Latest news from FE Week

How does the directory of apprenticeship training providers work?

Last month, the government launched its directory of apprenticeship training providers, part of the raft of reforms coming in time for the introduction of the levy in May.

Despite being lumbered with a seriously unsexy name, ‘Find Apprenticeship Training’ has been bigged up as the one-stop shop for any employer, large or small, which finds themselves wanting to take on apprentices.

Now as luck would have it, FE Week has recently found itself in the market for an apprentice of its own. We’ve been very happy with our PA to the Managing Director and finance assistant Victoria, and with both parties keen to kick her career onwards, we want to get her on the path towards becoming an accountant. So what better way to test this much ballyhooed new site, and see how well the system is working.

On first glance, it’s a smooth but rather sparse site, but we couldn’t fault it for ease of use. With just a couple of clicks, our postcode and the keyword ‘accountancy’, we were offered a grand total of 58 providers offering a level two qualification in our area, a mixture of colleges, independent providers and local authorities. They were listed according to what they’d submitted to the government’s course directory, and relevant information – including contact details and employer and learner satisfaction – was very easy to find.

It was after we started dealing with providers that our troubles began

So far so good – but it was after we started dealing with providers that our troubles began. We tasked our finance director Helen (pictured) with getting in touch with the first 12 providers on the list – seven colleges, four ITPs, and the City of London local authority. Now bear in mind that we are literally specialists in apprenticeships, so if we’re having difficulties, imagine what it’s like for Bob SME’s first foray into taking one. So of these 12 providers, we found just one college gave us a positive first impression, and three of the ITPs.

The City of London didn’t even pick up the phone – for the number listed on the government site designed to match providers with employers. Some of the colleges took our details but gave precious little info up front, others simply told us that they weren’t taking on new candidates until next year, while one friendly receptionist put us through to an answer machine. It was only Newham College which impressed, offering to come and meet us and talk us through our options.

The ITPs were a lot better, honestly, aside from the one which erroneously informed us the apprenticeship wouldn’t be funded if our candidate was older than 24. The others happily gave us information on the phone and were prompt with their follow-ups.

This glimpse of the landscape – a small sample of providers working within one of the more popular frameworks – confirms a lot of what we’ve seen in the sector lately. Too many colleges are disorganised or complacent, while ITPs, which are run more like business, tend to be more eager to take on employers as customers. As for the local authority… the less said the better.

We’ve yet to pick a provider for Victoria’s journey, and while we’re confident this online directory will help us find a good one, it’s a bit of a shame that so many of the candidates still need to get their acts together.

Guess the FE cartoons!

FE Week’s brilliant cartoonist Bill Houston was quick on the draw at the Association of Colleges conference this week, where he could be found sketching dozens of familiar sector faces.

He set up his booth on Wednesday right by the entrance to the conference at the ICC Birmingham – where he dashed out quick-fire pen-on-paper caricatures of delegates on breaks between speeches and seminars.

Bill, who has drawn the paper’s cartoons since the start of the last academic year, said during the lunchtime before we went to press: “It’s been really good fun coming down and actually meeting a lot of the people who appear in my drawings for the paper. I think everyone has enjoyed having their pictures drawn today.”

Bill, a full-time cartoonist since 2004, who has had work published by Harper Collins, Puffin, and Penguin Books, completed dozens of new caricatures at the conference.

Email paul.offord@feweek.co.uk if you can guess who they are. A mystery prize will go to the first correct answer.

Deadline for entries is 12 noon on November 24.

Government adviser criticises full-time vocational courses

The whole notion of full-time vocational courses has been “challenged” by the man who chairs the Apprenticeship Delivery Board, much to the dismay of many of his colleagues in the sector.

David Meller (pictured), who also called for financial help to be given to poorer learners needing to relocate, made the controversial comments in a blog on the Conservative Home website.

His rejection of full-time FE courses, which echoes the repeated assertions from the former skills minister Nick Boles that apprenticeships are better value all-round, has raised suspicions that additional funding cuts will be announced for colleges in the chancellor Philip Hammond’s autumn statement on November 23.

