Action on minimum wage ‘ridiculously late’
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has acted to ensure all jobs on its vacancy matching website conform to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) — more than three months after it rose three pence to £2.68.
Companies had been advertising for apprenticeships that, according to the adverts, would have paid below the NMW.
It was scandalous that companies offering apprenticeships were advertising below the NMW.”
But last month NAS announced a change in the way its website works, eventually banning organisations from reopening and simply extending vacancies. They will now have to check new adverts before posting.
An FE Week investigation could not find any companies currently advertising apprenticeships below the minimum wage through the site, and the improvement has been welcomed.
But the delay in action from NAS has been criticised.
Joe Vinson, National Union of Students’ vice president for FE, said: “These changes are certainly welcome, but it is ridiculous that it took three months for the government to clamp down.”
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA), which runs NAS, said it had been in contact with employers regularly since the rise in the NMW went ahead.
An SFA spokesperson said: “Since the increase in NMW on October 1, 2013, we have been working with employers and providers to ensure that all vacancies posted after this date to Apprenticeship vacancies (Av) reflect the new rate.
“We also communicated this change to providers before and after the increase came into force, and continue to issue reminders, to ensure that all providers are aware of the changes.
“We also implemented a change to our Av system to ensure vacancies can only be posted at the NMW or above.”
In October, FE Week revealed how some adverts on the government’s apprenticeship vacancies (Av) website — including positions with sandwich shop Subway and other large firms — had not been adjusted to offer the new minimum rate for apprentices, which rose at the start of the month.
In many cases the previous minimum wage amount of £2.65 per hour was offered because at the time companies were able to simply extend or replicate existing vacancies advertised instead of creating new ones.
The problem had persisted despite a letter to advertisers in November asking them to be clearer about the wage and weekly working hours they were offering to make it easier for the service to check adverts.
Mr Vinson said: “It was scandalous that companies offering apprenticeships were advertising below the NMW.
“Apprenticeships should offer an opportunity to gain valuable skills and an insight into the reality of the workplace, as well as enabling you to study for qualifications to further your future.
“However, there needs to be some serious thought about how people will be attracted to taking up an apprenticeship when wages are just £2.68 an-hour.”
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Changes in the way that apprentice jobs can be advertised may go part of the way towards solving problems with illegal non-payment of the minimum wage, but the move is not enough on its own.
“In the coming year there needs to be a strong focus on improving the quality of apprenticeships, and that must include ensuring they are properly paid.”
But in a message to users sent on December 18, the SFA said: “Since October, there have been ongoing issues with apprenticeship vacancies advertised below the current NMW of £2.68 per hour.
“Because of this, we have made changes to the way Av operates. From Friday, December 13, providers are no longer able to reopen or extend vacancies; instead, they must clone and check the vacancy before submitting for approval.”
Huge under-delivery on 16 to 18 apprenticeships
More than 520 providers under-delivered on their August 2012 16 to 18 apprenticeship allocations by a total of £241.5m.
Research by FE Week into figures released by the Education Funding Agency, shows 769 colleges and independent learning providers (ILPs) were initially going to be funded with £826.9m for the programme.
In spite of these difficulties we revised our plans at the end of the first quarter, when we had a better indication of market conditions, and delivered at a similar level to the previous year.”
But 524 providers delivered less than their initial allocation by a total of £241.5m come the end of last academic year. And, while the funding allocation for all providers’ under-19 apprenticeships delivery had been revised down to £663.8m by July last year, the Skills Funding Agency still paid out £46.1m less than this.
It comes after FE Week reported in June last year how Simon Judge, the Department for Education’s finance and commercial director, wrote to the Education Select Committee to explain why the budget for under-19 apprenticeships in the current financial year had fallen nearly 20 per cent to £684.3m.
He said the removal of poor quality provision explained some of the under-spend, but increased competition from applicants aged 19-plus, funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, was also a factor.
