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Students score with Premier League apprenticeships

As the Premier League season kicks off, many people dream of getting close to their football heroes.

But for some young people that dream is a reality, thanks to an apprenticeship with a top club – enabling them to combine a passion for football with experience that will set them on the right track for their future careers.

One such apprentice is Aaliya Abdirahman [main picture, above], who is surely the envy of many a footie fan as she completes her level three apprenticeship in sports coaching with top club Tottenham Hotspur.

The training is run through the club’s education academy in partnership with independent training provider the Mitre Group.

It’s a varied role for the 17-year-old, who might find herself supporting local primary schools with PE lessons, watching the club’s scouts as they go about their work or mentoring young people who are at risk of becoming disengaged with education.

The latter is something Aaliya knows about first-hand.

She struggled at school, having faced challenges in her personal life, and had been in danger of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).

At the age of 14 she got involved with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Kicks youth programme, which helped to turn her life around. She was then offered mentoring support from the foundation, which led her to take up the apprenticeship.

Now, she says, “I’m using my own experiences to help others because I know how sport can change lives.”

Doing the apprenticeship has “changed me as a person and really enhanced my personal development, particularly in terms of confidence levels.”

She admits that “if I wasn’t currently on the apprenticeship, I don’t know what I’d be doing. I don’t think I would have been employed or at college.”

Thanks to her apprenticeship, Aaliya now has a clear idea of what she wants to do in the future.

Having already completed a level two apprenticeship, she says: “I plan to progress on to doing more advanced coaching qualifications and hopefully secure a job as a sports coach working with disadvantaged young people from the community.”

Nikki Kelly, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s head of programmes, said that investing in apprentices “not only benefits us as a business, but also the local community, providing employment and training opportunities to local residents”.

For lifelong footie fan Dylan Dickinson [inset picture, above] an apprenticeship with Everton in the Community, the official charity of the premier league team, “doesn’t feel like a job”.

The 19-year-old is doing a level two sport activity leadership apprenticeship with the charity, run in partnership with Riverside College.

The role involves supporting the charity’s school education team to provide football coaching and mentoring for local children and young people. He works across a number of projects with primary and secondary school pupils, and at summer soccer camps.

Doing the apprenticeship was a natural step for football-mad Dylan, who took a level one qualification in football coaching while he was still at school. He then followed this up with a level three BTEC in sport, while also managing a local under 8s football and helping out at Everton FC’s training academy.

He says he’s “absolutely loving every minute of being an Everton apprentice, it simply doesn’t feel like a job and brings nothing but fantastic experiences”.

A spokesperson for Everton in the Community said: “As an organisation, we believe in apprenticeships as, in very simple terms, they’re good for and add value to our business”.

Live updates: A-level results day 2016

Today’s the day when A-level learners up and down the country find out whether all their hard work has paid off, and what their next step in life will be.

*** The live blog is now closed. Sorry if your pictures didn’t make it in – we really appreciate you sending them and don’t forget to send them in next year. Congratulations to all the learners who got their results today and best of luck for the future.***

As with previous years, we’ll be sharing some of the success stories from colleges, sixth form colleges and providers up and down the country. To get involved, send your pics and quotes, along with names and ages of the learners pictured and what subjects they’re studying to news@feweek.co.uk

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Among the learners at Cronton Sixth Form College picking up their A-level results was Elizabeth Ratcliffe (pictured above eighth from left) who achieved an A* in maths, A in psychology and a B in law. She’s now off to study law at Newcastle University.

She said: “I am extremely happy with my results. The staff at Cronton have been really helpful throughout my studies and have provided lots of support.”

Jake Ineson (pictured above second from right) is heading to the University of Manchester to study maths and physics, having achieved an A* in maths, A in further maths and A in physics.

He said: “I am really pleased with my results and delighted that I’ve secured a place at a top university. The tutors at Cronton have been extremely supportive and given me lots of opportunities.”

Mary Murphy, Cronton principal said, “We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding A level and vocational results our students have achieved this year, especially the increase in A*, Distinction* and the number who have achieved high grades.

“The atmosphere at college was one of excitement as students realised they had secured their first choice university places, with many going to study at top institutions both nationally and internationally.”

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Westminster Kingsway College learner Hawanatu Kanu is heading off to university next month, having achieved a triple star distinction for her BTEC in health and social care.

She said: “I’ve had a great time studying at Westminster Kingsway College; the teachers are very friendly and make sure we have a great support system. There were moments where I thought I couldn’t do it but they kept pushing me. My time at the college has really prepared me for my future teacher training.”

Kim Caplin, Westminster Kingsway principal, said: “I’m delighted with today’s results; not only has it highlighted the hard work of our students but also our staff.”

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East Norfolk Sixth Form College student Ray Wang (pictured above right, along with fellow students Ross Downham and Kathryn Canham, and principal Dr Catherine Richards) secured the grades he needed to study medicine.

