers.
In one example of work-related learning, Nissan worked very closely with Gateshead College and JobCentre Plus.
They joined forces to design a programme to develop the skills of unemployed people, providing a mix of manufacturing, literacy and numeracy skills. The programme - which recruited several hundred participants – proved to be very successful, with 77% of the participants on one course gaining employment with either Nissan or another linked company.
Twenty-two of the thirty training providers also helped employers to get public funding for training.
Those providers, who proved most effective had expert knowledge of the industry sectors, matched their training programmes to the needs and demands of employers and fostered good relationships with businesses.
Education and training providers were also able to benefit from their involvement with businesses. They have been able to make good use of advice and feedback on current industry practice.
Ms Gilbert concluded: "This report identifies the features of good practice and highlights practical examples of good or outstanding provision. I hope others will learn from by these examples."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Groupama Healthcare teams up with North Hertfordshire College
A partnership between a college and a health insurer has shown what can be achieved when business and community work together.
A meeting between health Groupama Healthcare and the Goldsmith Centre for Business (GC4B) has resulted in a commercial partnership between the insurer and the North Hertfordshire College (NHC).
Groupama Healthcare is the 8th largest health insurer in the UK, and has previously won the 'Best for Customer Service Award' at the Health Insurance Awards 2009.
The partnership has enabled Groupama Healthcare to train two of their workforce as NVQ assessors, allowing them to support other employees to achieve an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Services.
Groupama Healthcare's Lisa Hall said: "We have developed a working relationship that delivers what we need and enables us to work together to make the most of our joint time and investment.
"Having a local trainer to deliver these qualifications will save time and money, and GC4B will benefit from our business just as we will benefit from their response to our local needs."
Employees will also benefit from on-the-job training, process improvement training, and training in UK and international brand awareness.
Groupama Healthcare hopes that all new recruits will be added to the programme, which was developed in association with GC4B.
The partnership has also seen Groupama Healthcare offer support to people applying for jobs in connection with the college.
NHC offers free training for people who have been made redundant or are unemployed. Groupama Healthcare has agreed to support applicants with pre-interviews, helping them build confidence and provide feedback.
Ms Hall continued: "This partnership really shows what can be achieved when business and community works together – it really is a win-win situation."
STORY PUBLISHED AT WWW.FENEWS.CO.UK
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)