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15 May 2026

Author: Nick Linford

I wouldn’t ‘trust’ the new Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers

Many of the colleges and training providers that failed to get on the apprenticeship provider register are red-faced. Not just angry but embarrassed, given some simply failed to comprehensively answer the questions in the tender document. The SFA is sticking to its guns, but I suspect a quick reapplication will result in this being a […]

Budget will give green light to FE maintenance loans, which is a step in the right direction

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a year since Lord Sainsbury’s independent panel on Technical Education reported the findings of their inquiry and kick-started what the government are now calling “the most ambitious post-16 education reforms since the introduction of A Levels 70 years ago.” Central to Sainsbury’s reforms, and subsequent commitment from […]

I’m delighted the Chancellor has faced up to skills challenges of Brexit

In the AoC’s pre-Budget evidence (Spring 2017 Budget submission) we said “…..the Government needs to properly resource education both for young people making the transition into work and also for adults in the workforce who deserve skills support to aid their progression and success.” We asked for fair funding for colleges. So, I am delighted […]

Mr Halfon, please protect learners from FE loan scandal

As FE Week launches #saveourapprenticeships, our editor Nick Linford explains why he passionately believes loans should be written-off for undeserving victims where training providers go bust FE loans are a relatively new way to fund courses, but through no fault of their own adults are already being left with large government debts for cancelled courses. […]

The Institute for Apprenticeships board lacks balance

Independent training providers will have every right to feel aggrieved that they are not represented on the new board of the Institute for Apprenticeships. The government sensibly wants a relatively small number of board members, and the plan has always been for the majority of them to be ‘employers’. But it clearly felt provider representation […]

Concerns over Institute for Apprenticeships readiness justified

Widespread concerns over whether the Institute for Apprenticeships will be ready to police the brave new world of apprenticeships post-April seem increasingly justified. Peter Lauener is a highly experienced and respected leader, who probably understands the intricacies of the new system better than anyone. It would be hard to argue against his role as shadow […]

16-18 apprenticeships are set to plummet

Unbelievably, the government may be about to chop away the first rung on the ladder with its new funding system for apprenticeships, says Jon Graham On the face of it, the combination of the apprenticeship levy’s start, the well-publicised industrial strategy and the government’s social justice agenda promise great things for a provider like JTL […]

My plans, priorities and resolutions for 2017

Writing exclusively in FE Week, Robert Halfon, the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, sets out his plans, priorities and resolutions for the year ahead. 2017 is set to be a hugely significant year for apprenticeships, skills, further education and careers – building on the successes of 2016. With apprentice participation at nearly 900,000 – the highest […]