He said: “I have loved my time at East Norfolk and I am really excited about securing my place at university. I have been involved in the student association and so many events during my time at the college so I will miss it, but I’m also looking forward to the next challenge.”

Dr Richards said: “Our students are all encouraged from the moment they start with us to see themselves as achieving at the highest level, including going onto places at the most competitive universities. Our Oxbridge students have all taken up the opportunities offered to them in taking part in summer schools and mock interviews as part of preparation for their university applications.”

“We do expect a lot of our students because we stretch and challenge them to achieve the very best results they can. We’re proud of all our students who have worked really hard to get over and above their forecast grades. EN has always had a unique community feel about it and that is what sets us apart from other colleges.”

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City of Stoke on Trent SFC learner Olivia Hulse, 18, is heading to Cambridge to study natural sciences having scooped three A* grades in mathematics, biology and chemistry.

She said: “I needed two A*s and an A and I’m really surprised as I really wasn’t sure I’d get the grades to get in – I’m shocked!

“Mum cried when I told her how I’d done and I’m really looking forward to the course, as I’m not sure which area of science I want to do yet but this course is quite broad so hopefully it will give me lots of options.”

Fellow City of Stoke on Trent SFC student Josh Shaw, 18, achieved an A* in Chemistry and three A grades in biology, physics and mathematics and is now set to take up a course in medicine at Nottingham University.

He said: “I needed to get three A’s and I was pretty confident after the exams that I’d managed those, but I’m really happy about the A*- that was more than I expected.

“I’ve got no idea which area of medicine I want to do at the moment, but I’ve done lots of work experience at the local hospital and I’m quite interested in surgery.

“I’ll be texting all my family today and a group of us will be heading in to town to celebrate tonight.”

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Gloucestershire College learner Emily Ludlow has twice the reason to celebrate today – as well as getting her A-level results, it’s her 19th birthday! She gained Cs in sociology and English and is now heading off to Aberystwyth University.

She said: “I’m more than happy with my results. I’ve got the grades I need to study geography at Aberystwyth, so I’m one step closer to fulfilling my dream to be a geography teacher.

“The best thing about studying at Gloucestershire College has been the teachers, who are all amazing. Now I’ve got my university place sorted, I can get on with enjoying the rest of my birthday!”

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Like father, like daughter – 18-year-old Faeza Jiva followed in her dad’s footsteps to study at City of Wolverhampton College, and has now achieved an A*, an A and a B in her A-levels.

She said: “I came to college instead of staying on at school because I wanted to gain more independence and confidence.

“I’m overwhelmed with my results. I didn’t expect an A, let alone an A*.”

Father Anis Jiva added: “All three of my children came to City of Wolverhampton College . The whole college atmosphere is very relaxed and the tutors have supported them so well. I came to this college too and I love the place.”

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Sunderland College learner Owen Underwood (pictured above left, with fellow students Emma McCrory, Anna Walton and Michael Brigham) will be the first member of his family to go to university, after getting two A* and an A in physics, math and further maths. He’s off to Cambridge to study engineering.

The 18-year-old said: “I’ve studied for two years at the college and my main motivation was getting to today, so it feels slightly surreal.”

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Three West Nottinghamshire College learners are all off to the University of Nottingham after getting the results they needed.

18-year-old Sophia Parvais (above left) achieved A* in English literature, biology and extended project, and a B in chemistry, and will now be studying pharmacy at university.

She said: “I’d been incredibly nervous for at least a week. I really didn’t think my grades would turn out like this so it’s a massive relief and I can enjoy the rest of the summer now.”

Tyler Garton (above centre), 18, said he was “totally astounded” to receive an A* in psychology and As in biology, sociology and extended project. He’ll now head off to study biology at university.

He said: “I didn’t sleep at all last night, worrying about whether I’d get the grades to go to university, so this is fantastic.

“I’m so glad I came to West Notts; it’s been a fantastic stepping stone to university. Studying A-Levels has been the hardest two years of my life but it’s definitely been worth it. I really couldn’t be any happier today. I’m going to a party with my friends later to celebrate.”

Alipa Uddin (above right), 18, was “overwhelmed” at gaining A* grades in biology and psychology, B in chemistry and an A in her extended project. She’s now looking forward to studying pharmacy at university.

She said: “When I opened the envelope and saw the results, I couldn’t believe it – I thought I was dreaming. But two years of hard has definitely paid off.

“I’m excited about what the future holds for me and I can’t wait to tell my family how well I’ve done.”

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Barnet and Southgate College students Jessica Forster and Samatar Aweys are both off to the first choice universities, having achieved the A-level grades they needed.

College was a second chance for Samatar, having not done so well at his AS levels at school. This time around, however, he achieved an A in economics and Bs in maths and business studies.

He said: “I’m so pleased I’ve actually got the grades and got my first choice university place at Queen Mary College in London, where I’ll be studying Economics, which has always been my dream. Barnet and Southgate College has been the best atmosphere for me, it’s been challenging but I’ve loved it and wish I could do it all over again!”

