FE Week Reporter | FE Week

NUS launches campaign to hear FE students’ views

The National Union of Students has launched a campaign to force the government to recognise the impact that post-16 area reviews are having on learners. The launch of #FEunplugged was officially announced on Wednesday. An NUS spokesperson said the aim was to “raise the profile of [post-16 education and training] area reviews and make sure […]

Government urged to act over SEND travel cuts

The government has been urged to review transport arrangements for post-16 special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) students, after it emerged that councils in the north east want learners to start paying towards their college travel costs. FE Week has found the planned changes, called “outrageous” by the National Union of Students, are awaiting final […]

Qualified or qualification?

What exactly are the new, reformed Trailblazer apprenticeships? Nobody seems to be sure – but maybe we aren’t looking at them in the right way. If we do, we could have a world class apprenticeship regime. The Government has set itself a target of 3m apprenticeships in this parliament, embarking on a major programme of […]

Student views will strengthen college campaign case

The NUS has launched a new #FEunplugged campaign to battle against provider closures through the government’s programme of post-16 area reviews. Shakira Martin explains how collecting views from FE students on their needs and concerns for the future can help boost their case. Area reviews are a secret our sector seems to be really good […]

Time to deliver on quality careers advice

The government announced on January 24 that it would legally force schools to let FE providers talk to students about the benefits of apprenticeships, as part of a review. Deirdre Hughes reflects on progress being made in this area. I welcome the government’s announcement to publish a new careers strategy. For more than three years, […]

Regulation must not hinder battle against prejudice

A report published earlier this month by the House of Commons women and equalities committee found evidence of “unacceptable” bullying of transgender adult learners. FE Insider Shane Chowen looks at how the sector can respond to this. In workplaces, schools, colleges, training providers and universities across the country this month, activities will be taking place […]

Association of School and College Leaders general secretary Brian Lightman stands down

General secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Brian Lightman has stepped down with “immediate effect”. He will be replaced by Malcolm Trobe, the current deputy general secretary, on an interim basis until ASCL appoints a permanent successor. It comes as FE Week’s sister title FE Week is reporting that Mr Lightman, […]

Functional Skills survey with employers launched

A new survey has been launched to gather views from employers and technical experts on how maths and English Functional Skills qualifications should be reformed. It is part of a “multi-stage” consultation process, first announced on January 14, that will be looking into how the qualifications should be transformed by 2018. A spokesperson for Pye Tait […]

First new member of 157 group announced since expansion plans unveiled to FE Week

Cardiff and Vale College (CVC) has become the first new member of the 157 Group since it exclusively revealed its expansion plans to FE Week following a strategic review. The group’s chief executive Ian Pretty announced today that he was “pleased” to welcome CVC, which received a ‘good’ report from Welsh inspectorate Estyn in March […]