FE Week E128

2015·6.8 MB·English

Award-winning journalism from the only newspaper dedicated to further education and skills FEWEEK.CO.UK | MONDAY,FEBRUARY 23, 2015 | EDITION 128
Lep guidance Page 2 Parties & work Morgan’s make Page 13
fall-out experience or break report
Page 8
Hannah and Joe make song
and dance of competition
Richard Huish College students Hannah
Deason-Barrow and Joe Robinson wiped the
boards at a local young music theatre singer
competition, coming first and second.
The competition, held at Taunton School,
was part of Taunton Festival of the Arts and
was aimed at 14 to 18-year-olds.
Hannah, aged 17, sang I’ll Be Here from
Ordinary Days and They Just Keep Moving The
Line from Smash. Joe, 18, sang Master of the
House from Les Misérable, Leaning on a Lamp
Post from Me and My Girl and Mr Cellophane
from Chicago.
Hannah said: “I was over the moon that I
won. Musical theatre is definitely what I want
to do in the future.”
Award-winning singers Hannah Joe said: “It was a confidence booster and
Deason-Barrow and Joe Robinson
reassurance that I can do it.”
Government scraps ‘deterrent’ apprentice rule
@fcdwhittaker to Parliamentary process the modification “It’s a great pity that it took an expensive meet the requirements of the framework that
[email protected] will come into effect on April 6. This change judicial review to force this change. The five- they are on.
will further simplify the apprenticeship year rule has put off well into the hundreds. “The SFA will inform providers when the
A controversial five-year rule that has put rules for employers, training providers and Not to mention all those who have not been new regulations will apply but we are hoping
off “hundreds” of potential apprentices by learners.” put off, but have had to endure the stress and there will be a transition period.
forcing them to re-sit GCSEs they already It comes after Business Secretary wasted time of achieving qualifications twice. “Once these new regulations apply, then
have is to be scrapped. Vince Cable said in December that he “However, the battle is not yet over. apprentices that have an old GCSE will
New apprenticeship frameworks written had approved plans to scrap the rule Changing Sase makes changes to already comply with the requirements of
after April 6 will no longer include the rule, “in principle”, following threats of legal apprenticeship frameworks possible, but it the Sase but they may still have a need to
which meant learners with English or maths action by independent learning provider does not automatically make them happen. improve their English and or maths.”
GCSEs achieved more than five years before PBDevelopment. It had launched judicial “What the early years sector now needs, Teresa Frith, senior skills policy manager
enrolment would have to re-sit them or take review proceedings, but they never made it urgently, is a retrospective amendment to for the Association of Colleges (AoC), said:
equivalent Functional Skills qualifications. to court. the framework so that people with older “While this may encourage more people
The Department for Business, Innovation And the rule had been especially unpopular qualifications are not obliged to retake them to consider apprenticeships, it could also
and Skills (BIS) confirmed it had removed the among early years training providers such just to get through an apprenticeship.” encourage employers to take on people
rule — in place since 2009 — from the latest as PBDevelopment, because the new early Stewart Segal, chief executive of the who already have good English and maths
version of the specification of apprenticeship years educator (EYE) framework, released Association of Employment and Learning qualifications as they will require less
standards for England (Sase), but individual last August, did not allow Functional Skills as Providers, said: “The rules have not yet study time. This could result in limiting
frameworks will need to be amended to reflect an alternative, meaning learners with older changed for new starts. This means that if opportunities for those who’ve not achieved
the change. qualifications could only retake GCSEs. an apprentice starts today and their GCSEs higher grades.”
A BIS spokesperson told FE Week: “Subject PBDevelopment director Ross Midgley said: are more than five years old they still have to See editor’s comment on page 8
FE Week Annual Apprenticeship
Conference and Exhibition 2015
THE FLAGSHIP CONFERENCE OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK DON’T DELAY BOOK TODAY
DATE:March 9 to 10, 2015 VENUE: Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, London
For more information and to register visit feweekaac2015.co.uk
2 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015
Edition 128 NEWS FE WEEK News in brief
ESF delay goes on

FUNDING FEARS AS LEPS DOCUMENT
FE WEEK team A delay in agreeing cash for European Social
REVEALS ‘RELATIONSHIP’ REQUIREMENT Fund (ESF) projects to help unemployed
people into work is set to continue.
Editor: Chris Henwood
Concerns have been raised that a delay
Head designer: Nicky Phillips @fcdwhittaker chooses to fund other local priorities, such as in an agreement on ESF programmes could
[email protected] roads or buses.”
Designer: Rob Galt leave providers unable to continue running
The release of the document comes after
Sub editor: Paul Offord the courses, as previously reported in FE
Colleges could lose out on funding if local Ofsted’s annual report on FE and skills for
Week.
Reporters: Freddie Whittaker
enterprise partnerships (Leps) don’t engage 2013/14 raised concerns that Leps were “not A European Commission spokesperson
Rebecca Cooney with them, Association of Colleges chief collaborating sufficiently to ensure that was unable to give a date when the agreement
Billy Camden executive Martin Doel has warned after vocational training is planned to help reduce would be reached and told FE Week the
Photographer: Ellis O’Brien the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) published skills shortages”. process was “ongoing”.
new guidance. In 2012, an AoC report set out the “need to
Financials: Helen Neilly
In a document entitled Local Enterprise improve the conditions for more meaningful Online forum launches
Victoria Boyle
Partnerships: increasing their influence on engagement” between Leps and colleges after
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has
Sales manager: Hannah Smith
skills budgets, the SFA said future funding it identified issues in the first year of the new
launched an online Q&A forum on the
Sales executive: Negar Sharifi agreements would require colleges to organisations’ existence. But last year, Mr
new funding rates and formula for 2015/16
Jasmin Fergus-Aghamiri demonstrate a relationship with their Lep. Doel told FE Week that “all but two” of the published this month.
