FE Week Reporter | FE Week

No accountability for issues in FE, say MPs

There are too many funding organisations in further education of which none take responsibility for cutting red tape, according to a report by MPs. The Commons Public Accounts Committee also said that they are “frustrated” the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), does not believe it should be their job to reduce bureaucracy. According […]

Apprentice minimum wage up 5p

The government has increased the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for apprentices to £2.65. It comes following recommendations by the independent Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendations and will come into effect on October 1. However, the NMW rates for 16 to 20-year-olds will remain the same. Confirmation of the new rates is as follows: The adult rate […]

Stay of execution for ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualifications will continue to be funded for at least one more year, despite changes to the eligibility of literacy qualifications. Issue 100 of the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) Update states: “Following consideration of the current English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Adult Basic Skills Certificates, this note […]

David Way appointed interim chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service

David Way has been appointed as the interim chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), replacing Simon Waugh immediately. Mr Way, who up until now has been the chief operating officer at NAS, said he was “delighted” to be offered the position. “Every month I meet many employers and Apprentices who truly believe in […]

Funding comparison software released by The Data Service

The Data Service, an arm of the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), has today published ‘shadow funding calculations’ in the latest version of their funding software. Version 19.03 of the Learner Information Suite (LIS) software includes a module which produces a spreadsheet comparing a colleges current funding in 2011/12 with new funding rates for 2013/14. The change in […]

FE Week mini-mascot (Edition 23)

Follow the adventures of FE Week’s biggest and smallest fan! Mostly this week I have been having fun on the slide” And also you can follow our FE Week mini-mascot on Twitter @daniellinford

Gateshead College named one of Britain’s best Not for Profit Organisations to work for

For the third year in a row, Gateshead College has been named among Britain’s 100 Best Not for Profit Organisations to Work For, after its commitment to its employees has achieved national recognition. It is the only college in the North East to make The Sunday Times Best Not for Profit Organisations to Work For […]

Amir Khan takes the gloves off to open Salford City College’s new boxing gym

World boxing champion Amir Khan was the guest of honour at the opening of Salford City College’s Worsley College Boxing Gym. Khan has a strong affiliation with Salford City College after working in partnership together for two-and-a-half years. The college has utilised the facilities at Khan’s Bolton-based boxing gym, Gloves Community Centre, to teach college […]

Jobs saved as Neil Stewart Associates Limited sold

Conference and event organiser Neil Stewart Associates Limited (NSA) has been sold – to Neil Stewart Events Limited (NewCo). Andrew Stoneman and Matt Bond, both of global financial advisory and investment banking firm Duff & Phelps, have confirmed today that they have successfully sold the business and assets of NSA. The sale was concluded on March 15 […]