Ofsted’s annual report today painted a mixed picture for FE and skills, highlighting a rise in the proportion of good or outstanding providers while also pointing to one-in-six learners at less than good providers.

It said that in 2013/14, 3.2 million learners were at grade one or two providers because 81 per cent of providers were judged to be good or outstanding at their latest inspection — compared with 72 per cent the previous year and 64 per cent as at August 31, 2012.

However, “30 per cent of providers did not improve their overall effectiveness grade. Seven declined and were judged to be inadequate,” according to the report.

It added: “Inspectors found that many of these providers had failed to improve the quality of teaching and learning and learners were not making adequate progress towards their learning goals.”

Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw (pictured) wrote: “The FE and skills sector has a critical role in ensuring that all young people and adults are appropriately prepared for good-quality jobs. It is encouraging, therefore, that we have seen an increase in the proportion of FE providers judged to be good or outstanding at their latest inspection.

“This reflects improvements in the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in providers inspected this year. However, I am concerned that there is not enough good teaching in the subject areas where it is needed most.

“Too many young people are leaving schools and colleges without the skills and attitudes employers are looking for. Indeed, despite there being around one million young people aged 16 to 24 not in work, education or training, 22 employers report that almost three in every 10 vacancies are hard to fill.”

The report went on to echo Ofsted criticism earlier this year on study programmes, saying: “Inspection found that colleges and schools with sixth forms in particular had failed to respond to the requirements of the new 16 to 19 study programmes quickly enough.”

English and maths teaching and learning was “still not good enough,” it said, and also claimed that “too many young people … leave the sector with insufficient direct experience of work at external employers.”

Sir Michael also repeated calls in last year’s annual report for greater employer engagement in the sector.

“If employers, especially small- or medium-sized enterprises, are going to get more involved in the design and delivery of apprenticeships and in vocational education more generally, they must be given the right support and incentives to do so,” he wrote.

“This could be channelled through existing employer networks, such as local enterprise partnerships and chambers of commerce. Such networks could help organise apprenticeships at a local level and give advice to employers on how to source training and funding.”

He added: “The FE and skills sector is generally better than it was two years ago in terms of the quality of provision. However, too many institutions are still not equipping learners with the knowledge and skills that employers seek.”

See edition 122 of FE Week, dated Monday, December 15, for more.

A new careers guidance report highlights today’s jobs that are set to stand the test of time and highlights trades that are likely grow in the years ahead.

Technology-rich roles such as mechanical engineers and software developers are among 40 jobs highlighted by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) in its 36-page Careers of the future report.

But although some shortlisted jobs are in emerging sectors, others are more traditional, with economic growth and technology expected to help future-proof roles such as train drivers, electricians and farmers.

The UKCES report, published today, identifies careers that labour market analysts believe offer some of the best opportunities for tomorrow’s jobseekers.

Jobs are analysed according to pay, business need and predicted job opportunities to produce a shortlist across ten sectors.

Skills Minister Nick Boles (pictured above left) said: “This insight in to the jobs of the future will be an important tool in helping young people make more informed decisions about their career.

“Whether you want to become a mechanical engineer or nursery teacher, our reforms and commitment to driving up the quality of vocational education mean there are now a variety of equally valid and respected pathways in to the world of work.

“I want all young people to be able to fulfil their potential by choosing a route that best suits their skills and ambitions, whether that is developing skills in the workplace through an apprenticeship or studying at university.”

The report is aimed at parents, teachers and careers advisers.

Michael Davis (pictured above right), chief executive of UKCES, said: “This report presents a wealth of options for young people looking to make those all-important first steps into the world of work. It is also welcome news to see increasing opportunities for young people to combine earning and learning when finding their way into work.

“The next step is for employers and education providers to continue to develop close working relationships, inspiring young people and creating better jobs in the process.”

Martin Doel, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “The job market is changing fast with a whole range of opportunities requiring business-relevant skills. All young people should have access to a similar level of support to help them navigate and understand the array of options available to ensure they can make the right choice.

“The government cannot waste another day letting children and young people down on careers advice so we would like to see the establishment of careers hubs in every local area involving schools, colleges, local councils and others.”

Ofqual has confirmed it is to remove the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) rules.

The decision was confirmed today following a 12-week consultation and earlier review of the rules.

The change is part of the qualification watchdog’s wider plans to “strengthen” vocational qualifications in England and Northern Ireland.

The removal of the QCF rules, along with its bank of shared units, will begin from summer next year, following further consultation on technical details.

Jeremy Benson, pictured, Ofqual’s executive director for vocational qualifications, said: “We put the quality of qualifications above all else. The QCF ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach just isn’t right for every qualification.

“When we lift the QCF rules, good qualifications that meet those rules can stay, we will expect invalid qualifications to be redeveloped or withdrawn.

“Ending shared units will also mean that awarding bodies take clear and sole responsibility for the quality of every single part of their qualifications.

“Vocational qualifications have an important role to play in strengthening skills and supporting economic growth.

“Removing the QCF rules means that awarding bodies will be able to design qualifications that meet better the needs of employers and respond more effectively to innovations in professional practice.

“We have listened to feedback from our consultation and won’t be introducing any changes immediately.

“Over the next few months we will be working closely with awarding organisations, government bodies and others, to enable a smooth transition that minimises impact.”

Nigel Whitehead, commissioner for the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and managing director of BAE Systems, reviewed vocational qualifications for the government in 2013 and said he supported the changes.

He said: “Qualifications must be high quality, flexible and responsive to employer needs. My review found that the QCF rules have been responsible for a rigid tick-box approach to assessment. Rules on unit-sharing have reduced employer involvement and sector expertise in qualifications.

“I am fully supportive of Ofqual’s new approach to regulating vocational qualifications, which puts employer involvement at its heart.

“The UKCES and Ofqual are working together to put in place the conditions that allow employers to take an effective and directive role at the centre of the vocational qualifications system.”

Stephen Wright, Federation  of Awarding Bodies chief executive, said: “[It is] difficult to comment until the statement is released, but we would hope that Ofqual has listened to the clear messages from the awarding sector about keeping the elements of the QCF that work well, not least the QCF name which we have been communicating to employers and other key groups for four years.

“[The name] is just starting to gain some recognition, also the size descriptors award, certificate and diploma were difficult to introduce, but we are through the pain and they bring clarity to the qualification structure.

“Freeing up the framework may provide an opportunity to revisit one of the original objectives of creating an overarching framework for all qualifications, including national awards.”

Charlotte Bosworth, OCR director of skills and employment, said: “We welcome the proposal to withdraw the regulatory arrangements for the QCF and to regulate using only the general conditions of recognition.

“However, during the implementation of the changes we must not lose sight of what is really important – preparing young people for further study and the world of work and helping them reach their potential. We must manage the changes carefully so that we do not jeopardise comparability.”

Graham Hasting-Evans, NOCN managing director, said: “Ofqual’s announcement was expected. What we now need to focus on is establishing an ENQF which is internationally recognised and includes apprenticeships, higher apprenticeship, GSCEs, A Level and degrees all in a single framework.”