Administration: Frances Ogefere Dell It also says that Leps will get a say in how Leps were now engaged with local colleges. The forum, on feconnect, ends Friday
additional growth funding is allocated. Nevertheless, as well as encouraging Lep (February 27). An SFA spokesperson said:
But Mr Doel warned that colleges that had representatives to join governing boards in “Nick Ayton and members of the SFA’s
Contributors: Secret Principal
tried and failed to engage with Leps because of their areas, the SFA document also invites Funding Rates and Calculations team will be
Ian Clinton
a lack of interest from the Leps could lose out Lep input into the SFA’s review and allocation responding to posts in this forum.”
Lady Morgan on funding. He said: “It is well recognised that process for underspends. Leps will also be Email [email protected] for information
Mick Fletcher the capacity of Leps to engage in this activity asked to assist and support procurement on feconnect and email [email protected].
is variable as is their level of interest, despite activities, it says. gov.uk or phone [phone] for information
Managing director: Shane Mann the determined effort of colleges to engage. South East Midlands Lep chair Dr Ann on funding rates.
And tweet us your thoughts @feweek or “It is also important to ensure that this work Limb (pictured), speaking on behalf of the LEP Firms make NAW pledge
does not develop into an overly bureaucratic Network Management Board, welcomed the
with the #feweek
More than 50 firms have made
exercise that consumes scarce resources in document and the powers it laid out for Leps.
apprenticeship pledges in the run-up to
detailed planning that is a poor fit for the She said “This report is both welcome and
Contact the editor National Apprenticeship Week.
complex, multi-layered and rapidly changing timely. It clarifies in detail the helpful role
Please inform the FE Week editor of any The week, which runs from March 9, is
needs of a modern economy at the local, sub- SFA can play at both national and local levels
errors or issues of concern regarding this being boosted by a pledgeometer — and a
publication. regional, regional and national levels; colleges in ensuring employers skills needs are met.
total of 53 firms had so far pledged to take on
have a role to play at all of these levels and “It offers an overarching framework which
apprentices at the time of going to press.
Email [email protected] with work with many stakeholders and to should encourage consistency of delivery
A National Apprenticeship Service
Error/Concern in the subject line.
many other imperatives as well as with opportunities for local flexibility and
Please include the page number and story spokesperson said: “Businesses can include
Leps. innovation. It will guide Leps in their
headline, and explain what the problem is. any apprentices they intend to recruit up
“However, colleges should not be discussions with FE colleges and training to December 31, 2015, within their pledge.
punished financially because their providers in setting local economic and Last year, we received more than 20,000
subscribe
Lep does not engage with them, or skills priorities.” apprenticeships pledges.”
because the Lep identifies and See pages 6 and 7 for more on Leps Visit nas.apprenticeships.org.uk to pledge.
For an annual subscription to FE Week for
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Commissioner visits first two local authority providers
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By Rebecca Cooney & Paul Offord
ADVERTISE WITH US [email protected] College denies it could ‘run out of cash’
If you are interested in placing a product or
The FE Commissioner has made his first two Lewisham Southwark College has denied it by FE Commissioner Dr David Collins to have
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the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page on visits to inspect local authority provision, FE could “run out of cash” by the end of the year. had its estate, or planned estate, come into
feweek.co.uk or contact: Week can reveal. Chief executive Ioan Morgan, who stood down question.
E: [email protected] Dr David Collins visited Lancashire Adult as interim principal last month, told FE Week The sale of a site at debt-ridden West Cheshire
T: 020 81234 778 Learning (LAL), run by Lancashire County there was “no question” the warning, issued College to balance the books was put forward
Council, and Warrington Borough Council by a financial adviser and reported in college by Dr Collins, while cash-strapped New
Disclaimer last month to review adult learning after minutes, would come true. College Nottingham (NCN) has shelved plans to
grade four Ofsted inspection results. It came despite the reported £14.5m sale of contribute to a £30m Skills Hub in the city.
FE Week is owned and published by Lsect Ltd. The views
expressed within the publication are those of the authors The commissioner’s powers of intervention part of the grade four college’s Waterloo site, in Principal Dawn Whitemore said: “We have a
named, and are not necessarily those of FE Week, Lsect Ltd or extend to FE corporations, designated Southwark, to developers with outline planning challenging financial position and we will not be
any of its employees. While we try to ensure that the information
we provide is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot institutions, and local authority-maintained permission for 44 new homes. able to commit financially to the project while
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should not be reproduced without prior permission. If you He visited LAL after the education of senior management posts has not been that the necessary improvements are quickly
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Please address any complaints to the editor. We are fully have declined over the last three years officials, but declined to comment further. Meanwhile, Dr Collins has also made visits
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Practice. If you have a complaint which cannot be resolved by from very high levels to around national Warrington’s Ofsted report, also published to several more colleges in recent weeks.
the editor, write to the Press Complaints Commission, Halton averages.” in December and dropping the provider down City College Brighton and Hove was visited
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Following the Ofsted report, the principal from a good rating, found “key procedures over financial concerns, as was New College
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August and the Ofsted report noted “the loss monitored by senior management to ensure financial concerns.
FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 128 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 3
NEWS
Key findings on FE and skills
‘More resources’ defence to digital criticism
from the Lords committee
• Further education will play a key role in
@fcdwhittaker forging these links, and they would like to do like schools have a critical role to play in developing high-level digital skills
[email protected] more. However, this requires more businesses developing the use of digital technology as • Evidence showed that FE colleges were
to be willing to develop staff training that a pedagogical tool and to encourage career already well-placed to link local people with
The Association of Colleges (AoC) has reflects industry practice and that might be pathways for both genders into engineering training and jobs, but provision is patchy,
defended its members’ efforts to meet business provided by, and within, the college.” and the myriad of industries now highly unresponsive and not meeting employer
needs for a digitally skilled workforce after His insistence that colleges were working dependent on digital — for example media and needs
a group of Peers said provision was “patchy, to fill the skills gap has been backed up by FE journalism. • There is an urgent requirement for
unresponsive and not meeting employer technology experts and sector leaders. “All this needs appropriate investment in comprehensive industry input into the
needs”. Bob Harrison (pictured below right), a IT and digital infrastructure and we would further education system. The Government
Matt Dean (pictured below), AoC technology member of the Further Education Learning welcome any move to ensure colleges have should encourage strong partnerships
policy manager, hit back at the House of Lords Technology Action Group (Feltag), said: “I the platforms and connectivity to respond between industry and colleges. Training
digital skills committee’s latest report, Make think the FE sector has already decided it to whatever new technology emerges in the delivery must be revamped. Further
or Break: The UK’s digital future. needs to sort itself out, and it is nice to have coming years.” education colleges need to move up a
The report further said: “FE colleges need to the weight of the House of Lords behind it, Stewart Segal, chief executive of the gear and provide industry-designed and
move up a gear and provide industry-designed but I would say that the time for reports has Association of Employment and Learning endorsed short courses that are going to
and endorsed short courses that are going to passed, and it is now time for action.” Providers, said: “Apprenticeships in the lead to a job
lead to a job.” Education Foundation co-founder Ian digital sector were one of the first standards to • Skills funding is not presently targeted
But Mr Dean said government and Fordham, who co-authored November’s be developed in the Trailblazers and training sufficiently to improve the capacity of the
businesses needed to act to fill the skills gap, Digital Colleges: The Journey So Far report, providers have been involved in the process. UK’s workforce and grow its economy.
claiming colleges needed more resources and said: “A systemic challenge needs joined up “And with the taking forward of the Feltag Provision is cumbersome and slow to adapt
more input from employers. solutions. As our report showed, far from report, we believe that there will be growth in • Over recent years there has been a
He said: “The report rightly highlights that colleges sitting in the trenches, many are the number and quality of apprenticeships in decline in the number of apprenticeships
there is some excellent provision of education now the ‘digital warriors’ — pioneering this sector at all ages over the next five years.” taken up across all subjects. In England
and services in colleges to help prepare young new approaches to learning and responding However, David Hughes, chief executive apprenticeship starts across the board in
people and adults for the world of work. directly to industry needs. of the National Institute of Adult Continuing 2013/14 had fallen by 13.7 per cent from
“But for this to be more widespread, there “The authors have rightly laid the gauntlet Education, called for more recognition of the the previous year. Apprenticeship starts in
needs to be more support from government, down to colleges, but also aims its lifelong needs for digital skills rather than a ICT fell from 19,520 in 2010/11 to 14,120
funding agencies, regulators and fire at schools, universities “narrow focus on young people in schools, in 2012/13; and dropped again to 13,060 in
awarding bodies; for example, in and government to take colleges and universities”. 2013/14
streamlining the accreditation steps to turn Britain into a The Department for Business, • There is no evidence that apprenticeship
of new qualifications to meet the digital nation.” Innovation and Skills declined numbers are yet anywhere near meeting the
requirements of digital industries. Sixth Form Colleges’ to comment. ambitions of the scheme. In fact, witnesses
“Colleges already work with a large Association chief executive agreed that the number of apprenticeships,
See page 13 for an expert piece by digital
number of employers, because they David Igoe said: “Sixth particularly high-level apprenticeships, was
skills committee chair Lady Morgan
recognise the importance of form colleges, far below what the economy needed
FELTAG REVIEW SAYS LEADERS HAVE
POWER TO ‘MAKE TECH HAPPEN’
FULFIL
@rebeccaKcooney recommendation was “more of a vague target” am bitions
[email protected] than a requirement, saying the government
had reviewed the recommendation “in the
Further education leaders must be at light of concerns raised about setting a target
the forefront of improving technology without first testing the impact”.
use in the sector and implementing the It added it was carrying out a “temperature
recommendations of the Further Education check” on current online delivery levels
Learning Technology Action Group (Feltag), which, along with the 2014/15 ILR data
the government has said. returns, it would use to make future funding
anTdh Sek Dilelsp (aBrItSm)e pnutb floirs hBeuds ainne ussp,d Iantneo ovna tion poIlnictyr.oducing the update, Mr Boles said WITH OUR ACTIVE PATHWAY
progress made the sector in the six months government would remain “engaged” with the
since it published its response to the Feltag process. But, he added: “It is for the FE sector
report, which came out in February last year. to shape how technology is best used to deliver
The update, published on February 13, said: the most efficient and effective learning The new Active IQ Level 3 Designed in
“The level of engagement by providers and outcomes.”
Diploma in Physical Activity, collaboration with
individuals has been very encouraging and The report also called for investment in
Fitness and Exercise Science active leisure
shows no signs of abating.” technological infrastructure said almost 100
(Tech Level) will equip students
employers and
It added: “Many colleges and providers colleges had taken up the offer of BIS funding
with the level of knowledge,
are realigning their teaching and learning to upgrade their systems. training providers, this
skill and competence they need
strategies accordingly, but there is more to do Feltag also recommended Ofsted scrutinise qualification will open
to turn their dreams into reality.
and it will be the leadership in the sector that providers’ use of technology in the classroom
doors to opportunities
will make it happen.” as part of its inspections. However, the update
pFanroTodugh nirtedas aum wtpimoodrnaekt (fe Erw poTimotFhi n) t,tht eaeecnd hE dtn dodo utelhcoliaegvt yleie orcanehrd ana rbniinydtg y GT fJaruiaztseiucnlr lieens, g smrtraeaeciditonh mOionmfdsgste eaondnfd dtwae gtaaiucso hin“dia antghngnac, oteb si ufttoi tsc rih” tio nahusbalpoddeu “ictnat soccprcresee capaistrfieeocd ui ttnsh de OsPeutrxuropd faeeecrnsitsteisvino etcn ocea aa lwsrce hc(eReilrssE stpP tasthht)he,e ywa R nlaeedyag gwrisnait.ilenl re wnoofa rbEklxe e rycoiusre ihni gehmerp leodyumsceatntaito rna.tnd
as an example of FE leaders and managers education”.
developing capabilities. In the future, the report concluded, the journey
One of the key recommendations in the ETF and Jisc would be “helping providers
Feltag report was that all courses should and practitioners to create better digital
include 10 per cent online delivery to receive content” and engaging employers to improve
Visit activeiq.co.uk/pathway to start delivering our Connect with us
funding by 2015/16. However, the update access to industry-standard technologies, as
new active pathway.
echoed Skills Minister Nick Boles’s comments well as planning how to develop Feltag over
at the BETT conference last month that the the next year.