“I would challenge the whole notion of full-time vocational courses in FE,” wrote Mr Mellor, who advises Mr Boles’ successor Robert Halfon on how to get more employers to take on apprentices.

“We know the best way to learn vocational skills is on the job, with part-time education to support workplace learning.”

“Too many Conservatives” see apprenticeships as “a consolation prize for youngsters who can’t do A-levels or get into university”

However, he did admit that “too many Conservatives” see apprenticeships as “a consolation prize for youngsters who can’t do A-levels or get into university”, and called for new measures to prevent disadvantaged learners missing out on “highest-quality” training because they can’t afford to relocate.

“We should put in place schemes to ensure school-leavers all over the country have access to the best opportunities, regardless of whether they choose the academic or vocational route,” he said.

“For example, we financially support young people moving anywhere in the country to go to university.

“We should have a similar system for the highest-quality apprenticeships, to avoid youngsters in deprived areas missing out on great opportunities away from home.”

Mr Meller’s comments prompted David Hughes, the chief executive of the Association of Colleges, to leap to the defence of full-time vocational training courses.

“Apprenticeships aren’t right for everyone,” he told FE Week.

“The technical and professional education and training on offer in colleges is very practical and not carried out solely in a classroom, giving students the experience required for the workplace.

“Catering students learn their skills in an industry-standard kitchen and college restaurants are frequently open to the public, meaning that the students work directly with real customers. This is part of a full-time FE course.”

On the subject of financing learners to relocate, he said that “changes must be made to the student loans system for FE students”, which would mean “creating a personal learning account to allow students a lifetime loan allowance and maintenance loans for all courses at level four and above”.

Andrew Harden, head of FE at the University and College Union, told FE Week that he sees it as “encouraging” that the government is committing to apprenticeships, but insisted that “they are not a silver bullet” and that “college-based courses also have an important role to play”.

He said: “If the government wants to achieve its aim of creating a highly skilled society, it should invest in the full range of technical provision and student support, so everyone can access the learning they require regardless of their age or location.”

Other ADB members announced in January include David Abraham, the chief executive of Channel 4, Mike Thompson, the head of employability at Barclays, and Simon Blagden CBE, a non-executive chairman at Fujitsu.

Nadim Zahawi, the Conservative MP for Stratford on Avon, was formerly the board’s co-chair and an advisor on apprenticeships to the prime minister, but FE Week learned in August that he no longer holds either role.

The board was launched in July 2015, tasked by the government with increasing “the number of apprenticeship places that employers offer, by encouraging existing employers to expand their programmes and securing new employer engagement”.

Movers & Shakers: Edition 190

Your weekly guide to who’s new, and who’s leaving.

Syed Jafery has joined the Nottinghamshire Training Network (NTN) as its new managing director.

The organisation is a network of independent training providers, colleges, schools and employers who work to support individuals into education, employment and training.

His main responsibilities in the new role will include meeting with partners, developing classroom delivery for traineeships, and developing learner experience.

Mr Jafery joins the NTN from his previous role as operations director and company executive director at Skills Training UK – a leading training provider – which he held for over nine years.

Prior to this he was performance manager for Brent and Haringey at Working Links, where he worked with the long-term unemployed, including those with disabilities and ex-offenders.

His passion for working with those with disabilities is something he hopes to develop further in his new role as managing director, and he has hopes to implement a specialist training provision that caters to a wide spectrum of disabilities.

Speaking of his plans, he said: “Disability has a wide spectrum; you cannot just have just one word or programme, so we have to come up with a very sophisticated model. I’ve got a few people who are going to assist me with that. I want NTN to be a pioneer, that’s my vision.”

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Cherryl Martin has been appointed commercial director at new specialist training facility iMET, which stands for Innovation in Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology.

Work began on the building in Cambridgeshire in 2014, and it is due to be completed in November 2017.

