The launch of the government’s recent post-16 white paper and the accompanying promise of an extra £800 million investment in FE marks a long overdue commitment from policymakers to support post-16 education providers in delivering a skilled workforce that meets changing labour market demands.
The white paper recognises the importance of upskilling and supporting staff to harness the benefits of digital technology in teaching and learning. But while it is clear that many staff across FE are already using digital technologies competently, skills gaps do still exist. There is work to be done to improve digital literacy and capability across the sector.
For this reason, the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Jisc and the Association of Colleges (AoC) could not have come at a better time.
It renews our joint commitment to driving forward digital transformation and supports high quality digital leadership across colleges,
Developed in response to the sector’s evolving challenges, this collaborative approach will focus on strengthening cyber resilience, delivering data driven solutions and providing advice, guidance and training for the effective, ethical and secure adoption of AI. The partnership will also serve to provide support to colleges to enhance business efficiencies.
The MoU outlines a shared vision of digital excellence for the FE and skills sector, highlighting the vital role played by leaders to support a culture of innovation and development in areas such as AI, placing the sector firmly at the forefront of ambitions to reform post-16 education.
Jisc’s ‘Leading AI in Colleges’ strategic framework, launched today at this year’s AoC conference, supports this approach and is an essential resource for FE leaders looking to develop responsible AI governance, effectively adopt AI tools and prepare students for an AI-infused future.
Collaboration at the heart
The white paper offers an opportunity for us to unify behind a collective consultative response to deliver on the government’s reform ambition of developing a skilled workforce and to break down barriers to opportunity.
As we move forward, collaboration within and across the wider post-16 landscape will be vital. A recent example of how collective action can drive positive change is the launch of Digital Transformation in FE: A roadmap for action, a project Jisc and AoC have collaborated on with UFI to enhance the use of vocational technology in FE colleges.
The white paper advocates for best practice which can be replicated across institutions, and Jisc’s AI pilot programme is one of many existing examples that can be scaled for use by FE colleges. It is a clear illustration of how partnership between education and industry can drive positive change.
The future of FE
FE is at the forefront of the government’s ambitions for the reform of post-16 education. But when it comes to digital, barriers such as effective digital infrastructure, technical debt and skills gaps for both students and staff can limit the sector’s potential.
A coordinated alliance between government, industry and sector organisations that supports post-16 providers to upskill staff in digital competencies, improve productivity and enhance teaching quality would deliver a sustainable approach to drive forward recommendations outlined within the white paper.
Recent years have truly highlighted FE’s ability to be adaptable, resilient and innovative through change and reform. Now is the time for the sector to showcase the power of its strategic leadership and influence through seizing opportunities to share technological resources, skills and expertise while fostering collaboration across key stakeholders, placing FE at the heart of the future of learning and skills.
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