4 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015
Careers advice will also receive a financial package.”
Merger casts jobs shadow
Sean Hanson, managing director of Serco’s
public sector outsourcing business, said: “I
hotline brought
am delighted and excited to be extending our
@rebeccaKcooney 65-worker Niace, which is based in partnership with the SFA to provide careers
[email protected] Leicester, and 20-worker Inclusion, based in under one roof advice and information for the NCS.”
London, meant the process of aligning the The new centre is expected to be accessible
Staff at the National Institute of Adult organisations’ work would be “simple”. seven days a week and 14 hours a-day on
@rebeccaKcooney
Continuing Education (Niace) and the “Nobody else will be able to offer the telephone and online.
[email protected]
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion same level of standing across the welfare, Joe Billington, NCS director, said:
(Inclusion) face an uncertain future with a employment and learning and skills systems Careers advice hotline services for young “We’re delighted to be working with
possible merger on the horizon after the two than we can combined, and that’s the driver people and adults are to be brought under such an experienced service provider as
organisations formed a “strategic alliance”. behind this,” he said, adding that no decision one roof after Serco was awarded a £6m Serco to ensure users receive the best
Neither organisation said it could “rule out on where a merged organisation might be Skills Funding Agency (SFA) contract to possible service.”
job losses or a name change” if the alliance, based had been taken. deliver both. An SFA spokesperson said the contract
which entails shared resources and joint Inclusion and Niace have collaborated Serco, which previously ran the National had been awarded following a “competitive
contract tenders, resulted in formal merger in previous years sharing research, but Careers Service (NCS) advice line for adults, procurement process”. She said: “This is
later in the year. Inclusion chief executive Dave Simmonds said will also take up the part of an integrated
Niace chief executive David Hughes the alliance would mean they could achieve “a service for young people, approach to the
(pictured) told FE Week the move to form an greater impact”. “Our strategic alliance will previously delivered delivery of careers
alliance was part “exploring whether a more combine our expertise to offer more to our by BSS. information and advice
formal arrangement or even a merger is a stakeholders,” he said. Serco’s existing to young people and
sensible way forward”. “It will create exciting opportunities to contact centre in adults in England.”
“It may or may not happen, but meanwhile deliver new services, more research and new Newcastle will expand to take on the Jan Ellis, chief executive of the
we’re going to develop working relationships ideas in the challenging times ahead.” new work, with a total of 118 staff, with Careers Development Institute (CDI), the
between our staff and that work starts today,” He added the partnership would be “focused workers from the BSS sites in Leicester and professional body for careers advisers, said:
he said. on improving skills and employment support Manchester having been offered posts. “Congratulations to Serco. We’re really
The alliance came into effect on February for everyone, but especially for those who Both BSS and Serco, which has an initial delighted that it’s going to be delivering
2 and statements from both organisations need it most”. contract for three years with the option of personalised support and inspirational
said it would be “business as usual” over the The alliance will centre around a two-year extension, achieved grade two career guidance.
coming months. five core areas — a united voice on Ofsted ratings for their services. “And the CDI would hope that people
“In a world in which policy makers, employment, skills and lifelong A Serco spokesperson told FE Week: “All providing the service are qualified to do so
Local Enterprise Partnerships and others learning, integrated, practical BSS employees were offered a TUPE transfer and are members of the CDI.”
increasingly talk about how to integrate research and policy development, a to Serco. A number of employees found new The CDI sits on the advisory board of
employment and skills, we felt it made new national events, campaigning jobs elsewhere. the new careers and enterprise company,
sense to bring the two organisations to work and public affairs function, “The employees who transferred have proposed by Nicky Morgan in December to
more closely together,” said Mr Hughes. improving service and cost- decided not to take up the roles on offer due provide links between schools and employers
He said the shared “purpose, effectiveness and developing the to location. We have offered them support in — but Ms Ellis said the two services would be
ethos and values” of options for closer working. terms of finding alternative roles and they “completely separate”.
Policy Conference.
Delivering on learner outcomes: spotlight on youth employment.
17 March 2015 - Connaught Rooms, London
At NCFE’s not-to-be-missed Policy Conference Who should attend?
you’ll hear from key political speakers and big name Further Education College Principals, Vice Principals
employers who’ll explore the skills and employment and Senior Managers within Colleges and Training
landscape. Focusing on what this might look like Providers. We’ll provide attendees with a certificate of
post-election, they’ll contemplate the challenges, attendance in support of your continuing professional
barriers and opportunities that come with an increased development (CPD).
employer involvement in the world of education and
how we can work together effectively.
Confirmed speakers so far:
· Chair: Kirsty Lang - former Channel 4 News and BBC presenter
· Yvonne Fovargue MP - Shadow Minister for Education
· David Corke - Director of Education & Skills, The Association of Colleges
· Laura-Jane Rawlings - Founder of Youth Employment UK
· Katerina Rudiger - Head of Skills and Policy, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
· Sarah Foxall - Corporate Affairs Lead for Youth & Skills, Microsoft Ltd
· Nick Linford - Director, Lsect Ltd
· Elspeth Kirkman - Head of Local Government, Education & Skills - The Behavioural Insights Team
(in partnership with BIS & the Cabinet Office)
Book your FREE place at ncfe.org.uk/events
Call 0191 239 8064 Email [email protected]
FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 128 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 5
Supporting part-time teachers Ofsted halving number
of FE reports per year
Ofsted has announced plans to halve the
The Further Education Trust for Ann Creed number of times it publishes official FE
Leadership (Fetl) has handed fellowship statistics to two a year in response to a
grants, worth up to £40,000-each, to four month-long consultation.
senior figures from the world of FE. The consultation, which opened on
Reporter Paul Offord spoke to Ann Creed August 11 on the education watchdog’s
for the fourth and final piece in a series website, received 22 responses — 73 per
of FE Week articles to focus on the chosen cent of which agreed with the proposal to
fellows. reduce the number of releases to two
a year.