Targeting learners working at level three and above, the facility aims to teach specialist skills including virtual reality, augmented reality, computer-aided design and 3D and 4D modelling, a technique which uses time as an extra dimension.

In her new role, Ms Martin will be at the forefront of business skills growth, ensuring the curriculum serves the skills needs of the region, as well as actively collaborating with employers to ensure iMET is meeting their training needs.

Speaking of her new role, she said: “We’ll be looking at learning technologies and how you can push the boat out with that. You can’t talk the talk of innovation and then do everything with a classroom and a projector.”

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Peter Rilett has been appointed chair of the governing body at City of Bristol College.

The appointment follows the conclusion of the West of England area reviews, signalling a fresh start for the college, which provides education and training to 25,000 learners in and around Bristol.

Prior to his new role, Mr Rilett served as chair of the North Bristol NHS Trust board for several years, and is a non-executive director and advisor for a number of local companies.

Speaking of his new appointment, he said: “I am personally committed to the future of our city, and ensuring the college secures the best possible futures for all of its students. The college has a really important role in supporting our city to secure the skills it needs for today, tomorrow and beyond.”

Mr Rilett will join the board on November 11, and takes up the role of chair with effect from the end of December.

If you want to let us know of any new faces at the top of your college, training provider or awarding organisation please let us know by emailing news@feweek.co.uk

FEATURE: New sensory room will provide an escape for stressed-out students

The pressures of student life can often be overwhelming, but one college in Hampshire has found a unique way to lower student stress levels and provide an escape from the hustle and bustle. Samantha King reports.

South Downs College in Waterlooville has recently opened a sensory room, designed to help students who suffer from high levels of anxiety or stress – particularly those on the autistic spectrum – find peace and calm in the college environment.

untitled-25 — The breathing dogs in baskets

With blackout blinds, aromatherapy, stress balls, specialist lighting and a range of soft furnishings, the new space provides the perfect escape for when things get a bit too much; while two pretend puppies that seem to breathe are proving especially popular with students.

Darren Darby, the additional learning support manager at the college, said: “We have two pets that look real in little baskets, and they actually breathe so you can see the movement of their chests go up and down. A lot of our students find them very comforting when they go in there.

“We’ve got a whiteboard up at one end of the room so if students want to scribble and draw on there, they can use that. It’s quite well equipped, and has lots of different sensory aspects, so we can cater for whatever an individual student may need.”

untitled-24 — Comfortable seating and lights

Entry to the sensory room is through a special pass, issued by the additional learning support team following a consultation to assess the needs of the student. Passes are only issued to students who will benefit from the use of the room, in order to maintain its status as a safe and calm retreat.

The college, which has a large number of students with additional learning support requirements had recently signed up to the Ambitious About Autism Charter, which supports FE providers in improving their offer to young people with autism and other disabilities. It was this that inspired the idea for the sensory room.

Darby explained: “We’re quite unique in the fact there’s not many colleges that actually have sensory rooms unless they’re a specialist college.

“We signed up to the Autism Charter, so we were looking at a facility that could provide for students on the autistic spectrum, and give them a place that was away from the areas of the college some students may find a bit overwhelming.

It’s just a really calm place that they can go to if they were feeling particularly stressed at any time throughout their day

“We also wanted to extend the space for students who may suffer from high levels of anxiety and stress, and offer them a space that was quiet and peaceful.

It’s just a really calm place that they can go to if they were feeling particularly stressed at any time throughout their day.”

Funded by the college’s additional learning support budget, the new room is situated at the heart of the college and connects to an existing lunch and breakfast room away from the main refectory.

It is hoped the new sensory room will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of students, allowing them to recharge away from loud noises and potential stressors that are a natural part of college life.

Darby said: “The project has taken a lot of planning within the ALS team. We’ve had to really analyse and decide on equipment that we think would be cost effective but will also be really beneficial.”

The room was officially opened by Kevin Filby, deputy director of service development at Ambitious About Autism.

