As the end of 2012 draws near, it’s a good time to reflect on what has been a challenging year for the sector as we look ahead to 2013. It’s certainly been a year of transition; with Michael Gove’s proposed E-Bacc countered by Labour’s suggested Tech-Bacc, funding and policy changes, the outcomes of several Apprenticeship reviews and the ongoing issue of employment outcomes for the FE sector.
At NCFE, we’re looking to the future. Coalition policy is based around stimulating the economy to achieve growth through employment, spearheaded by apprenticeships and employability skills – this is a focus very much aligned to our own. We’ll continue to expand our range of employability related qualifications, whilst growing our Apprenticeship portfolio.
We’ll also be working with a number of colleges through our innovative REED NCFE Partnership. This is a new initiative for 2012 which places colleges at the heart of the jobs market, positioning them not just as places of learning but as focused and effective recruitment centres for the local business sector. Many colleges are already experiencing the benefits of this tailored service which offers employment consultation, job brokerage, careers advice, work experience and bespoke Job Search and Interview Skills qualifications.
Our core purpose at NCFE is to provide opportunities for success for learners, helping them to fulfil their potential and improving their prospects. That’s why we’ll be continuing to support the Helena Kennedy Foundation – a charity which aims to overcome social injustice by providing financial bursaries, mentoring and support to disadvantaged students from the further and adult education sectors. These bursaries enable the learners to complete their studies in higher education and successfully move into employment.
Looking back at our charitable endeavours this year, it’s great to see what we’ve managed to raise for a whole host of worthy causes! Our team donned taches for Movember, battled a 12 mile obstacle course complete with freezing water and electric shocks in aid of Help for Heroes, dressed in double, treble and quadruple denim for Jeans for Genes Day, hosted a vintage tea party to raise funds for gynaecology cancer research and much more! I’m proud of our fundraising achievements and eagerly anticipate taking part in more weird and wonderful activities in 2013 (all in the name of charity!)
Overall, we look forward to taking on the challenges that 2013 presents and working closely with you to support you through these times. I hope you have a warm Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Best Wishes
David Grailey