Experienced project manager Ann Creed In its response to the consultation,
hopes her research for Fetl will help give Ofsted said: “As a result of the responses,
part-time teachers more influence over how we will reduce the frequency of our FE
they are managed. official statistics.
Improving the lot of teachers is an issue “In conjunction with this, we will
dear to her heart, as she has spent much publish monthly management information
of the last eight years working on projects that will provide a frequent and timely
geared toward boosting their professional snapshot of inspection judgements
development with organisations including throughout the academic year (September
the Learning and Skills Improvement to August) to date.”
Service, the National Institute of Adult for two or three different providers within issues which is where thinking is usually The last quarterly official statistics
Continuing Education and the Workers a locality on a part-time basis. They could confined. were published in December and the first
Educational Association. be getting pulled in different directions by “The majority of the FE teaching workforce bi-annual report will be released in June,
Her research will focus on how different different employers.” is part-time and their activities with students with the next due in December.
leadership styles affect the attitudes and Ms Creed said her research would aim and the outcomes achieved are the The monthly management
wellbeing of part-time teachers who often to identify what outreach teachers foundations of the sector’s success.” information will include provider-level
have to work away from their employer’s think about leadership and “see Jill Westerman CBE, chair of data on judgements in areas such as
main base. what ways of leading supports Fetl, said: “The role of part time apprenticeships and 16 to 19 provision,
She said: “What I don’t think has been them best to deliver high quality tutors often working across a as well as a breakdown of subject area
addressed is whether there are more effective teaching and learning”. number of organisations and a wide judgements as well as key findings on the
ways of leading those sort of people working She added: “The whole purpose geographical area is a key leadership sector as a whole.
in outreach locations. of my research will be to give concern facing many organisations However, the “snapshot” will not
“These part-time teachers may not have teachers a much stronger voice today. We feel Ann’s research will include learner information, performance
the same links to a particular provider as in leadership, rather than contribute greatly to the leadership data and success rates or examples of
full-time staff and could, in fact, be working focusing on management of thinking in this area.” good practice.
Jill Westerman
Transforming Work Based
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6 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015
Unionlearn rejects Labour apprenticeship policy as AELP looks five years ahead
@rebeccaKcooney
From left: Unionlearn director Tom Wilson, AELP chair Martin Dunford, AELP chief executive Stewart Segal, Skills Funding Agency
[email protected] director of apprenticeships Sue Husband and Professor Bill Lucas, of the Centre for Real World Learning
Labour proposals to abolish level two
apprenticeships were rejected by Unionlearn
at the Association of Employment and
Learning Providers (AELP) 2020 Vision
conference.
Tom Wilson, director of the education
wing of the Trades Union Congress (TUC)
told audience members in London’s Congress
Centre that plans would be a “grave
injustice”.
“We do not think that level two should be
abolished,” he said on Thursday (February
19).
“I think that would frankly be a grave
injustice to the thousands and thousands of
apprentices who’ve currently got level two.
“Of course, everybody aspires to level
three, we aspire to level three, wouldn’t it be
great if level three become the norm? Delegates listening to speakers
“But the way to do that is not just to
awbiothli sehm aptl oay setrrso,k we olrekv ewl ittwho u, niti’os ntos, wwoorrkk Delegates consider the views of what the next five years might look like
with the sector bodies and try and create
that sense of progression.”
He described his comments as “a plea for
a bit more nuancing and a bit more care in
how these issues are expressed”.
Stewart Segal, AELP chief executive, also
blasted the policy, saying Labour had “got it
all wrong”.
“All this talk of higher apprenticeships is
great,” he said.
“But at the same time they’re talking
about getting rid of level two and this has to
be a ladder of opportunity and in my view it
should start at level two.”
The role of apprenticeship providers
in ongoing reform discussions was also
hot topic as the conference — aimed at
examining the future for learning providers
over the next five years — opened.
Mr Segal outlined his key issues with the
reforms, which have seen apprenticeship Throughout the conference delegates had the little concerned — 57 per cent, fine with it — 8 job centres to make referrals — 23 per cent,
standards redesigned by trailblazer groups chance to vote on the issues being discussed. per cent, and not concerned at all (it will improve allow all providers access to the programme
of employers, and proposals to route funding Here’s how the voting went: the apprenticeship programme) — 2 per cent. —18 per cent, improve careers advice offered
through employers rather than providers. Question: How concerned are you about the Question: How do we increase the number of to young people — 50 per cent, and simplify the
“I’m trying to separate the trailblazer and trailblazer process? traineeships? contracting process — 9 per cent.
standard issues from the funding issues,” he Answers: very concerned — 33 per cent, a Answers: a greater commitment from local Question: What role should Leps perform?
said.
“We did need to refresh the frameworks — He was followed by Skills Funding Agency released a document detailing how it planned knows where they stand, everybody has
in fact we’ve been putting off doing it for the (SFA) director of apprenticeships Sue to increase their influence on skills budgets. access to it — and then local influence on that
last few years because we knew something Husband. Mr Segal told FE Week this could have a national programme,” he said.
big was coming.” “The apprenticeship reforms are crucial particular impact on his members. “When you’re looking at a core programme
He said AELP “absolutely” supported the in ensuring that apprenticeships are fit for “There are issues for national providers like apprenticeships, traineeships, work
principals of the 2012 Richard Review of purpose to support the skills system now and who are delivering locally in multiple Leps. programmes, they should have some
Apprenticeships, which laid the groundwork in the future,” she said. The processes for local links have to take into standardisation so everybody knows where
for the reform proposals. “Key to these important changes are account that providers and employers often they stand, and then if locally that group of
However, he said: “I want to see employers making sure that employers are in the operate across many different Leps,” he said. organisation can enhance and improve that
getting control of funding — but not getting driving seat and can shape the competencies “Because of the way that independent position then that’s great.