Jessica got a B in sociology and Cs in law and government and politics, and will be studying law at Bristol University.

She said: ““I’ve exceeded my own expectations with my results today, I thought I wasn’t going to even pass so I’m over the moon.”

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Samantha Larka, 20, from Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College was clearly delighted with her A* in Sociology, B in Business and C in Psychology. These results will enable her to take up her place at Leeds University to study business management and marketing.

Samantha said she was “pleased with the support the college gave me”.

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Sheffield College learner Taisha Maneus is all set for her sociology degree at the University of Sheffield, having achieved an A and two Cs in business, geography and sociology.

Taisha said: “I feel very happy with my results. I am really looking forward to moving on to my next steps. For me, studying for a degree at university is the right thing to do. I really want to study a subject in detail, and view university as a long term investment in my future.”

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With six A* results between them, Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College students – and good friends – Mark Bal (left) and Carlos Purves (right) are both heading to Cambridge.

Mark’s results were in chemistry, maths and biology, and he will be studying plant science at university.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been accepted into Cambridge, it was my first choice and I can’t wait to start at one of the UK’s most famous institutions!”

Carlos’s grades were in physics, maths and further maths, and he will now continue his lifelong passion for computing at university.

He said: “ I was shocked but completely delighted when I received my results. There really is no secret to getting the grades you need for university, hard work and perseverance will help you to succeed.”

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It’s second time lucky for South Essex College learner Rohit Hirachan. His first attempt at A-levels didn’t go according to plan, so he tried again at the college and gained an A in maths and Bs in chemistry and biology. He’s now off to study biochemistry at King’s College London.

He said: “I’m interested in working in a medical laboratory and hopefully helping to research a cure for cancer. I’d really like to help people in the future.”

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Barrow Sixth Form College student Ellen Dickinson is heading to Leicester de Montfort University, after achieving a D*D in health and social care, and a B in English language.

The 23-year-old (pictured above right, alongside [l-r] Jackson Readett, Robbie Simpson, Matthew Dodd, Alice Hewson, Anya Wood and Chloe Rowe) said: “I’m so happy. I have always wanted to go to university and now I’m really glad I took the decision to come back to college, it has been really good and the tutors are brilliant.”

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Bracknell and Wokingham College student Timothy Woods (pictured above right, next to fellow student James Garder) is also heading to Oxford to study maths, after achieving an A* in maths, A in AS further maths, A in physics and an A in chemistry.

He said: “I would definitely recommend Bracknell and Wokingham college; the support I have received here has been world class! I am elated that I got into the University of Oxford to study maths, I can’t quite believe it.”

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Emily Green and Qaiys Abu Qaoud were among the highest achievers at Thomas Rotherham College. Emily (above left) achieved four A* and an A, and will be heading to Oxford to study biochemistry, while Qaiys gained four As and is off to study medicine at Sheffield University.

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Dudley College learner Kulbir Singh (pictured above) is heading to Oxford to study physics, having gained four A* in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. His achievement is all the more extraordinary given that the 18-year-old didn’t speak English until he was 15, when he moved to the UK from Italy.

He said: “I liked maths and physics before I came to Dudley Sixth, now I love them! My tutors shared my passion for the subjects and really motivated me to do well. It’s such a relaxed friendly atmosphere in which to study I always felt happy to come to college. My ambition is to go on and get a first at Oxford. Dudley Sixth has helped me believe anything’s possible if you work for it.”

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Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association has added his congratulations to all the students getting their results today.

He said: “It looks like sixth form colleges will celebrate another year of outstanding success. This year’s results underline just how important SFCs are to the education landscape and how effective they are in helping young people progress to higher education or employment. For many years, SFCs have outperformed school and academy sixth forms while educating more disadvantaged students and receiving less funding.

“At a time when exams are becoming more difficult, this year’s results show that students and their teachers in SFCs are working harder than ever. But the government should review the funding available for 16-19 year olds to ensure the sector can continue to provide young people with the high quality education they deserve.”

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Three Runshaw College students are now on their way to Oxford and Cambridge.

Matthew Hill (above left) gained three A* in geography, psychology and sociology A-level, and will now study geography at Cambridge, while Clara Butler (above right) will also be heading to Cambridge to study natural sciences after achieving on A* and two As in her biology, chemistry and maths A-levels.

Andrew Bithell (above centre) achieved three A* and an A in chemistry, maths, further maths and physics, and is now off to Oxford to study engineering and science.

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Another Salford City College student, Emily Shaw (pictured above) is also heading to the University of Liverpool. Her results of two A* and an A in biology, geography and chemistry secured her place to study medicine.

She said: “I’m so relieved and happy that I’ve got into my first choice studying medicine at the University of Liverpool!”

