Blog posts for tag:qualifications

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UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey 2011

By Nicola Hughes, Communications Leader, Monday 06 August 2012

Nicola Hughes

We’ve all seen headlines about the state of the labour market, and the lack of opportunity for those out of work. Adding to that debate is the recently published UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey 2011 which allows employers to voice their concerns and give their perspective.  The survey  is the result of over 74,000 interviews carried out by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) with employers in England throughout 2011.   Although the report is very detailed it does contain some interesting nuggets regarding the state of the skills system and how this contributes to employment in England.

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Funding changes – hiding the wiring?

By Lindsay Plumpton, Communications Leader, Thursday 26 July 2012

Lindsay Plumpton

You will have seen in recent weeks the usual media coverage of challenges facing the education sector in the UK; Michael Gove’s numerous announcements, comments regarding the merit of some of the qualifications on offer and changes to the funding system.   The most recent of these was the Education Funding Agency’s 16-19 Funding Formula Review published earlier this month.  The review outlines how the Department for Education and the Education Funding Agency (EFA) plans to fund 16-19 year old students from September 2013, with all full time programmes to be funded at a single funding rate per student, per year.   

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Exams getting easier? What about Functional Skills?

By Nicola Hughes, Communications Leader, Monday 23 July 2012

Nicola Hughes

It’s difficult to ignore the recent headlines referring to the ‘race to the bottom’, and the lowering of standards in education. The sector has seen heavy criticism over the last few weeks for syllabuses being too accessible and qualifications too achievable. The assertion is that organisations ‘shop around’ for the easiest courses to deliver, allowing them to appear higher in the league tables.  

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Raising awareness of Vocational Qualifications

By Lindsay Plumpton, Communications Leader, Tuesday 19 June 2012

Lindsay Plumpton

The 5th Annual VQ Day is taking place tomorrow (Wednesday 20 June 2012) celebrating the success of learners, colleges, training providers and employers achievements when it comes to vocational qualifications.Today there is much more innovation being brought to the area of vocational qualifications helping to prepare learners more for the work place and making sure they are work ready when they achieve their chosen qualification.Looking more broadly, we can see it being used to persuade young people that the vocational route can be a sensible and viable alternative to Higher Education.And by signposting a clear career progression through the vocational route, are we able to give learners the confidence they need, showing them that they can enjoy success? It’s all about high quality courses leading to proven employability and genuine opportunities. Isn’t it?!  

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