the actual pound notes through their bank required in a successful apprenticeship.” training providers are funded by the SFA, “If it doesn’t look like it’s going right, those
account, that’s where we have the issue.” She added: “The role of training providers ie funded on delivery in response to local national programmes should be challenged
He went on to acknowledge that is vital for apprenticeships both now and in employer demand, we are confident that their by those local organisations, but it’s not
government was beginning to pay more the future. provision is meeting local economic needs.” about having your own one — we’ve all
attention to training providers’ concerns. “Training providers are expertly placed And in a panel discussion at the close of come from a time when we were involved in
“We’ve made our views clear, we hope that to step up and influence the future. Your the conference, Mr Segal warned against an Training Enterprise Councils and we had 74
if we can work together with all stake holders involvement and your voice are crucial.” overemphasis on localism. different systems, I don’t think we want to go
with all the sector experts we could find the The attention turned to Local Enterprise “There has to be a balance between back to that.”
model that will drive that growth that all the Partnerships in the afternoon with the national programmes and the benefits you South East Midlands Lep (Semlep) chief
political parties have committed to,” he said. conference coming just days after the SFA get from that — being high profile, everybody executive Daniel Mouawad said: “We don’t
FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 128 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 7
Unionlearn rejects Labour apprenticeship policy as AELP looks five years ahead
CONFERENCE-GOERS HAVE THEIR SAY
FE Week reporters Rebecca Cooney and They asked them (Q1.) what would you like They also asked (Q2.) what is it important for
Sophie Scott hit the AELP conference floor to see all political parties include in their providers to be doing to ensure their survival
to meet delegates. manifestos for the general election? to 2020 and beyond?
Jayne Williams Steve Cressey Lindsay Collins Denise Clements Kim Pattison
Chief operating officer, In2Ambition Head of partnerships and projects, Director of operations, Essex Provider Head of business development at IPS Head of communications and public
Q1 Vision West Nottinghamshire College Network and Kent Association of International and chief officer at Kent affairs, Interserve
They really focus on destination Q1 Training Organisations Association of Training Organisations Q1
and not on putting people into A continued focus on Q1 Q1 Absolutely putting the learner
positions that don’t go anywhere. apprenticeships and certainly Sustained commitments to Employer engagement. The at the heart of apprenticeships.
And an understanding that the probably a change in the apprenticeships, certainly, inclusion of employers, the Better information, guidance and
three parties are not going to re- traineeship policy to widen the but inclusive of intermediate, promotion of apprenticeships advice at schools. Joining up of
invent the wheel, which disrupts opportunity for more providers advanced and higher, recognising to employers and making sure skills and employment initiatives
Delegates consider the views of what the next five years might look like SAkgiellnsc Fy ucnhdieinf ge xAegceunticvye a Pnedt eErd Luacauteinoner Funding eQTavch2ereorrysets hh aianlslg s tgotao bkineeg ha of ocldorwealraistri,do n ttQWor2ae gi nhiveaeev sesch toiopp suep t oth dee gliavmere t hine tiaQnhd2teverirceme i sew dsititahiltilne a. s Bnceehetotdoe lrfso cra reers ibQTtuh 2isree yaa nnue ceeradas citeyor b jeo ulornoekyin –g laets sth e fQFwoo2arl ylyo otwhueinn geg c ptoheneoo ptmrleeyn adnsd i njo tbhse are
whether provider, a politician, terms of ensuring the quality They need to be ensuring the whole workforce development changing. Apprenticeships
an institution, we should all be of provision we are offering quality of their provision and and the need to diversify, and cover 1,700 different roles in 150
working together to employers is exemplary they need to be expanding their not only offer apprenticeships industries, but that is changing
and specialising in the areas provision to meet the needs of but diversify to meet employers’ daily and as a provider we need to
where the employers need the the employers further, looking at needs stay ahead
additional support wider sectors
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton Kevin Davis John Hyde Tony Forster Kufa Matiya
Policy leader at NCFE MIS manager at HIT Training chair Vocational education & curriculum Chief executive, In2Ambition
Q1 Learning Curve Q1 manager, City & Guilds Q1
I’d like to see apprenticeship Q1 I wish they would shut up Q1 There needs to be a co-
funding not completely devolved I think they need to engage and let us get on with the I’d like to see apprenticeship ordination in how we deliver
to employers because I believe more with employers on apprenticeship programme funding not completely devolved apprenticeship programmes
Answers: improving labour market there’s a danger of getting rid of apprenticeships. We don’t ourselves, as none of them to employers because I believe Q2
information — 58 per cent, co-ordinating what is good in terms of what is struggle to find learners but we seem to know what they are there’s a danger of getting rid of We have to be innovative and
fashionable politically do struggle to find employers talking about what is good in terms of what is creative in terms of how we go
delivery on the ground — 14 per cent,
Q2 Q2 Q2 fashionable politically about our training. What are
direct contracts with a Lep — 6 per cent, Focussing on getting learners Quality. They have to provide a Get into every MP’s surgery Q2 you doing to attract people?
influencing and monitoring national into jobs or progressing on good standard of education and and tell them the facts of life Focussing on getting learners
contracting — 22 per cent. to further opportunities and help the learner. If you do that into jobs or progressing on
measuring that progression you’ll provide some success to further opportunities and
within the organisation measuring that progression
want to be controlling the funds but we
certainly want to ensure that we bring the
Functional Skills provokes lively discussion
right influence on where the funding goes
to ensure that we close the skills gap that is
clearly opening up in our labour market.”
@Soph_E_Scott
Peter Lauener, chief executive of the don’t work — it’s that it is seen as inferior. They are still relatively new
[email protected]
SFA, sought to reassure providers about the and if we create a new thing then we will have another five years of
document. A lively discussion took place about the future of Functional Skills with people not understanding.”