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Salford City College learner Milan Patel received his results live on TV! He’s off to the University of Liverpool to study pharmacology, having gained an A and two Bs in mathematics, chemistry and physics A-levels.

The 18-year-old (pictured far right above, alongside [l-r] Salford principal John Spindler, fellow students Megan Taylor and Naomi Ogbeta, and Katy Rickitt of ITV’s Good Morning Britain) said: “I’m so happy I’ve secured my place at university, it’s nice that it was live on TV so that all my family in America could see how well I’ve done too.”

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Sameeullah Shahabi (above left) and Isla Neilson (above right) are among the learners from Cardinal Newman College celebrating their A-level results today.

Sameeullah is off to Cambridge to study medicine, having gained A* in chemistry, biology, physics and maths, and an A in extended project, while Isla will be studying art history at St Andrew’s, having achieved an A* in English literature, and As in fine art, philosophy and extended project.

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Barnsley Sixth Form College student, Brooke Fenton, 18, (pictured above with tutor Tracy Rowland) is all smiles after achieving A* in chemistry and biology, and an A in mathematics. She’s now heading to the University of Leeds to study natural science.

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Meanwhile, Barnsley Sixth Form College student Ryan Proud lives up to his name, with an A* in mathematics and As in chemistry and psychology A-levels. The 18-year-old is now on his way to Cambridge to study psychology.

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Sussex Downs College learner Emily Crudge (pictured above, second from left) is on her way to the University of Warwick to study English literature, having achieved an A* and an A in her English language and literature A-levels.

Another Sussex Downs learner, Reuben Scott (not pictured) achieved two As and a B in his A-levels, and will now study at University College London.

He said: “It’s a very happy day. Biology, chemistry and physics aren’t light subjects so I am so pleased with these results.”

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Stockton Riverside College student Mitchell Mealing (above) is one step closer to fulfilling his dreams of becoming a doctor. His A-level results of two A* and an A in biology, chemistry and maths mean that he’s off to Oxford to study medicine.

He said: “I’ve only just started thinking about results this week. It’s been daunting. Opening the envelope is so much more than opening any envelope.”

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Next up – Manchester College student Hooman Hamzavizarghani (above), who achieved A* in maths and further maths, and an A in accounting. He’s now off to Durham University to study maths, and dreams of working for Nasa in the future.

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Martin Doel, Association of Colleges chief executive, has sent his congratulations to all those receiving their A-level results today.

He said: “While many young people will now be considering going to a university or negotiating the clearing process, it is important to remember there are other more affordable education and training routes available which can lead directly to a career.

“Traditional three-year full-time university degrees have a vitally important role but it is crucial that young people are aware that further education colleges also offer a wide range of higher level technical and professional education, including apprenticeships and part-time study options. Not only are tuition fees less at a college, living and travelling costs are also much lower because it’s possible to stay at home. A higher apprenticeship in aerospace engineering can be just as valuable to the individual and the nation as an honours degree.”

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Another Nelson and Colne College learner, Lotte Gleeson (above), achieved three A* and an A in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. She’s now off to Oxford to study physics.

Lotte said: “At school, I didn’t think I had the ability to be able to go to university at all, let alone Oxbridge. I am in the first generation of my family to attend university, and never really met anyone who had been to University except for teachers, and I certainly never knew anyone who had been to Oxbridge. I want to show young people in my community that hard work and dedication does pay off.”

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Next up – Nelson and Colne College learner Anisha Javed (above). The 18-year-old is heading to the University of Central Lancashire to study adult nursing after achieving two As and a B in biology, psychology and sociology A-levels.

She said: “Going into the vocation of adult nursing will fulfil my dream of making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

“I’m pleased about being accepted into my chosen university and getting really good results. The teachers at NCC have offered me support both in and out of the classroom.”

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First up we have Derby College’s Amelia Carter (above left) and Zoe Keaton (above right), both aged 18.

Amelia achieved B grades in business, maths and chemistry and is now off to do a higher apprenticeship with Barclays in Nottingham. The company will sponsor her to do a degree in banking management at Anglia Ruskin University.

Amelia said: “To me, getting a higher apprenticeship was a no brainer. University costs so much money but this way I get to earn while I learn and I can continue to live at home.”

Zoe achieved A* in biology and psychology, and an A in chemistry. She will now be taking a gap year before applying to study medicine at university.

“I can’t believe these results,” she said. “This gives me so many different options including potentially Oxbridge.”

She added: “I came to college to gain more independence and better prepare myself for life at university and have had a great time. This is the icing on the cake.”

Apprenticeships without qualifications ‘harming young people’ says IPPR

A leading think-tank has voiced concerns that the government’s apprenticeships reforms could be hurting young people’s job prospects.

In a new report published today, the Institute for Public Policy Research said that the decision to ditch a requirement for apprenticeships to include a recognised qualification could “harm young people who will need transferable qualifications in an increasingly flexible jobs market”.

