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Further Education is "crucial" and must be protected

By , Thursday 18 February 2016

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has voiced his support for lifelong learning and the vital role that Further Education colleges play in this. Speaking at the University and College Union’s (UCU) Cradle to Grave conference, Mr Corbyn highlighted the necessity of access to education at any age, in a time when the UK faces a troubling skills gap crisis.

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Survey reveals significant skills gap

By , Thursday 18 February 2016

The results of the UK Employer Skills Survey 2015 were recently published, shedding light on the extent of the skills gap the UK is currently facing – a quarter of vacancies are unfilled due to a shortage of people with the required skills. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) survey reveals how significant the nation’s skills gap is, which is surprising given the still problematic levels of unemployment in the UK. Over 90,000 employers were surveyed, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

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Keep learners at the heart of area reviews

By Andrew Gladstone-Heighton, Policy Leader, Thursday 18 February 2016

Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

The National Union of Students launched its #FEunplugged campaign on 29 January, with the aim of making sure that the learner’s voice is heard in the area review process. This builds on growing concerns in the sector that the area review process is being pushed through without due consideration for the institutions it will affect.

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Moving on up

By , Thursday 18 February 2016

A recent report, Changing Patterns in Vocational Entry Qualifications, Student Support and Outcomes in Undergraduate Degree Programmes by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), identified that students with vocational qualifications didn’t possess the academic study skills developed by A Level students. The reason for the study was to analyse how well students with vocational qualifications are prepared for, and supported in, their studies at Higher Education. It explains that the range of qualifications available to 16 to 18-year-old students has grown considerably, raising the question of how well different qualification types prepare students for studies in Higher Education. There’s been an increased focus on 16 to 18-year-olds’ progression into education and employment, and particularly on Apprenticeships as the government aims for its target of 3m Apprenticeship starts by 2020.

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Will Apprenticeships measures put Public Sector employment at risk?

By Andrew Gladstone-Heighton, Policy Leader, Tuesday 16 February 2016

Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

This month saw the publication of the Institute for Fiscal Studies’ (IFS) Green Budget. The report looks at the issues and challenges facing the Chancellor as he prepares for his Budget in March. The study has highlighted the risks threatening the government’s spending plans, including how key aspects of the Apprenticeship reform programme, intended to create growth and increase productivity, may actually challenge it.

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