“The main mediation needs to happen the closing date for the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) review of While another said: “The reality is when it comes to businesses, once
between colleges, providers and Leps non-GCSE English and maths qualifications fast approaching. you work for a year the company doesn’t care how many GCSEs you have,
without SFA getting in the way,” he said. The AELP conference played host to a break-out session, led by it’s about experience. Sometimes you talk to an MD and ask them what
“The document is about a direction of the ETF, where delegates discussed the strengths and weakness of their maths GCSE was and they avoid the question — how can they ask
travel and trying to establish the importance Functional Skills and whether GCSE was the best outcome. the same of young people? It’s about getting the right message out about
of the Lep relationship, about trying to With the consultation ongoing, a number of key themes already Functional Skills.”
clarify rules and responsibilities. emerged, according to many of the delegates. It was announced in December that former Jersey principal Professor
“I don’t think people should read into They included a desire not to see more, or new, qualifications; a lack Ed Sallis was to head the ETF taskforce looking at the teaching and
it too much as a definitive fully mapped of clarity around the purpose of Functional Skills qualifications; low accreditation of maths and English — including Functional Skills but not
system, but the devolution agenda is awareness among employers and learners desire to understand the GCSEs — for learners unable to reach D grade GCSE.
important, its powerful, it’s not going to relevance, purpose and importance of maths and English for motivation. To take part in the consultation visit pyetait.com/jointheconvo by
go away.” A delegate said: “The root of the problem is not that Functional Skills Tuesday, February 24.
8 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015
fe week COMMENT
Shutting the door
on five-year rule
It may have been agreed “in principle”
by Business Secretary Vince Cable at
the back end of last year, but many
will have been waiting for official
confirmation before breathing a sigh
of relief that the troublesome five-
year rule was actually being scrapped.
We now have that confirmation, but
the scrapping takes place in more
than a month from now when new
frameworks will not have to include
the rule. You’ve got to ask whether
having seen the wisdom of the
move, it is too much to ask that it
happens sooner?
The government’s laudable drive
to improve English and maths lies
behind this whole issue — and
for early years educators, the
government’s disastrous rejection of Parties challenged on ‘experiential careers advice’
Functional Skills as an alternative to
GCSEs made the five-year rule all the @rebeccaKcooney for all as part of the school curriculum”. included in our pre-manifesto, plans to
more problematic. [email protected] A Conservative Party spokesperson said the improve the provision of independent careers
It was for this group that the careers and enterprise company proposed by information, advice and guidance for all,
deterrent effect of the five-year rule Skills Show organisers Find a Future have Nicky Morgan in December would “help young including through job centres for people
will have been felt most keenly. How challenged political parties to promise young people access the best advice and inspiration seeking new options later in life.”
many 40-year-old learners would people access to “experiential careers advice”. by encouraging greater collaboration between It comes with Labour unable to guarantee
Its boss, Ross Maloney, called for the parties schools and colleges and employers”. that 16 to 19 funding, which it said it would
have been happy to wait until June
to pledge more detailed careers guidance, But, speaking to Rolls-Royce workers at ringfence within an “overall” education
and then troop into a hall full of
including opportunities such as the ‘have- a factory in West Sussex last week, Prime budget, could not be shifted to school spending.
Year 11s to resit a qualification they
a-gos’ available at the Skills Show, in their Minister David Cameron said: “There are good Speaking to FE Week following the ringfence
already held?
manifestos. things happening, but I think there are a couple announcement, Shadow Education Secretary
Perhaps if the schools sector could
“Many young people are currently unclear of areas we still need to get right. One is the Tristram Hunt said: “We will put forward
improve its English and maths record
about the opportunities open to them, from careers advice we give to people in schools. those spending proposals when we’re in
then FE and skills would not be left apprenticeships, traineeships, FE and So often when I meet apprentices and I ask government.”
reeling by well-intentioned policies training,” he said. “We are calling on political ‘how did you hear about the apprenticeships’ Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, who has pledged
that aim ultimately at shutting the parties to pledge to ensure all these avenues are they say ‘well, I found it online’ or ‘I knew a the same ringfence protection as Labour, also
stable door once the horse has bolted. properly promoted and utilised if elected.” family friend’ or ‘I knew the business because declined to say whether 16 to 19 education
A Find a Future spokesperson told FE it was nearby’. I don’t get the answer enough: would get its own internal ringfence.
Week: “Political parties should prioritise the ‘I was told at school about the apprenticeship Speaking at this month’s Skills Summit in
Chris Henwood
provision of experiential careers advice for all pathways as well as the university pathway.’” London, Skills Minister Nick Boles said he
[email protected]
young people.” He also promised to publish job prospects would not “offer or guarantee” that his party
In a speech earlier this month, Labour data and likely salary for each university and would offer the same protection.
Top digital
leader Ed Miliband said that his party would academic course, and apprenticeship.
skills tweets introduce “proper work experience compulsory A Lib Dem spokesperson said: “We have See page 14 for a ringfence policy expert piece by Mick Fletcher
comments vote results
@MoodleMcKean: Lords say digital
skills will make or break the UK - Ed Miliband to pledge ‘apprenticeship up another notch in the public domain. 3% Yes
UK Parliament report a useful read guarantee’ to deliver 80,000 extra Terry Fennell I like the concept
for @AELPUK 2020 delegates annual starts by 2020 SFA in multi-million pound non- but the money
should come from
“Every leaver who gets the grade” — apprenticeship payout 22% elsewhere
@EvsGWales: Digital skills should much easier to enforce minimum school AS an ILP with outstanding performance No
be core subjects, says report- Yes! leaver grades on advanced level three for English and maths delivery we failed 14% 60% Other
What jobs will there be in 10yrs apprenticeships. However, 80,000 starts not at every quarter last year to grow our
*97 votes cast at time
time? Gamers can earn £800k!!! achievable without level two programmes so ASB allocation to support this important of going to press
are we to see pre-entry requirements placed government priority, being told that all
@ladyjenkin: FE set ball rolling with on the new level two standards? funding was allocated. We then find out that Readers of FE Week have thrown their wieght
digital skills training jobs. Is extra They may have ‘stumbled’ on a positive there was an £111 million ASB underspend behind the National Association of Adult
funding rolling in from somewhere? proposal as it sends a high profile message to by providers in 2013/14, £93 million of which Continuing Education (Niace) plan for a
schools, parents and not least students that was in colleges that they were allowed to “national advancement service”.