The IPPR’s report, ‘England’s apprenticeships – assessing the new system’, called on the government to consider reintroducing a nationally recognised qualification as a part of all apprenticeships.

But this concern did not appear to be addressed by the Department for Education when FE Week asked for a response – despite social mobility being high up on the new prime minister’s agenda.

The move from frameworks, which do include formal qualifications, to standards, which only require an end-point assessment and don’t require a formal qualification, is a key part of the government’s apprenticeship reforms.

In today’s report, the IPPR report said that standards “work well in sectors of the labour market that consist of large employers who share a strong sense of occupational identity and are committed to training their future workforce” but less well in other sectors.

The report highlighted concerns that in sectors without larger employers or professional bodies involved in developing standards, employers could simply “rebadge as much existing and job-specific training as possible into an apprenticeship” – rather than providing apprentices with the skills they need to further their careers.

Today’s report cited an example of a level 2 retailer apprenticeship, which it said had been developed with no involvement from a professional body and was designed so that companies could tailor it to their own needs.

It said: “It is not clear how much more an apprentice in retail would learn than someone who was simply starting out in their first job in retail, and the only advantage for an apprentice is that they receive a confirmation that they have passed their apprenticeship after the independent assessment.”

Jonathan Clifton, IPPR’s Associate Director for Public Services, said: “England is in danger of introducing an apprenticeship system that would work well in the economy of the 1960s, but is not fit for a 21st-century workforce.

“We need to create an apprenticeship system that works in a jobs market that is increasingly characterised by small firms, service sector jobs and flexible working.”

When FE Week asked the Department for Education if it shared the IPPR’s concerns, a spokesperson said: “Apprenticeships give young people a real ladder of opportunity and the chance to earn a wage while learning the skills for a rewarding career.

“Our reforms are focused on driving up standards with more employer involvement, quality assurance by the new Institute for Apprenticeships and independent third party assessments at the end of the course to ensure they are high quality, and that students are learning the skills employers want.”

Mark Dawe, chief executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, echoed the IPPR’s call.

He said: “The government should place a pause on standards development and conduct a full review of what the best model is.

“In the interests of the apprentice, qualifications within the standard should be mandatory and consultation on the final draft should be better.”

Hotly anticipated apprenticeship levy funding update released

Nearly all employers will only have to contribute 10 per cent to the cost of an apprenticeship from April 2017, the Department for Education has announced this morning.

The news, previously reported when leaked to FE Week, comes as part of a three week consultation which details how much colleges and training providers would be paid for apprenticeships once the levy kicks in. Click here to read in full, and here for updated guidance webpage.

This means the government will pay 90 per cent of the costs for 98 per cent of employers, those with annual wage bills below £3m and thus not paying the levy.

Despite retaining plans to introduce a mandatory cash contribution for the first time it will be hoped this generous 10 per cent arrangement (it is 33 per cent in the pilot) will address fears that small employers wouldn’t engage in the reformed apprenticeship programme.

However, Mark Dawe, chief executive at the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, is very concerned about the impact of a mandatory employer fee. He told FE Week: “the insistence of a cash contribution could in our view still have a very negative impact. Therefore AELP has asked ministers to keep the matter under review. The requirement should be quickly phased out if our fears about the impact are realised.”

Other new announcements within the consultation include:

> A £2,000 incentive to help 16-to 18-year-olds, young care leavers and young people with an Education and Health Care (EHC) plan, make their first step into the world of work – split £1,000 to employers and £1,000 to training providers.

> Employers with fewer than 50 employees will not have to pay anything towards the cost of training a 16-to 18–year-old apprentice, young care leaver or young person with an EHC plan.

> Levy paying employers, those with annual payroll bills over £3m, will receive a 10 per cent monthly top-up. However, if their levy account is insufficient then like smaller employers, 90 per cent of their additional apprenticeship training costs will be subsidised.

> To help employers see how the levy and funding system would work for them, the government has launched a new online calculator, which can be seen here.

> A new register of apprenticeship training providers will be introduced from April 2017, details of which can be found in the consultation. Yesterday FE Week reported on one potential barrier, excluding those with an Ofsted grade four.

> All apprenticeship frameworks and standards starts from April 2017 will be funded from one of 15 bands, each with an upper limit ranging from £1,500 to £27,000. It will then be up to employers to negotiate prices with providers. The AELP had been calling for a lower limit to the band for fears of a deflating price war, but this appears to have been ignored. Mr Dawe added: “If there is no lower limit we could now see bidding wars for employers’ custom where the price of delivering the training is the main consideration. A very low price could have a damaging effect on quality which will certainly not be in the interests of the apprentice. AELP will monitor this and if necessary will press for the introduction of a minimum price”

With the change in ministers, short time before implementation and delay to the announcement, some powerful interest groups will be disappointed as they had hoped the levy would be put on ice.

Last month the CBI increased their opposition by shifting from demands for changes to telling FE Week they wanted an outright delay.

