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Technology takes centre stage on future talks as politicians clash at 2030 skills report launch

Technology dominated the debate at a conference arranged to discuss the future of the UK skills sector. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills and Work Foundation’s Skills for the Future conference was held at the headquarters of accountants Deloitte in central London last Monday (March 3). The event was used to officially launch a […]

Could traineeships stem skills shortage problem?

Traineeships are most commonly viewed as a means of taking on youth unemployment, but, asks, Fiona Aldridge, could they also help answer skills shortages in science, technology, engineering and maths? Traineeships, apprenticeships, higher standards and better qualifications were four key priorities outlined by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock in the recently-published Skills Funding Statement. But six […]

How far have we gone in achieving a careers guidance ‘culture change’?

Six months after the National Careers Council called for a “culture change” in careers guidance, Deirdre Hughes, in light of a new report from the council, gives an overview of what has changed. In June 2013 the National Careers Council, set up by government to advise on how careers provision for young people and […]

Behind the scenes of National Apprenticeship Week

It’s five big days in the calendar for apprenticeships and Barbara Spicer explains not only what happened before and during National Apprenticeship Week, but also how it aims to attract more employers to the programme. One week: more than 1,000 events, well on track to beat last year’s record, and trending on Twitter. Unless you’ve […]

Barry Sheerman, chair, the Skills Commission

Within moments of going into MP Barry Sheerman’s Westminster office, numerous clues hinting at his old day job as a university professor become clear. Political biographies, volumes of poetry and literary criticism line the walls and by the time the interview is over, a small stack of books has built up in front of me […]

The DNA of good apprenticeships

As the sector celebrates apprenticeships, Phil Romain looks at what makes for a good one. My passion for apprenticeships stems from my own experiences. I was fortunate to have had an outstanding apprenticeship in a company where many of the directors and senior managers were ex-apprentices themselves. This led me to a career in engineering, […]

Behind the scenes of National Apprenticeship Week

The DNA of good apprenticeships

As the sector celebrates apprenticeships, Phil Romain looks at what makes for a good one. My passion for apprenticeships stems from my own experiences. Some apprenticeship schemes I have inspected are world-beaters and, dare I say, better than Germany’s — but far too many are not” I was fortunate to have had an outstanding apprenticeship […]

Apprentices tell of careers guidance problems in ministerial debate

Apprentices from across the country aired their views on the programme at a debate in Central London. Reporter Rebecca Cooney went along to watch those at the centre of National Apprenticeship Week have their say. The first ever apprentice debate was organised by the Industry Apprenticeship Council (IAC) alongside the Voice of Apprenticeships conference held […]