@eezsw: “UK companies can do ‘prior achievement’ will be just as important keep (for no delivery). For this windfall only Niace has called for £100m of existing
more to bridge the digital skills to secure an apprenticeship as to pursue FE/ to be allocated to colleges (and LAs) and funding to be diverted to pay for careers
gap” Invest in training and hire an higher education in the future. none to ILPs once more smacks of an uneven coaches and personal budgets for those trying
apprentice!! In the absence of sophisticated careers playing field. to improve their employment opportunities
service it might just raise the apprenticeship Mike Motley through the service.
@joehonywill: On digital skills -
“Digital literacy is an essential tool Dear Dr Sue Email [email protected] for help from sector agony aunt
that underpins other subjects and Sue Pember on the third Monday of every month. The best
almost all jobs.” question wins a £100 Amazon gift card
L
A
S
T T C
W H
O A
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EE E
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FE Week Annual Apprenticeship
Conference and Exhibition 2015
THE FLAGSHIP CONFERENCE OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
Supporting apprenticeship providers during a time of major reform
NEWLY CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
DATE: VENUE:
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Conference Centre,
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CHUKA UMUNNA MP DAY ONE: DAY TWO:
KIRSTY WARK
Shadow Secretary of State for
FUNDING AND DELIVERY,
Business, Innovation and Skills
Broadcaster and journalist QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND
DAY TWO
AUDIT
The FE Week Annual Apprenticeship Conference and exhibition
2015 (AAC2015) will provide an unprecedented opportunity for
those involved with the delivery of apprenticeships to come
together to learn, share and debate during a time of major reform
and on the eve of a General Election.

Taking place on the first two days of National Apprenticeship Week
(March 9 to 10, 2015) and in partnership with the Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the conference will offer a
LORNA FITZJOHN BRIAN WISDOM
mixture of key note speeches from Government Ministers and
Ofsted - Director, Further Chairman, Federation for Industry Sector
Shadow Cabinet members, to in-depth practical sessions with Nick
Education and Skills Skills and Standards
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DAY ONE DAY TWO
OVER 450 DELEGATES REGISTERED, LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING
For more information and to register visit feweekaac2015.co.uk
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10 @FEWEEK FE WEEK MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015
profile
I took to FE
straight away
as it’s education
for a purpose —
teaching young
people to engage
in the economy and
behave as adults
A COMPREHENSIVE START TO A POST-14 CAREER
@paulofford business and caring. I was made head of introduction to schooling at the age of four married women from teaching forced her to
[email protected] department for O-level resits in 1980.” coming within a hospital setting as he change careers when she tied the knot with
He has been with the IoE, which is part recovered from polio. Ken in 1949.
A
career in post-school education seems to of University College London, since 2006, The disease left him without use of his left “She worked for the Government National
have been on the cards for Paul Grainger initially just to run its post-14 network for arm, which was amputated four years ago, Survey doing market research for the rest of
right from the day he started his very London providers and local authorities and a weak upper-body. her career, which fitted well around raising
first job. involved with educating the age group. “I was more or less the last case of polio in children,” he says.
As co-director of the centre for post-14 “It has involved organising a lot of this country, because the vaccination came “My parents were both children when the
research and innovation at the Institute of conferences and seminars for like-minded out a few weeks later,” he says. Second World War started, but joined-up
Education (IoE), it’s an age group he has long people interested in post-14 education,” “I was eventually moved to an old around the time of D-Day and went with the
found professionally more rewarding. explains 65-year-old Grainger. tuberculosis hospital in Windermere where advancing allied forces through France.
His first job, in 1973, was teaching English “I was also able to help launch the Centre I recovered for the next nine months. My “My dad was an RAF weather forecaster
at Wilsthorpe Comprehensive School, near for Post-14 Innovation and Research in 2007. parents [mum Joan and dad Ken] were only and my mother was a radar operator in
Derby, but he moved into FE two years later We are an academic group who run courses, allowed to visit once a month and I actually the Army.
at North East Essex Technical College and conferences and do consultancy work. had my first school lessons there. “My dad heard you could get demobbed
School of Art, in Colchester. “We also do serious research into post-14 “I think it was natural for me to develop an faster after the war finished if you went into
“I absolutely loathed teaching in a school. education, particularly looking at policy. inclination towards academia as I couldn’t teaching, so that’s how it started for him.
The children had no ambition at all,” says the We’re constantly talking to ministers play a lot of sport as a child.” “He was promoted quickly and became
father-of-four, from Birmingham. and policy makers looking at things like He adds: “My illness definitely influenced a head teacher at Cadishead School [in
“I took to FE straight away as it’s education whether A-levels should be replaced with my career choice, as well as I suppose my Manchester] aged 35, before moving to
for a purpose — teaching young people to a baccalaureate system [which involves parents both having been teachers. the larger Holy Croft School, in Keighley
engage in the economy and behave as adults. studying a wider variety of subjects]. “When you have had polio your options are [Yorkshire], which is the main area I
“I started off at my first college just “We think that would give learners a fairly limited. Teaching was a fairly stable remember growing up in from the age of 11. I
lecturing English, but also started teaching broader range of skills and prepare them option for disabled people to go into.” regard myself as a Yorkshireman.”
for a pre-vocational training course that better for work and life.” Joan started her working life as a Grainger would go on to achieve a first
allowed students to sample several different However, his own preparations for work junior school teacher, but, said Grainger, class degree in English and politics from
vocational areas like retail, horticulture, and life were dealt an early blow with his government rules at that time preventing Keele University in 1972 and completed