Six MPs stand for election as education committee chair

Six Conservative MPs, including three former education ministers, have been nominated to stand for election to chair the House of Commons education committee.

The deadline for nominations officially passed at 3pm today, and Nick Boles, Rehman Chishti, Robert Halfon, Tim Loughton, Stephen Metcalfe and Dr Dan Poulter have officially made the ballot.

The MPs had to obtain the backing of 15 of their colleagues in order to qualify for the election, which will be held next Wednesday.

Here is what we know about each of the candidates and their priorities…

Nick Boles

Mr Boles, the MP for Grantham and Stamford in Lincolnshire, served as skills minister from 2014 to 2016 and is a former minister for planning. He has been an MP since 2010, and was previously a director of the right-leaning Policy Exchange think tank.

His candidacy for the committee chairship is backed by former education secretary Nicky Morgan and Lucy Frazer, who served on the committee in the last parliament.

Mr Boles says he wants the committee to “scrutinise with an unflinching rigour a department with lots on its plate”.

He says the most “significant things” he did as skills minister were to design the apprenticeship levy, and to draw up with Lord Sainsbury a complete overhaul of the technical education system.

He adds that these reforms, if implemented fully, have the “potential to liberate millions of people from the circumstances in which they grew up and give them the chance to write themselves a new future”, which he will aim to ensure during his time as chair.

Mr Boles, who was last year diagnosed with cancer, said: “You may be surprised to find me putting myself forward for this demanding role so soon after such a serious illness,” he said.

“But my doctors tell me my cancer is in complete remission and while I still need a month or two to build myself back up to full strength, they are confident I will be firing on all cylinders by September.”

 

Rehman Chishti

Another MP from the 2010 intake, Mr Chishti is the MP for Gillingham and Rainham in Kent and a former Medway councillor.

He served as parliamentary private secretary to schools minister Nick Gibb between 2014 and 2015, and latterly served acted in the same role for the attorney general Jeremy Wright.

No biography has been published on parliament’s website, and Mr Chishti’s office has not responded to a request for information about his priorities for the committee.

 

 

Robert Halfon

The MP for Harlow in Essex served as skills and apprenticeships minister for much of the past year until he was unceremoniously sacked by Theresa May following last month’s election.

According to his pitch on the parliamentary website, Mr Halfon wants to carry on his vision of education being “the ladder of opportunity”. 

His priorities for FE include scrutinising the roll out of T Levels and the apprenticeship levy, as well as the development of University Technical Colleges, National Colleges and Institutes of Technology. He adds there is a need for an expansion of adult education and plugging of the skills deficit, “particularly in science, technology, engineering and math subjects.”

“As a former education minister, I bring recent experience of the policy and challenges the committee will face in the year ahead,” he says in his pitch to colleagues.

“But, to those who need reassurance, I am no establishment man. I will not be afraid to challenge ministers, leaders or the sector when needed.”

Speaking to FE Week, Mr Halfon, another 2010-intake MP, denied he was running as revenge for his sacking.

“I really have massive respect for my boss, my former boss, Justine Greening. I’m doing it because I love education. I worked with Justine very closely. I think she’s a really good minister. She’s passionate about education.”

Tim Loughton

A former minister for children and families during the first two years of the coalition government, Mr Loughton rose to prominence more recently as the acting chair of the home affairs select committee and one of Andrea Leadsom’s principal backers during last year’s Conservative leadership election.

Mr Loughton, the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham in West Sussex since 1997, says his two years’ experience as an education minister, on top of nine years shadowing the brief in opposition, means he has been on the opposite side of the table and knows “where the bodies are buried”.

He makes a list of “priorities” in his pitch to colleagues, which includes school funding and tuition fees in higher education, but he doesn’t make any mention of what he aims to do for the FE sector.

Mr Loughton says he is “very excited to be part of this and hope you will give me the opportunity to help make this one of the most influential and high profile committees of the house, as it needs and deserves to be”.

 

Stephen Metcalfe

Like his opponent Rehman Chishti, Mr Metcalfe has served as parliamentary private secretary to education ministers Nick Gibb and Edward Timpson.

He is the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, a seat he has held since 2010, and a former Epping Forest District councillor.

He has also previously served as chair of the Commons science and technology committee.

No biography for Mr Metcalfe has been published on parliament’s website, and his office has not responded to a request for information about his priorities for the committee.

 

Dr Dan Poulter

Former health minister and doctor Mr Poulter has been the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich since 2010.

