FE Week Reporter | FE Week

Talent search at the AoC HR Conference

Leadership and unearthing talent are two of the big issues for staff who work in the further education sector. But with the right management and direction staff can prosper – not just inside a college, but for the sector as a whole. That was the sentiment of Matt Atkinson, principal of City of Bath College, […]

What do we cut and what do we keep?

What does it cost to open a 14-19 University Technical College? If you are Lord Baker, it’s upwards of £20m. If you are from Cleveland and Redcar College you get the same for £30,000 – the research grant they won from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service that multiplied into support from local business and […]

Creating space for CPD that makes a difference

Nobody stays at the level of expert teacher or trainer without continuing appropriate and focused professional development throughout their working lives. Teachers and trainers in further education (FE) and skills need to keep a record of their continuing professional development (CPD) and declare the number of hours spent every year and the type of development […]

Are UK apprenticeships facing an identity crisis?

Apprenticeships have long been regarded as a useful way to grow young talent with a mix of on-the-job training and traditional classroom learning. But as the UK apprenticeship programme becomes more extensive to cover a wider subject matter, the flagship youth training scheme is now facing something of an identity crisis with business owners in […]

Brian Lightman, general secretary, ASCL

Brian Lightman never had any political ambitions. In fact, if someone had told him he would end up as the head of a trade union, he’d probably have laughed, he says. Now in his second year as general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), he regularly rubs shoulders with policy makers, […]

Principal supports no-notice inspections

The principal of a college which underwent the first no-notice inspection in FE has praised the piloted scheme. Richard Atkins, the principal at Exeter College, believes the proposed style puts less pressure on staff compared to the current three week build up. However, he believes that “serious consideration” needs to be given to employer responsive […]

SFA auditors assigned to A4e

Auditors at the Skills Funding Agency have been assigned to help A4e carry out a review of some of its government contracts. The internal audit, led by law firm White & Case LLP, will investigate all contracts A4e has with the Agency. According to 2011/12 allocations data on the Agency’s website, A4e has contracts totalling […]

Unemployment not free for all

Confusion reigns over who should pay fees The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) say colleges are not allowed to fully-fund unemployed learners seeking work unless they are on state benefits. The guidance contradicts earlier advice, as reported in FE Week. A member of a popular college email forum has shared an exchange with Nick Chomyk, funding […]

Lambeth College leaves 157 Group following inspection

A college will not renew membership to the 157 Group amid reports of an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted inspection. Lambeth College, in London, revealed on Wednesday that it will no longer be part of the group as it planned to “focus on improving” its performance. A spokesperson for the college said: “We will not be renewing our […]