FE Week Reporter | FE Week

Colleges to keep left-over funding

Clawback will be waived for providers who have delivered 97 per cent or more of their targets, the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has revealed. The SFA, in Issue 81 of their updates weekly bulletin, say they have agreed principles for managing 2010/11 funding outturn for all grant-funded providers. This is subject to the final data […]

Train to Gain volumes prove ‘lesson in government-speak’

The number of learners starting workplace learning continues to thrive despite the government’s focus on increasing apprenticeships. The number of new starts in Train to Gain/ Workplace learning fell to 444,700 in 2010/11, a figure still higher than the record number of new apprentices, a total of 442,700, praised by the government last week (see […]

BIS to review SFA and role of their Chief Executive

Transparency and accountability will be the joint focus of a review launched this week into the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). But while its aim is defined, the mechanisms of the review are unclear, with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and the SFA both tight-lipped when questioned by FE Week. Also unknown is […]

Carshalton College seas success with volunteer award

Michael Herneman (21), a second year student BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science at Carshalton College, was awarded the London Region Aquaforce Volunteer Award in the Young Volunteer of the Year Award 2011 by ASA Swimming. It was presented to him by former swimmer Mark Foster at a glamorous ceremony in Thomas More […]

Careers conference told to step up and get with the programme

Careers guidance professionals were told to step up and get with the programme at the Institute of Careers Guidance (ICG) conference in Brighton. Ruth Spellman, chair of the Careers Profession Alliance, said: “We need as never before to stand together. The profession is looking very beleaguered, and we need to address that.” Steve Higginbotham, ICG […]

Apprenticeship marketeers doing more for less

Those with a good ear for sound bites would have found it hard to miss the latest campaign to push apprenticeships on their radios. But what most people may not know is the budget for the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to produce those catchy ads, which highlight the importance and success of apprenticeships, has been […]

Writtle College receives Royal reception

A college was given the Royal seal of approval following a visit by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. The spotlight was on Writtle College, in Essex, as she toured the college with Lord Petre and a number of civic dignitaries. Specialising in subjects relating to environmental design, equestrianism, agriculture and animal sciences, courses on offer […]

City of Bath College students stand out from the crowd with t-shirt design business

Enterprising students have set up a new clothing company inspired by the skateboarding and hip hop scene. Technology Crew clothing is the brainchild of former City of Bath College student Josh Frayling and current college student Nathaniel Osborne. The Bath-based duo’s range of t-shirts and sweatshirts aim to reflect today’s street culture, with edgy, urban […]

Success for first Suited, Booted, Recruited employment course at Filton College

Filton College are celebrating after their new Suited, Booted, Recruited course proved a roaring success. Young people, who were not in education, employment or training, were given the opportunity to undertake the course to enhance their employability. The two week intensive programme that commenced on 10th October 2011 was designed to enable 16-18 year olds […]