He says he is not afraid to work with MPs from other parties, and claims to have worked with Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP colleagues to “avert last year’s junior doctor strike”.

If elected, Mr Poulter says he will evaluate the effectiveness of the apprenticeships programme and vocational education and training, as well as look at the effect of public sector pay restraint on the recruitment, retention and morale of the teaching profession.

He also wants to look at how the education system can “better promote the social mobility and the life chances of pupils from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds”.

Five design students will have their work displayed on London’s new Elizabeth line trains

Design students in east London are behind a new advertising campaign for Transport for London’s new Elizabeth line.

Entries to create artwork showcasing the features of the new trains were submitted by Redbridge College and Barking & Dagenham College, which are both close to a stretch of the new route.

The five selected designs were made by students Hayden Shields, Egle Lenceviciute and Jesse Thraves from Redbridge College, and Jelizaveta Sergejeva and Inga Tenyte from Barking & Dagenham College, who study courses ranging from foundation photography to BTEC graphic design and illustration.

The posters will be displayed on the new trains, which will be 200 metres long and made up of nine carriages.

Miranda Leedham, TfL’s head of marketing operations, said: “We wanted to recognise a new generation of Londoners and the part they play in the city’s creative life.

“The young people who have created this artwork will be enjoying the benefits of the Elizabeth line for many years to come. They represent the city’s future, and I hope they enjoy seeing their artwork when out and about on the network.”

The Elizabeth line will run through central London and fully opens in December 2018.

Blackpool band win national BTEC music competition

A band from Blackpool Sixth Form has won a national student music competition.

The group, called SIXX, is made up of six BTEC level three music students, and took the top spot in Pearson’s BTEC Awards ‘Showstoppers’ Challenge’ with their original rock ballad.

Applicants were required to submit a video performance of an original song, with entries judged by Pearson’s subject adviser for performing arts, Paul Webster, and the founder and director of talent agency Living the Dream, Zoe Jackson.

As their prize, the winning band – made up of students Liam McNaught, Will Plunkett, Chloe Moyle, Dan Chettoe, Leoni Jane Kennedy and Max Weilding – performed at Pearson’s BTEC Awards ceremony, at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster.

Band member Leoni Jane Kennedy, who composed the song SIXX performed, said: “We are so excited to travel to London and perform at the national BTEC awards.

“To be chosen to entertain teachers, students, performers and professionals from all over England is such a great honour. We just couldn’t wait to take to the stage.”

International learners publish a book on their stories of home

A group of international students at Derby College have written a book about their memories of home for a local book festival.

The group of 28, who all study the college’s Lexis intensive language programme, officially launched their book, entitled ‘Stories from Home, Journeys of Hope’, at the third annual Derby Book Festival.

Three of the students whose stories are featured in the book, read out extracts at the launch, including 18-year-old Silvania Teixeria (pictured left), who shared a tale of being attacked by a dog near to the Cape Verdean village where she grew up.

The Derby Book Festival has now officially published the students’ book, which is on sale for £3, and has been illustrated by art and design students at Derby College.

Derby College’s chief executive, Mandie Stravino, said: “We are extremely proud of our students who have worked incredibly hard to produce this book – sharing personal experiences in life which have had a profound impact on them.

“The Lexis students arrived in the UK at various intervals during the last few years. Many have little prior knowledge of English and a few had had no previous formal education.”

Animal care students run cattery for homeless felines

A college offering animal care courses has teamed up with a national pet charity to open a cattery for homeless cats.

Construction of the new facility at Moreton Morrell College was paid for by pet charity Blue Cross and it will house the stray felines until a new home can be found for them.

Jade Fox with George

The charity also provided training for staff at the college, after approaching them with the idea of opening a rehoming centre due to a gap in their coverage of the Warwick region.

Cats will stay in five double pens, with students on the college’s animal care and management courses caring for them under the supervision of their tutors.

Katie Macalister, a regional rehoming network manager at Blue Cross, said: “Our partnerships with colleges give homeless cats the best chance of finding a new home, while helping students gain first-hand experience of looking after animals. So it really is win-win for all of us – including the cats!”

Level three animal management student Jade Fox added: “It’s great having cats at the college. Helping them gives us the opportunity to put into practice everything that we are learning on our course.”