And figures published before Christmas, in the statistical first release, showed the number of under-19 apprenticeship starts fell from 129,900 in 2011/12, to 114,500 in 2012/13. However, across the sector, 245 providers over-delivered on their August allocation by a total of £32.3m.
Nevertheless, the largest under-delivery was by Pearson in Practice Technology Limited, which was allocated £46.5m in August 2012 but was given £1.4m. A spokesperson said Pearson in Practice “closed down” a year ago, but declined to comment further.
The second largest under-delivery was by JTL, another ILP, which was allocated £17.4m for under-19 apprenticeships, but given £11.1m.
A spokesperson for JTL said: “Increased employer contributions [towards the cost of apprenticeships] in a sector that is only just starting to recover from economy-wide setbacks has meant that many employers have been reluctant to take on a four year commitment.”
Newcastle College Group was originally allocated £7.3m, but received £4m — the biggest drop among colleges.
Chris Payne, group director of planning and performance, said: “Employers were not keen to take on younger apprentices due to the economic climate.
“In spite of these difficulties we revised our plans at the end of the first quarter, when we had a better indication of market conditions, and delivered at a similar level to the previous year.”
A government spokesperson said: “We are radically reforming apprenticeships so that they are more rigorous and responsive to the needs of employers. The small decline in 16 to 18 apprenticeship starts is due to quality improvement measures.”
A number of providers were omitted from FE Week research where they appeared solely in government figures for either August allocations or final funding levels.
Tribute to adult learning champion Chris Taylor who has died, aged 60
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (Niace) has paid tribute to an award-winning former employee and “passionate supporter of the rights of adults to access learning”.
Chris Taylor, Niace lead on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), died last week at the age of 60.
Carol Taylor, Niace director for development and research, said: “It is with great sadness that we remember Chris Taylor who passed away last week.
“Chris worked at Niace for many years, leading our work on ESOL, and on literacy and numeracy.
“She was a national expert, a passionate supporter of the rights of adults to access learning, particularly ESOL learners, and an absolutely central member of Niace.”
It comes after the mum-of-four won an award for her outstanding contribution to ESOL training from the National Association for the Teaching of English and Other Community Languages (NATECLA).
After receiving the award in July, a recently retired Ms Taylor said: “I’m really thrilled to receive this NATECLA award, what an honour. I’ve loved working in ESOL — it’s been a passion, not a job.
“I’ve met wonderful students, worked with brilliant colleagues who have become friends and learned so much along the way.
“It’s been a privilege to get up in the morning to do a job that’s so worthwhile.”
She had written for FE Week on ESOL funding and taken part in events covering the same issue organised by the newspaper’s proprietor, Lsect.
Before working for Niace, Mrs Taylor worked for the Refugee Council between 1998 and 2001, leading delivery of vocational advice and guidance, education and training courses.
From 1994 to 1997 she was project director of Language 2000, which delivered ESOL, basic skills and IT training to adults.
She had also worked as Open Learning Centre co-ordinator at Tower Hamlets College and had extensive experience of teaching in Moscow, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Uganda, the USA and West Indies.
Ms Taylor is survived by husband Steve, children Yilmaz and Mell, and stepchildren Katie and Will.
Older ‘apprenticeships’ warning for Skills Minister Matthew Hancock
Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has been warned against promoting apprenticeships for over 50s along the same lines as those for under 25s after he said the programme for older people could help the country out of recession.
Tony Dolphin, senior economist for the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), said apprenticeships for older people were different to those for younger people and, as such, the programme should even be named differently.
He spoke out after Mr Hancock called for more people, aged over 50 and looking to change careers, to apply for “skilled apprenticeships”. Latest government figures showed 34,050 people aged over 50 started an apprenticeship in 2012/13, which was a slight fall from 34,770 in 2011/12.
Mr Dolphin told FE Week: “As the state pension age increases and people are expected to work longer, more men and women in this [over 50] age group will choose to — or find that they have to — follow a new career and they will need training to help them do so.
“But this training should be geared specifically towards people who have lots of experience in the workforce and need to adapt their existing skills.
