FE Week Reporter | FE Week

Holt review finds employers ‘clueless’ on apprenticeships

The businessman behind a review into apprenticeships has spoken of the “cluelessness” surrounding the programme among employers. Jason Holt has been tasked by the government to take charge of an employer-led review into how businesses can be encouraged to hire an apprentice. Mr Holt, chief executive of Holts Group of Companies, was given the role […]

Survey says employers must pay

Majority of colleges and training providers support minimum fee for apprenticeships A minimum employer fee for apprentices aged 19 or above has been supported by professionals in the further education (FE) sector, according to a new survey. The research, conducted by Lsect, funding consultancy and publisher of FE Week, shows that of those who had […]

Innovation Code criticised for not going far enough

A new flexible provision to deliver programmes tackling localised skills needs has been introduced in the FE sector. The Innovation Code, which formed part of the commitments featured within New Challenges, New Chances, is now live. Although the Code has been widely well received, sector membership bodies have told FE Week that they hoped it […]

FE Week mini-mascot (Edition 25)

Follow the adventures of FE Week’s biggest and smallest fan! Mostly this week I have been doing a spot of bank holiday gardening” And also you can follow our FE Week mini-mascot on Twitter @daniellinford

Youth unemployment falls by 9,000

The number of unemployed young people fell by 9,000 in the three months leading up to February 2012, Labour Market Statistics have shown. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed there were 1.03 million unemployed 16 to 24 year-olds in the UK. Excluding people in full time education, there were 719,000 unemployed 16 to […]

Kensington and Chelsea student makes judge’s head turn on BBC’s The Voice UK

Excitement was at fever pitch at Kensington and Chelsea College after student Ruth-Ann St Luce impressed some of the biggest names in the music industry to secure her spot on BBC1’s prime time show ‘The Voice’. Ruth was watched by more than 8 million people on Saturday night as she performed a moving rendition of […]

English and mathematics in apprenticeships

New Challenges, New Chances’ has made it clear that English and Mathematics remain key elements of the Apprenticeship Framework. Whilst there are some who may feel uncomfortable with the change in terminology there are many others who recognise the importance of providing a single uncomplicated message about what these skills are and why proficiency in […]

Putting the HE in FE at AoC Conference

Caroline Neville, Senior Policy Adviser, BIS Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable Debate surrounding the introduction of FE loans for adult learners has been a prominent part of the sector in recent months. And at the Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Annual HE in FE Conference at Holiday […]

Marathon man at South Cheshire College

A sports tutor has notched up another success in his running career after finishing runner-up in the Stafford Half Marathon. South Cheshire College lecturer Chris Hollinshead was roared on by supporters in his home town to cross the finish line in one hour, 14 minutes. The 46-year-old won the event in 2006 but proved he […]