Author: Expert Contributor

Shadow education secretary Lucy Powell explains why apprenticeships are vital for our country. Apprenticeships are fundamental to the future of Britain. The positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and our economy and society cannot be overstated. In my area of Manchester alone, I’ve seen local businesses thrive and grow after deciding to invest in apprenticeships, […]

National Apprenticeship Week is about banging the drum for apprenticeships. It is about showcasing the excellent work that has been taking place across the country and it is about shouting from the rooftop — an apprenticeship can take you anywhere. Apprenticeships embody one simple idea — opportunity. They are an opportunity for young people to […]

Harvey Young explains why, in his view, the Government is wrong to obsess over apprenticeships and should look to improving basic skills to improve national productivity. The BIS Select Committee’s report on the Government’s productivity plan raised several concerns about the lack of focus on a variety of policy areas, including apprenticeships, but what has […]

The Sub-Committee on Education, Skills and the Economy has launched an inquiry that will look at the merits of government apprenticeship reforms. Neil Carmichael and Iain Wright explain what it will be focusing on and why they keen to collect views from people across the sector. As a nation, we need to do more to […]

The Government has published its long-awaited guidance for sixth form colleges (SFCs) becoming academies. David Igoe considers what this means for SFCs. On the face of it there are headline advantages and disadvantages for converting to academies. On the plus side, there is the extra money from the VAT rebate (available to academies but not […]

Bea Groves hits back at links made between immigrants who struggle to speak English and terrorism. f anyone thinks that being a person coming to the UK from abroad is a simple task of just a task of “integrating” and learning English, then you’re wrong. My experience as an FE teacher of adults new to […]

Brian Lightman, who stood down from his role at the ASCL last month, is now a board member helping develop the employer-led, government-backed Careers & Enterprise Company. He explains here how it can help colleges link-up better with employers for the benefit of their learners. Improving destinations for young people continues to be a key […]

The Prime Minister has spoken this month about plans to give governors more freedom over prisoner education budgets, as part of a keynote speech on wider prison reform. Alexandra Marks looks at how this could affect the FE sector. It’s great to see the Government supporting prison education from the very top, as it has […]

Luke Johnson says colleges should be more proactive about publicising the benefits of vocational training to their communities, with help from employers. Time and time again employers like myself will tell you that young people just aren’t equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the world of work. Whether it’s their lack of […]