Jess Staufenberg | FE Week

A-level results are no disaster – but the system is not out of the woods

The vast majority of young people who wanted to attend university now can – after that there are some tricky questions, writes Tom Richmond Although A-level results day is always a special moment across thousands of schools and colleges, we should remember that today is particularly special for the young people who took their exams […]

This is how training providers can prepare for more devolution in the Adult Education Budget

Don’t duplicate your bid applications and do look elsewhere for inspiration, writes Steve Morris In February 2022, the government published its white paper which confirms a commitment to developing a new devolution framework. This means every part of England that wants a devolution deal will have one by 2030. So, county devolution is born (these […]

Here are 3 ways to improve inclusivity in apprenticeships

Existing apprenticeship providers should reach out to smaller businesses to encourage them to offer training, writes Linda Martin It’s a turbulent time for the planet’s young people. The increasing likelihood of recession, heightened awareness of the climate crisis, continued displacement of people from war-torn countries – there are plenty of reasons why our youth are […]

This summer, let’s make sure EDI initiatives aren’t just a tickbox exercise

Exploring the diverse history and stories in the local area around your college is a powerful way to include students, writes Ellisha Soanes This year marks the second anniversary of the death of George Floyd. This tragic incident took place on 25 May 2020. I feel the world was turned upside down, and time stood […]

Students still don’t know what ‘green skills’ are

If the UK is going to attract investment in its green economy, we desperately need skilled young people to enter the sector, writes Neil Bentley-Gockmann Last year, ahead of world leaders meeting in Glasgow for COP26, I chaired sessions on green skills for the WorldSkills International Conference looking at how educators are playing their part […]

The PM-hopefuls need a plan for missed traineeship targets

Instead of taking back unspent cash, the DfE and Treasury should look at reallocating this underspend as a new training allowance, writes Ian Ross It is hard to escape the media frenzy and coverage of the Conservative Party leadership contest. Most of us have probably thought about what the next Tory government will have in […]

DfE’s latest consultation puts adult community education at risk

The suggested new outcomes are limited and do not relate to the wider benefits of adult learning, writes Sue Pember Hidden in the recent technical consultation document on FE funding and accountability there are a few proposals which, if implemented, could fundamentally change the adult education offer for many millions of learners who have poor […]

Let’s get more FE learners into the research sector

Roles previously considered ‘for uni graduates’ should be inundated with applications from college-leavers. Why aren’t they? asks Victoria Boelman Covid has had an interesting impact on employment for FE leavers. Within a few months of the virus hitting the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – fearing, and seeking to fend off, a […]

Our T Level success depends on big improvements in literacy and numeracy

Improving English and maths attainment is not exactly a new priority for government and it will be tough to do, writes David Robinson I was pleased to read in FE Week that the vast majority of the first cohort of students taking T Levels, and their FE providers, found the new courses to be a […]