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13 May 2026

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 […]

Havering College student bakes well

Havering College student Charlotte Cook has risen to the challenge in a competition to make a cake celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The 16-year-old has created a spectacular street party scene demonstrating her exceptional skills and knowledge of cake decoration and sugar craft. The teenager, from Stapleford Abbots in Essex, is passionate about baking and […]

Westson College student takes extreme course

A Weston College apprentice was sent by her employers on an adventurous personal development course – an extreme sports scholarship in Tzaneen, South Africa. Carla Spencer skydived 14,000 metres, jumped from a waterfall, took part in water sports, camped in Blyde Canyon, stroked a cheetah, held a scorpion and was kissed by an elephant. The […]