Manchester United’s class of ’92 launch football programme with Trafford College

A new programme launched by Trafford College and Salford City FC will allow the UK’s top young footballers to pursue a professional career in the game while gaining qualifications along the way, reports Samantha King

Twenty-one aspiring footballers have been selected to take part in Academy 92, an initiative founded by Salford City FC, which is owned by Manchester United’s famous ‘class of ‘92’ players Phil Neville, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

The programme will combine coaching and practical football training with further education – with youngsters spending at least two days a week at Trafford College studying for a level three diploma in sports science, alongside an additional A-level depending on the GCSE grades they achieve.

The principal of Trafford College, Lesley Davies OBE explained: “For those young players that have the right entry qualifications and want to do more, we will make sure they can undertake an additional A-level, so that will give them a three A-level equivalent should they want to go on to university in the future. If there are players that need English and maths retakes, we will also provide that.

“We’ve got a view of what we believe their attainment will be from their schools this year, but we will tailor the programme to meet the needs of each individual.”

The group of 16- to 18-year-olds will study at the college for two years, and can undertake training in areas such as hospitality, business, media and literacy, with specialist staff from Academy 92 delivering football training at a nearby facility.

Davies highlighted the importance of providing a career safety net in the scheme, adding: “Should the students, for any reason, be unable to follow their career aspiration to be a professional footballer, this will give them a safety net of an alternative career.

“It’s great if you make it, but if you don’t, it gives you the skills and sound education base to go onto something else.”

The first cohort of youngsters, who have been selected from across the UK, signed their official contracts at a recent launch event at Trafford College, attended by former United players Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. The scheme will begin after the summer.

Gary Neville, who spent his entire footballing career playing for United, said: “The football industry is a challenging one which can see players’ careers end prematurely. We have teamed up with Trafford College because our beliefs and ethos are the same.

“Their approach is innovative, exciting and they clearly want the best for their students, as do we.

“Our academy graduates will leave in two years and they may go onto university, have successful playing careers, work within the sports industry, coach or even go into the business sector. Whatever they decide the best option is, they will be prepared and ready to take on that challenge.”

Milton visits first FE college since becoming minister

A college in the midst of completing a three-way merger was chosen by Anne Milton as her first FE provider to visit since she became skills minister.

Ms Milton (pictured above right), who replaced Robert Halfon after a shock sacking last month, was given a tour last week of Surrey-based Carshalton College – which is due to merge with Kingston College and South Thames College on August 1 and will thereafter be known as The South Thames Colleges Group.

During her maiden speech as skills minister last week at the Association of Employment and Learning Providers conference, Ms Milton insisted that she would “listen and take notice” of what the sector had to say. So far this is her visit to a provider.

She met with groups of apprentices, supported learners, and engaged in discussions with local businesses about their work to boost skills in the area.

She also spoke at length with principal Peter Mayhew-Smith about the college’s personable activities, including its merger, as well as the pressure FE colleges are finding themselves under currently with the sector-wide reforms being introduced such as T-levels and the apprenticeship levy.

Ms Milton said afterwards: “What a fantastic first visit and it was a great chance to meet apprentices in action.

“It was also good to see the college working so well with local businesses and the NHS who clearly understand what an apprentice can bring to the work they do.

“I would love to see more people thinking about becoming an apprentice to get the skills they need for a successful career – it’s a great way to earn while you learn.”

The minister took a tour of the college’s Technology, Engineering and Construction Centre with Mr Mayhew-Smith and met construction apprentices, and supported learners.

“We were delighted to welcome minister Anne Milton on her first official College visit,” Mr Mayhew-Smith said.

Speaking to FE Week after the visit, the principal of the grade three Ofsted-rated college, which was allocated over £3.7 million in government skills contracts as at March 2017, added that the minister was well-informed and very personable, “taking an interest in the work being done right around the college at every level”.

“Her questioning around our merger, the pressures we’re under and the optimism we’re trying to feel for qualification reform and the apprenticeship levy was accurate and insightful.

“She was very interested in how businesses are trying to respond to the various challenges around at the moment. I’m looking forward to seeing how she delivers.”

FE Week asked the Department for Education for details of what other visits to FE providers Ms Milton has lined up, but the department said it could not give out the minister’s diary ahead of time.

Has Ms Milton visited a college near you? If so, get in touch!

 

Main image: From left: Supported learning tutor Beverley Kinsey, supported learner Jade Potter, aged 22, and Anne Milton

Movers and Shakers: Edition 215

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

Steve Hearty is the new director of apprenticeships and standards at the Construction Industry Training Board.

The CITB is a partner in the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry across England, Scotland and Wales, working closely with industry to ensure high standards and fully qualified workers.