Robert Halfon, the newly appointed Apprenticeships and Skills Minister said today: “We need to make sure people of all ages and backgrounds have a chance to get on in life. Apprenticeships give young people – especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds – a ladder of ‎opportunity. That’s why we continue to work tirelessly to deliver the skills our country needs. The apprenticeship levy is absolutely crucial to this.

Our businesses can only grow and compete on the world stage if they have the right people, with the right skills. The apprenticeship levy will help create millions of opportunities for individuals and employers. This will give our young people the chance they deserve in life and to build a highly-skilled future workforce that the UK needs.”

Responses to the consultation are via a survey which must be submitted by 5 September and “final funding proposals will be confirmed in October 2016.”

Universities breach A-level results embargo by confirming student places a day early

A number of universities have breached the A-level results embargo and confirmed student places ahead of results day tomorrow.

One university also released grade information directly to students, triggering UCAS to launch an investigation into the universities’ automated systems, which is blamed for the error.

A-level grades can be released to students from 6am tomorrow and university place information can be tracked on UCAS from 8am, but publication ahead of the official release time is strictly forbidden.

Place confirmations from the universities, which have not been named, went to students with a conditional grade offer, meaning the students could make assumptions about their achieved grades.

A UCAS spokesperson told FE Week: “Regrettably there have been a small number of process errors, typically where universities’ automated systems have released communications to prospective students ahead of results day.

“In each case the provider concerned has informed UCAS immediately and swift action has been taken to correct the errors. The majority of these imply applicant status rather than achieved grades.

“However, in one case we believe a very small number of students may have had access to their results.

“We take these matters very seriously and, as you would expect, we have immediately alerted the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and the regulators of these errors. These cases are currently under investigation and a full report will be made to the regulators and awarding bodies in due course.”

A JCQ spokesperson said exam boards take security of results “extremely seriously” and they were “concerned” to learn of the breach.

JCQ, which represents all of the exam boards, is now in talks with UCAS to gather all of the details of the error and understand how this can be avoided in the future.

The spokesperson added: “There is, of course, a balance to be had between providing universities with results a few days early so they can prepare admissions and maintaining the security and fairness of these results.”

FE chief at the exams regulator steps down as new wave of reform begins

The man in charge of Ofqual’s vocational arm, Jeremy Benson, has decided to leave the exams regulator after nearly six years, in light of the recent skills plan.

Mr Benson, who joined Ofqual in 2010 as director of strategic management and then became executive director for vocational qualifications in 2014, said he is moving on as one phase of reform concludes and another begins.

It follows the announcement of the government’s vision for technical education in the recent skills plan, which will see a radical overhaul of the post-16 vocational qualification system by replacing 20,000 courses with “15 high-quality routes”, based on the recommendations of Lord Sainsbury’s independent panel, and the creation of the institute for apprenticeships.

Phil Beach, Ofqual’s director of strategic relationships for general qualifications, has today been appointed interim executive director and will take on Mr Benson’s responsibilities until a permanent replacement has been found.

Sally Collier, who was appointed as Ofqual’s new chief regulator in March, said: “I would like to thank Jeremy for the significant contribution he has made to establishing Ofqual and the groundwork done in preparation for the important reforms being made by government to the vocational qualifications landscape and our role in regulating it.

“We all wish him well for the future.

“We have begun the process of identifying a replacement. In the interim, Phil Beach, director of strategic relationships, will lead our vocational qualifications directorate.”

Mr Benson, who previously held roles in qualifications policy at the Department for Education and City & Guilds, is now weighing up his options and taking some personal time before deciding on his next step.

New register of apprenticeship training providers: what do we know so far?

Today’s long-awaited release of proposals for widespread apprenticeship reform include plans for a new register of apprenticeship training providers.

The government wants the new register to work alongside the existing register of training organisations. Providers will have to meet strict criteria to be included on the register, which will then be used by employers looking for training for their apprentices.

The guidance issued by the government emphasises the desire of ministers to put employers in the driving seat, and has some big ramifications for subcontractors and other “middle men” in the contracting process, along with colleges or independent providers which have had less-than-favourable run-ins with Ofsted or the Skills Funding Agency (SFA).

Here are some of the key points from the government guidance…

Inadequate providers will escape a ban from the register if their apprenticeship provision is rated above a grade four

Following FE Week’s revelation last night that inadequate-rated providers will be removed from the register, the government has clarified that this will not apply to those which are given a grade four overall but whose apprenticeships provision is given a better rating.

There are a lot of reasons why a provider could be removed from the register

The government says it will remove providers from the register is they or any of their directors, governors, senior employeers or shareholders meets any of the following criteria…

Ongoing investigation relating to suspicion of fraud or irregularity, or possible failure to comply with conditions of funding under an existing funding agreement or subcontract.

Withdrawal of funding following the failure to comply with a Notice of Withdrawal of Funding, or failure to remedy a serious breach of contract within the last three years.