Featured picture: Kevin Filby from Ambitious About Autism opens the new sensory room

Fighting in class encouraged during stage combat workshop with leading stage fight director

For once, fights in the classroom have been actively encouraged, during a day-long stage combat workshop at a college in Lincolnshire.

Students at North Lindsey College were taught the arts of stage safety, victim control techniques and reverse energy in order to create a believable yet perfectly safe fight scene.

The workshop has helped students to prepare for an upcoming production of Macbeth, teaching them the correct techniques when using holds, footing, grip, weight balance and vocals.

The session was delivered by Rob Leonard, a teacher at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and former workshop co-ordinator at the British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat.

Performing arts tutor, Phil Collingwood, said: “To have Rob here is a real coup for North Lindsey College and shows our ongoing commitment to providing the finest dramatic education we can.

“The students had the time of their lives and we are looking forward to Rob’s return in the New Year – with swords!”

Performing arts student Mollie Slack added: “I didn’t realise it would be as hands on as it was. It will really help me in the future to put the actions in place that we have learned without hurting anyone.”

Featured picture: Rob, centre, shows students how to fight safely

Green with envy as student takes top spot in Greenkeeper of the Year awards

A student on the newly introduced golf greenkeeping standard apprenticeship has taken second place in the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year awards.

Vince DeMarzo, a student at Hadlow College in Kent, was judged on his knowledge of greenkeeping tasks, skills, and health and safety, alongside understanding of the job role, from personal development through to industry awareness.

He was up against five other finalists in the inaugural under-20 category, selected from hundreds of entrants across the UK.

Vince, who is currently awaiting level two certification, works at Wildernesse Golf Club as an assistant greenkeeper, and has ambitions to work at a high-profile golf championship course in the future.

He said: “I’d love to work at one of the courses in the Milan area. I’m hopeful, since British greenkeepers are highly sought after in continental Europe. I’d also love to work in Australia or the US, but you need an entirely different knowledge-base, given the diverse climate, pests and diseases or the US.

“Ultimately, my aim is to work on a high-profile championship course that features on TV.”

Featured picture: (L-R) Paul Copsey, work-based assessor at Hadlow College, with Vince DeMarzo

Fashion students craft bags for hospital patients to disguise medication

Fashion students at Hull College have designed and produced a batch of hats and syringe driver bags to help hospital patients feel less self-conscious about hair loss and carrying their medication.

The hats and bags which were presented to the pathology unit at Castle Hill Hospital will be given out free to patients as part of National Pathology Week, which celebrates the contribution that pathologists make to healthcare in the UK.

Patients undergoing palliative care often carry syringe drivers, which are small portable battery powered machines that administer a continuous dose of painkiller.

Kerry Drury, one of the hospital’s pathology lab social practitioners, said: “Some of our patients are on palliative care and need a syringe driver to carry medication all day. The bags enable them to go about their daily life and still keep their medicine with them without drawing the attention these usually get.

“The hats have been created in a modern and fashionable style which helps the patients undergoing chemotherapy feel less self-conscious.”

The students produced the hats and bags with donated fabrics as part of their induction week at the college, and the project will count towards their industry skills studies module.

Featured picture: Kerry Drury with the hats and bags provided by Hull College Students

Congratulations to Exeter College for topping our new FE league table

Exeter College has come out top – with a perfect 16 out of 16 score – in the inaugural FE Week college league table.

Congratulations to Richard Atkins, who as principal led the college to success, and of course to all the staff.

But league tables only have one top spot and with over 200 colleges in the UK, many college leaders will be less pleased.

I can’t pretend that publishing a full league tables using four measures won’t ruffle a few feathers

But the government has for many years collected and published learner and employer satisfaction data.

Now it’s being shared with employers through the new ‘Find apprenticeship training’ site (which we reviewed here) which is designed to “enable comparisons to be made against other colleges”.

Following the Enterprise Act 2016, the government has also improved destination data; readers will be familiar with our apprenticeship volume analysis.

This is my first attempt at a scoring system, and while I’m pleased with the results, colleges should expect refinements for 2017.