Jude Burke | FE Week

Movers and shakers: Edition 255

Annette Allmark, Head of apprenticeships, BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT Previous job: Director of strategic policy, People 1st Start date: September 24 2018 Interesting fact: Annette’s planned career as a chef actually led her into the world of skills and training, where she’s stayed for 21 years David Reeve, Interim director of finance, […]

In pursuit of parity: degree apprenticeships expand into the Russell Group

Although seen by some as controversial, degree apprenticeships are central to the government’s plans to put technical education on a par with academic education. The Department for Education has repeatedly referred to the number of Russell Group universities signed up to the register of apprenticeship training providers as a sign that it’s succeeding in this […]

Ofsted watch: Mega apprenticeship provider to high-profile employers hit with grade three

A major financial services training provider has been found to ‘require improvement’, in the only full FE and skills inspection report published this week. Elsewhere, an apprenticeships and adult learning provider was found to be making ‘insufficient progress’ in three themes under review, in a follow-up monitoring visit report. Kaplan Financial, which works with more […]

What Labour plans for further education could mean for colleges

The shadow skills minister has refused to rule out bringing colleges back under local authority control, as part of Labour’s plans for a national education service. But, speaking to FE Week on the third day of the Labour party conference this week, Gordon Marsden (pictured above) hit back at criticism that his party lacked FE […]

IfA and Open Awards reach deal on EQA contract extension

The Institute for Apprenticeships has reached a deal with the organisation that delivers external quality assurance on its behalf to extend its contract for a further six months – but will go out to tender for a “longer term contract” after that. Open Awards first won the contract to deliver EQA on behalf of the […]

Scrap the apprentice minimum wage, AELP demands

The apprentice minimum wage should be scrapped, the Association of Employment and Learning Providers has urged. Instead, the association believe apprentices should simply be paid the national minimum wage. The pay increase – which could see some apprentices more than doubling their wages – would be “appropriate” and would also benefit employers, AELP boss Mark […]

Ofqual survey into perceptions of vocational qualifications: 7 key findings

New research by Ofqual has revealed worryingly low levels of understanding among employers of key elements the government’s apprenticeship reforms . Its survey looked at perceptions of vocational and technical qualifications among 3,000 employers, learners and training providers. It will allow the exams regulator to “measure changes in levels of understanding and perceived value over time” amid ongoing […]

IfA close to losing external quality assurer as contract expires at end of the week

The organisation that delivers external quality assurance on behalf of the Institute for Apprenticeships has yet to sign a new contract, FE Week understands – just days before its existing contract runs out. Open Awards, a small awarding organisation with a turnover of just £1.5 million and around 30 members of staff, was first awarded […]

Principal at mega college in debt to the DfE steps down

One of the most highly paid FE college principals in the country has stepped down with immediate effect. Andrew Cleaves’ departure from Birmingham Metropolitan College, which he has led since 2014, was confirmed by the college today following local news reports. Cliff Hall has been appointed interim principal until a permanent replacement is found, a […]