Information from awarding bodies identifying significant irregularities in the award of qualifications within the last three years.

Previous activities have resulted in significant repayment of SFA or government funding within the last two years (£100,000 or 5 per cent of contract value, whichever is the higher). This also includes funding paid to a subcontractor to deliver education and training services funded by the SFA.

Failure to repay funding due to the SFA or other government body, in excess of £50,000.

Failure to repay funding due under a subcontract to deliver education and training services funded by the SFA in excess of £50,000.

Two or more instances where the SFA or its agents has audited the provision of a lead provider and identified issues of non-compliance. This is non-compliance with conditions of funding within the last two years.

Early termination of a funding agreement or a subcontract to deliver education and training services funded by the SFA within the last three years.

This also applies to providers which have key personnel who were previously a director, governor, senior employee or shareholder in “another organisation where one or more of the above criteria apply”.

New standards for quality of apprenticeship delivery could be introduced

The government is working with the Institute for Apprenticeships in looking to introduce “standards associated with the quality of a provider’s actual delivery”, which will enable the DfE to remove from the register any providers which fall below those standards.

Ministers also want to “explore the role that employer feedback can play in informing a provider’s status on the register”.

Smaller subcontractors will have to be on the register

Any organisation wanting a role in delivering apprenticeship training from next May will have to apply to be on the register.

At the moment, subcontractors which deliver less than £100,000 of SFA-funded provision each year do not need to apply.

Howerver, managing agents, intermediary bodies, consortium leads, brokerage organisations or “any other similar entity that does not itself deliver education and training to apprentices” will not be eligible to join.

The government claims this is being done to foster direct relationships between employers and training providers.

In fact, the whole subcontracting system is changing

Following hints from SFA boss Keith Smith last year that subcontracting in its current form could become a thing of the past, a plan to shake up the system has indeed been put on the table.

The government claims that the current model of providers funding other providers to deliver a number of apprenticeships, often to employers that the original provider has no relationship with, is “redundant”.

The DfE is proposing that providers be able to supplement their own delivery by bringing in expertise from supporting providers to deliver parts of apprentices, but the expectation will be that the main provider delivers “significantly more than half of each apprentice’s training” and maintains the relationship with the employer “at all times”.

Employers who want to provide their own apprenticeship training to staff won’t have to prove they’re meeting some employment law

The government has said the route for would-be employer-providers would require them to meet “the same quality criteria”, but that other criteria would be “proportionate and appropriate”.

For example, the DfE would not ask employer-providers to “confirm details of legislation they will be complying with through their employment of the apprentices”.

The government hasn’t specified which specific pieces of legislation the document is referring to.

Some larger businesses wanting to become providers could be subject to a financial health test

At the moment, employers with an annual turnover of more than £100 million and whose funding from the SFA is less than 5 per cent of that turnover are exempt from the test.

But the government is considering a reduction to these thresholds because “they will exceed the turnover of many levied employers”.

The proposals have prompted a mixed reaction…

A spokesperson for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers said: “We understand that the government is on a mission to substantially reduce the amount of subcontracting within the sector but the full implications of today’s proposals need very careful consideration before they are given the green light. In particular, the idea that a provider should be responsible for at least half of the training of every apprentice on its books looks like a misguided approach to addressing the overall issue.

“We also want to see consistent criteria applied to different types of provider, such as good financial health. Good finances are a strong indicator of the quality of leadership and management which is likely to have a heavy bearing on the learner experience.”

Stephen Evans, deputy chief executive at Learning and Work Institute, said: “The clear emphasis on quality in today’s announcements is welcome. Learning and Work shares the views of many employers who believe apprenticeship quality is just as, if not more, important than quantity. However, I challenge the view that an Ofsted grade alone is the most effective measure to use for the purposes of the new Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers – measures of quality must be timely and rounded which is why we’ve called for an Apprentice Charter, designed by employers and Apprentices.”

It’s the system, not the levy…

After this morning’s apprenticeship levy update from the Department for Education – which FE Week was the first to report on – the CBI was quick to reiterate its call for the levy to be delayed. Here Neil Carberry explains why a levy that puts quality and system design first can only be achieved by delaying its implementation.

At last. The launch of further information from the Government on the apprenticeship levy. Companies and providers – already running hard to work out what they will do from April have more certainty now, albeit a full two months later than promised.

That, at least, is something to welcome – as is support for smaller firms and movement on funding for equivalent qualifications. But you don’t have to go far into the document to realise businesses will still be concerned at the direction of travel.

Before I set out why, let me be clear on one thing. We really believe in apprenticeships and improving the quality of our vocational skills system – in the workplace and in colleges. Some have accused the CBI of wanting to “gut” the levy. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We want a system that defines success in the right terms – filling skills gaps for firms and improving outcomes for learners, all delivered by a sustainable and high quality provider base. A levy is one way to fund that – but only if you put quality and system design first, not fiscal and political targets.

