FE Week Reporter | FE Week

A period of reflection is now needed

Apprenticeships, apprenticeships, apprenticeships — after three inquiries, incorporating a host of government recommendations, it’s time to take a breather, says David Way Doug Richard’s report has been eagerly anticipated not least because its advice on the future of apprenticeships comes from the perspective of a businessman without the detailed knowledge or ‘baggage’ of an insider […]

Independent assessment is key

Ann Watson on why EAL backs the Richard Review’s proposal to use tax breaks to encourage employers to take on apprentices Certain issues surrounding apprenticeships are brought up time and again by government, employers, training providers, awarding organisations and apprentices themselves. The Richard Review is the latest to highlight the benefits of the vocational pathway […]

Archaeology students go absolutely potty

Archaeology students in the North West have enjoyed a cracking hands-on practical session as part of their college course. The second year A-Level group at South Cheshire College were given broken pots of different shapes and sizes and had the task of restoring them to their former glory using reconstruction techniques. Peter Scott from Sourdust […]

Lecturer awarded £6,000 for virtual plumbing breakthrough

A lecturer has been awarded £6,000 for creating a virtual central heating system to help teach plumbing students. Head of construction at the College of North West London Martin Biron received the development award from the charity BPEC at its first ever Life Awards ceremony in Derby. Mr Biron said: “As an educator, over the past […]

New partnership to widen participation

A new partnership has brought together two organisations with a combined total of more than 150 years’ experience in delivering adult education. The Workers’ Education Association (WEA) and the Open University (OU) hope to reverse a recent decline in adult learning by working together. Research from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) published in […]

College Olympian sprints to academic success

Olympic runner Adam Gemili has sprinted his way to academic victory. The 19-year-old 100 metres champion picked up two awards at Barking and Dagenham College’s Excellence Awards having received a distinction for his extended diploma in sport. “It’s really great to be recognised for the time I spent at the college,” said the World Junior […]

Students bring movie magic to centre

A community centre now has its own movie theatre thanks to ten West Yorkshire students. The Prince’s Trust Team at Leeds City College installed a high definition projector, sound system, created a mural of movie legends, and put up drapes for the cinema at Kentmere Community Centre in Seacroft. The students hope the theatre will help […]

Arthur’s a silver learner after 40 years at college

The lounge of 94-year-old student Arthur Holder is filled with more than 200 handcrafted pieces of silverware. There are vases, jugs, and bowls — and all made by the grandfather-of-two at Chesterfield College, where he has been studying on a silversmith course for nearly four decades. “I love to be able to create,” said former […]

Can apprentice brush off the competition?

A West Midlands student has been brushing up on his skills for a chance to win £2,000. Walsall College painting and decorating apprentice, Daniel Warner, 19, will be tested on his paint and tool selection, as well as how he applies stencils, at the Young Painter of the Year finals, run by Johnstone’s. “I’ve been putting […]