In the new role – which has been created in anticipation of an expansion in apprenticeship and services work – Mr Hearty will regularly meet with the Department for Education to ensure that both the government and employers have the information they need to create a T-level for construction.

His role will also see him developing construction qualifications and career pathways in Scotland and Wales.

Mr Hearty said: “I’m delighted to start my new role, and I am looking forward to working with the industry and government across the three nations to ensure the delivery of high-quality construction apprenticeships.

“I’ll be focusing on building a strong relationship with the Institute for Apprenticeships and will work collaboratively in developing the new employer-designed standards.”

 Mr Hearty began in the role on July 1.

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Angela Foulkes has been appointed principal of the Sheffield College.

Currently the vice-principal for curriculum and support at the Manchester College, she will take up her new post on September 4.

Ms Foulkes has 25 years’ experience in the further education sector, holding senior leadership roles in a range of London colleges and as vice principal at Barnsley College.

Prior to this, she taught English for several years before leading a team focussed on adult education in London.

Ms Foulkes says her priority in the new role is to “strengthen the curriculum offer”.

“I am thrilled to take up this exciting role in a city that I greatly admire and am proud to be part of, and where I already have very strong ties,” she said.

She will take over the role from current principal Heather Smith, who is retiring after 33 years working at the college.

Paul Corcoran, chief executive of the Sheffield College, said: “Angela brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise as we progress with investment in teaching and learning, and strongly position the college to respond to national changes in vocational education, training and skills.”

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The UK’s only specialist further education construction college, Leeds College of Building, has appointed Ian Hirst as faculty director of construction crafts.

Mr Hirst previously led the craft, construction and engineering department at Oldham College, before joining Greater Manchester University Technical College as assistant principal for teaching and learning.

In his new role, he will oversee courses including bricklaying, painting and decorating, roof slating and wood occupations, as well as heading up the college’s 14-to-16 skills academy, which offers local schools construction-related programmes and qualifications.

He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 years working in construction education and felt the time was right to move to the next level. Leeds College of Building is where I aspired to work, because it’s the recognised leader when it comes to best practice in construction training and education.

“We’re already building on our relationships with local schools across the region by launching a new week-long work experience programme for pupils.”

 

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

Most eligible employers not yet on levy system

Less than half of the employers eligible to register on the government’s apprenticeship system had done so by the end of May this year, new government statistics suggest.

A total of 8,200 accounts were registered by May 31, according to figures published for the first time by the Department for Education on July 6.

But figures published by the DfE last August estimated that 19,150 companies – which represent just 1.3 per cent of all employers – would be eligible to pay the apprenticeship levy.

This suggests as many as 11,000 large employers have yet to sign up with the online service that enables them to spend their levy funds.

March was the most popular month for registering for an apprenticeship services account this year, with 3,390 accounts set up, followed by 2,060 in April.

When FE Week asked whether the Department for Education was happy with the progress and if it would be doing anything to try to encourage more employers to sign up, a spokesperson said: “We have been working hard to support employers, and our records show they are engaged and ready to use their funds to invest in quality training for apprentices.

“Currently nearly 90 per cent of top levy paying employers have registered to the apprenticeship service.”

Mark Dawe, the chief executive of the AELP, said the figures fitted with what he had been hearing from providers about their conversations with employers.

“Levy payers have two years to spend their money and some are carefully considering what their mix of apprenticeship training should be, whether via recruitment or training up existing members of staff and at what levels,” he told FE Week.

“There is still a big job to do for providers as the government’s salesforce for apprenticeships to explain to a significant number of employers the benefits of using their levy funding and a key message is that Brexit means investment in skills via apprenticeships is more important than ever.”

The latest DfE figures also showed that employers had made 5,200 commitments to deliver apprenticeships on the apprenticeship service by May 31, while a huge 4,190 of these planned to start delivery that month.

A further 600 commitments were made with June as the training start date, and 250 for July.

The numbers dropped to single figures for August and September.

Speaking at the AELP 2017 conference on June 26, Keith Smith, director of funding and programmes at the Education and Skills Funding Agency, praised the work of his department for simply getting the apprenticeship service up and running.

“The first question is ‘how many people in the room lost money betting that the system wasn’t going to be ready on time?’ So, that was a huge achievement for us,” he said.

“A year ago I came and spoke at this very conference, put this very slide, and said this is what the service was going to encompass, this is what we’re going to stand up for levy paying employers, and importantly change the way that you guys interact with the system and the service.

“This is what we’ve done, and this is what we’ve achieved. So we’ve delivered it pretty much to the letter.”