“It will, therefore, be very different from the sort of training offered to young people making the transition from education into work.
“It should not be branded as ‘apprenticeships’ — these should be reserved for the under 25s.
“Instead, the government should, in conjunction with businesses, workforce representatives and FE providers, develop a new system of adult education and training appropriate for a labour market in which people are expected to work longer and are more likely to change jobs.”
The most recent statistical first release showed that more than a third — 11,320 — of over 50 apprenticeship starts in 2012/13 were in health, care and public services, with 11,790 in business, administration and law and 5,690 in retail and commercial enterprise.
Another 3,200 started apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing and 810 in education and training.
It is estimated that by 2020 around a third of the workforce will be aged over 50.
But more than 425,000 over 50s are currently unemployed and half have been out of work for at least a year.
Mr Hancock said improving job prospects for the age group, through improved take-up rates for apprenticeships, could be an important driving force for the country’s economic recovery.
“As we recover from the great recession we need to build a recovery for all,” he said.
“Apprenticeships increasingly help people of all ages get the skills they need to get the new jobs becoming available.
“Our priority is to build on the best of the apprenticeships programme, expanding apprenticeships where they deliver the greatest benefits for employers, apprentices and the wider economy.
“Demand from employers for adult apprenticeships is growing, because they help people of all ages — including the over 50s — to get and hold down skilled jobs.
“There are many benefits for employers of apprentices. Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way for businesses to harness fresh talent, tackle skills shortages and become equipped for economic growth.
“Research shows that apprenticeships help companies build a loyal and motivated workforce, and that investment is usually recouped within three years.”
Mr Hancock’s comments followed last month’s exclusive FE Week interview with Business Secretary Vince Cable, who revealed the government was “dropping” the troubled 24+ advanced learning loans system for apprenticeships.
With just 404 applications in around seven months, he “accepted” the system had failed, but said non-apprentice FE loans would remain.
A spokesperson for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers said: “This has removed a barrier to older people from applying for apprenticeships.
“It can be a route into management for people who may not have done a degree who have a wealth of experience and skill. It gives them a qualification that’s valued by employers.”
Technical issues +
Newham College principal Denise Brown-Sackey quits after series of allegations
Newham College principal Denise Brown-Sackey has quit after a series of damaging allegations relating to the London college.
She had taken a leave of absence two months ago after it was claimed the college failed to take action over a recording of head of drama Dr Mark Walcott seeming to make homophobic comments about gay teachers.
Meanwhile, the college is currently carrying out an investigation into grade massaging allegations, and the Skills Funding Agency said it “reserved the right” to probe further if it was not satisfied with the investigation.
However, according the college, Mrs Brown-Sackey has now stepped down permanently following “anonymous accusations”.
A college spokesperson said: “In order to allow the corporation board to focus on repairing the reputation of the college, Denise Brown-Sackey has decided to stand down from her post and this has been agreed by the board.”
Dr Walcott’s comments provoked outrage when the recording of the 50 minute-long rant from 2012 was leaked on YouTube in November.
The college then came under scrutiny over allegations that passes had been awarded to students who did not attend any lectures, or had attendance rates of 40 per cent or less — which former lecturers allegedly said should be “impossible”.
A college spokesperson said: “Following a number of anonymous allegations put into the public domain, the corporation board commissioned an independent investigation.
“The corporation board is very focussed on the interests of its learners and stakeholders.”
Mrs Brown-Sackey has served at the college for almost 25 years, starting as a lecturer in 1988 and working her way up to principal, with a brief stint as deputy principal at Havering College between 1999 and 2002.
The college has said an “independent” investigation into Dr Walcott’s comments was also underway.
Thought of mum inspires cancer fundraising
Every year South & City College Birmingham hair and beauty students organise a charity fundraising event and this year’s had personal resonance for learner Kerry Farrelly, writes Chris Henwood.
When South & City College Birmingham hair and beauty lecturers asked learners who should benefit from their annual charity event, Kerry Farrelly thought of her mum.