Our view is that levy design is coming to these vital economic and social goals too late – the system we have is designed to work for Whitehall – but won’t work in Walsall.

Firstly, the system proposed isn’t flexible enough to meet firms’ needs. The rates and caps suggested, together with the government’s view that business investment in training beyond off the job costs has little or no value leaves firms in a bind. For them, the system incentivises either cutting back on the quality or numbers of their apprenticeships – or to reducing or rebadging other training. Many committed firms will soldier on despite this, but how can it be good to make it more expensive to train than to just pay the levy as a tax? We need a system – like so many other levies around the world – that is flexible enough to fund what firms and learners need and make those who don’t train pay the costs of those that do.

Secondly, the system needs new standards that pass the government’s big test – transferability. We agree with them that a big reason not to allow levy funds to be spent on any old training is that the courses have to be high quality and add to people’s employability. If we are honest, not all of the frameworks have done that in the past.

So why are we seeing qualifications actively purged from trailblazers? Why will the employer-led Institute for Apprenticeships have no voice over the set-up of the system, only its operation? In truth, this is still essentially the same approach cooked up by BIS officials last summer. For all the effort across the sector, we have been heard but not listened to. The radical redesign the CBI and so many others wanted is not happening yet.

But there is one thing that can’t be ignored – the ticking of the clock. The tune from inside government has changed on this over the past few months. Enough people within government know what a project timeline in trouble looks like – and the levy system is one of those. On the digital service, cross-border issues with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and many more concerns. In truth, it is highly unlikely that the structures and rules necessary to make the system work on day one can be delivered effectively on the current timelines.

Perhaps this last point is the one that will finally lead the government to pause for thought. Perhaps those advocating a new approach for the levy have the best interests of our skills system at heart. Perhaps in fact, all we want – businesses, providers alike – is a system that works from day one? A system that closes skills gaps, and delivers three million opportunities – not just three million starts.

Our new minister, Robert Halfon, has made some pointed remarks on the need for apprenticeships to make a difference to young people’s lives in terms of offering opportunity. These are a welcome ray of light, as is the newly reinvigorated debate about industrial strategy. Delivering on these concerns also requires a change of approach.

And we can do this – with the right approach that rewards businesses who do the right thing, high quality business-led standards, and a system that works on launch day. This can be done – business will put its shoulder to the wheel to achieve it. But we need a delay to make it work.

Independent training provider rated ‘outstanding’ for work with NEET learners

A rapidly-expanding independent training provider has been praised for its work in improving the life chances of formerly NEET learners, as it is awarded the highest possible grade from Ofsted.

Inspectors from the education watchdog were full of praise for Midlands-based Nova Training, awarding it grade ones across the board following an inspection from July 11 to 14.

The training provider, which has a Skills Funding Agency allocation of £2.9m and an Education Funding Agency allocation of £6.2m for 2015/16, delivers study programmes and apprenticeships across 28 different centres in the West Midlands and East of England.

Inspectors found that learners at Nova “find a direction to their lives and careers”, with managers making a “significant contribution to improve the life chances of learners” and most progressing onto employment, further education or apprenticeships.

Their report said: “This is an outstanding achievement given the very low starting point for most learners on study programmes and the range of barriers many have faced in life, including offending, poor school attendance, exclusion, drug misuse, bullying and being in care.”

Students were able to “re-engage” in learning thanks to “skilful teaching and support from staff”.

Inspectors said: “Teaching and support staff share a strong commitment to enable their learners and apprentices to discover and achieve their full potential.”

Consequently, inspectors found that students “speak confidently about their work and make rapid progress towards achieving their qualifications”.

Apprentices “develop very good vocationally relevant skills that their employers value” while learners on study programmes – who make up the majority of Nova’s students – are “prepared exceedingly well for their employment and future careers” through tailored work experience.

Learners “develop their English and mathematics skills well” with all students progressing by at least one level in those subjects.

Despite many of them starting without a GCSE grade C, the “majority of learners pass their English and mathematics tests at the first attempt”.

“Highly individualised” learning programmes help to “inspire, engage and greatly motivate” learners with high needs, the report said.

Leaders and managers “focus strongly on the learners’ ability to achieve, and refuse to accept learners’ disabilities as a reason for non-achievement”, inspectors found.

The report also praised the provider’s “strong culture of continuous improvement” established by managers, which ensured that “those staff who are unable or unwilling to respond to the support provided and improve their practice, leave Nova’s employment”.

David Bucknall, Nova Training’s operations director, said he was “extremely proud” of the Ofsted verdict.

He said the provider had “striven to increase our success rates and the quality of our services” over the past 10 years, and had recently expanded to 10 new centres and had significantly increased its apprenticeship provision.

He said: “It is a credit to all of our staff who work tirelessly to support young people, ensuring that they have the very best opportunities to achieve and progress. Without a sustained collective and focused effort we would not have been able to achieve what we have today.”