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13 April 2026

Tag: Skills Bill

The skills bill’s ambition cannot become reality without colleges

Royal assent for the bill moves the country closer to an employer-led skills system, but it can’t happen without providers on the ground, writes Alex Burghart Never in my lifetime have I known an economy so hungry for skills. There are 1.3 million vacancies out there. This is for many reasons, but the obvious ones […]

One bill was never going to solve our skills challenge

A long-term cultural shift is needed – so after the bill, we need a ten-year plan, writes Stephen Evans The skills bill is nearing the end of its journey through parliament and will soon become law. Where does this leave us? The purpose of the bill is to make legal changes to enact parts of […]

The skills bill could have been so much better

Both Labour and Conservative voices have been ignored by the government, writes Toby Perkins After the government blocked no fewer than 32 amendments to the skills bill, education secretary Nadhim Zahawi said it “will leave this place in a much improved state”. I have to disagree. It was weakened, and the skills bill could have […]

The real revolution in the white paper was taking teaching seriously

Without high-quality teaching, solving the skills challenge is just a pipedream, writes David Russell Last week saw a range of sector leaders give their expert analysis in FE Week on the Skills for Jobs white paper, exactly one year on. The tone ranged from raging enthusiasm, through cautious optimism to disappointment at lack of progress.  […]

The FE white paper has galvanised support for the sector

The government still needs a national strategy but there are positive signs, writes David Hughes A year on from the publication of the Skills For jobs white paper is a good time to reflect on any progress made since. At the time, I was one of many who welcomed the white paper because it affirmed […]

The white paper was promising – but why are ITPs still fighting for recognition?

Research out next month will prove the value of independent training providers, writes Jane Hickie The past year saw significant challenges for learners, employers and training providers as Covid continued to affect us all. But the Skills For Jobs white paper, whose anniversary it is this week, offered an excellent opportunity for the sector to […]

The skills bill is the blueprint for transforming the country

Apprenticeships are extraordinarily popular – and more progress is being made from the skills bill, writes Alex Burghart Skills lie at the heart of levelling up. Skills will help people drive their careers forward. Skills will help towns and cities attract and nourish new businesses and developments. Skills will help the economy thrive and public […]

The FE Week Podcast: Reaching net zero, careers guidance and research in FE

This week Shane is joined by college principal Ian Pryce and the chief operating officer of an independent training provider, Nicki Hay, to discuss the biggest stories. How should providers respond to climate change in the run up to COP26? Is anything actually going to be done about careers guidance, even with a Skills Bill […]