Kerry, aged 35, wanted to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and local charity Ward 19, based in Heartlands Hospital. Both helped her mum, 67-year-old Sandra Nicholls, through a 13-year fight with leukaemia from which the grandmother-of-two is now in remission.
And, after a day of hair and beauty treatments where clients made donations, mum-of-two Kerry and her classmates raised £362, split equally between the good causes.
Alongside the pampering experience the students worked with local businesses, including Birmingham City Football Club, to contribute prizes for a raffle to generate more donations.
“It turned into a bit of a family reunion for me — my mum was there and other relatives,” said Kerry, who runs a mobile hairdressing business and is in her third year of studies at college.
“I had got into a bit of a panic in the morning because I really wanted to raise as much money as possible.
“I was astounded by what we raised, and my mum was. She was really proud and said the money would make a big difference.
“One hour of Marie Curie nursing at home costs £20 an-hour and provides family members with respite care.”
Amy NcNaughton-Brown, from Marie Curie, said: “I’d like to thank everyone at the college for this donation. We could not provide care without the help of the local community.”
The Ward 19 Charity Fund raises money to buy equipment that will benefit the overall care of patients. The organisation also promotes people to sign up to the Anthony Nolan donor register.
Sister Kathy Holden, from Ward 19, said: “The efforts of the students at South & City College are much appreciated and without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”
The fundraising event took place on Tuesday, December 17, at the college’s Hall Green Campus.
Main photo: South & City College Birmingham students, staff and ward 19’s Sister Kathy Holden.
‘Twas the week after Christmas
Former House of Commons Education Select Committee specialist Ben Nicholls is head of policy and communications at London’s Newham College. He writes exclusively for FE Week every month.
‘Twas the week after Christmas and, bursting with glee,
Staff and students returned to the Land of FE.
For those not in the know, FE-Land is a place
Where all can achieve, whatever their race,
Whatever their creed or their colour or clan:
All ages are welcome, girl, boy, woman, man.
And this Land oh so fine has particular skill
In training the young who, too often, until
They had found FE-Land had struggled to learn,
Or to study in schools of conventional turn.
These young folk find homes in the Land of FE,
And are trained in new skills — and often for free:
For to deliver such skills, whether in social care,
Or media, or history, or travel, or hair,
Resources are needed, and people, and food
And the government pays, which is proper and good.
And though in this climate no spare cash can be had
FE-Land holds the answers to much that is bad:
For the skills FE teaches, and the students it trains,
Are the way for the country to bear current pains.
These students — most vitally, the youngest we teach —
Are the way to secure a fair future for each.
For politicians agree, in their rhetoric and spiel,
That skills and employment will help the wounds heal.
But just before Christmas, as the weather grew cool,
The rhetoric went; those in power, as fools,
Decided to cut by millions of pounds
The FE-Land funds which can turn things around.
For the least-hit of colleges, the damage was still
Over FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND taken straight from the till.
The students affected — the story grows worse —
Are those who the power-mad have already cursed
By the cull, at a stroke, of the old EMA
Replaced with a system which simply won’t pay.
They’re the students, moreover, which the powers decree
Must stay training for longer — and FE-Land agrees —
But a cut such as this gives a message so wrong
That the damage now starting will last deep and long.
It will weaken morale, will weaken provision,
Will weaken achievement, will further division,
Will damage the students already enrolled,
Will discourage others from being as bold.
The powers that be do not travel enough
To FE-Land, to see all the wonderful stuff
Which flourishes there – instead they prefer
To concentrate just on the narrow old world
Which they know: the world of Oxbridge and Eton.
The result: FE-Land being kicked, pillaged, beaten.
We know times are tough, that the coffers are low,
And that everyone must take a part of the blow.
But a cut of this scale will do the reverse:
Will make the recovery far, far, far worse.
So we make a loud plea to the powers, this New Year:
Fund and laud FE-Land, for the future is here.