Fraser Whieldon | FE Week

MPs in fight to save land-based college

A cross-party group of MPs is fighting to save a land-based college they fear could be closed following the launch of an FE Commissioner review of its provision. Conservative MP Neil Hudson, who represents Penrith and the Border in Cumbria, has been joined by other local members of parliament, including former Liberal Democrat leader Tim […]

There’s a new breed of college in town, as we learn to adapt

The pandemic is forcing us to adopt new ways of working, and if we remain flexible, we have much to learn from the emergency procedures we have had to put in place, writes Paul Phillips. A great tidal wave of change is leaving no part of our sector untouched, and those who are found to […]

Colleges given access to DfE free meal vouchers

The government has extended its national food voucher scheme to colleges that are having “practical difficulties” delivering free meals to students during the Covid-19 pandemic. But they will have had to exhaust their 2018/19 and 2019/20 free meals in FE and 16-19 discretionary bursary allocations to be eligible for support. Colleges can submit a business case to the Education […]

The ‘forgotten third’ simply cannot shift to online learning

Financially vulnerable people without household internet access are unable to access remote learning during the Covid-19 crisis, writes Anna Ambrose. The move to remote learning in response to the Covid-19 crisis has been a moment of profound evolution for the adult skills sector. The extent to which online platforms were being used to deliver learning […]

The Covid-19 recession: what can FE and skills providers do?

Unemployment is liable to jump sharply in the coming months. How should FE respond to the needs of young people and adults? Young people tend to suffer worst when there is a recession and the labour market slackens. They find themselves competing with displaced adult workers, who can demonstrate relevant work experience to prospective employers. […]

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: EDITION 314

Your weekly guide to who’s new and who’s leaving. Sanna Jordansson, Board member, Capital City College Group Start date: March 2020 Concurrent job: Global director of people strategy, Broadway Malyan Interesting fact: She has a keen interest in astrophysics Sharon Saxton, Board member, Capital City College Group Start date: March 2020 Concurrent job: Director, Sharon […]

MidKent College upgrades 400 laptops for frontline workers

IT teachers and support staff from MidKent College joined forces with NHS technicians to set up laptops for frontline workers to use during the Covid-19 crisis. Four members of staff spent three ays, between 3 April 1 and 3, at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham configuring around 400 laptops for hospital workers to use for […]

Cooking up some good news for NHS staff

A Trafford College catering lecturer has used his talents in the kitchen to make meals for local Manchester-based NHS workers and vulnerable people during lockdown. Paul Taylor, a lecturer in catering and hospitality at the college’s Aspire restaurant, is making 100 meals each week for staff at Wythenshawe Hospital, on top of 350 meals per […]

Provider gives one day a week for community volunteering

A hospitality training provider is giving its staff one day a week off to support their community through the pandemic. Over 100 HIT Training workers have so far signed up to deliver food and medical supplies, cook, clean and launder, walk pets and sometimes just provide a virtual friend, for people in need. Staff are […]