FE Week E19

2012·16.3 MB·English

FE
FE Week
Week
Monday 20 February 2012
Barnet and Southgate College fashionistas
See pages 10 & 11 www.feweek.co.uk
WINNER
In
partnership
with
Jayde Louise Kirkup won the
public vote and was overwhelmed
PPaaggee 55
FFEE WWeeeekk
mmiinnii--
mmaassccoott
Page 16
inside...
SFA ‘strongly encourage’ 12 month minimum
FE Week Exclusive rules, which they hope to publish by designed for apprenticeships. ence, rather than a set time period, establish if a minimum duration
the end of March. It read: “It is important that we while others say some do not war- can be applied to apprentices aged 19
Nick Reinis
A statement posted on their web- work with the sector to ensure that rant a year-long duration. and over.
@fenickr
site says: “In announcing this, it is prior learning is better refl ected in Another concern is for “capable” “Once the review is completed,
also our expectation that all training apprenticeship funding policies and learners who can fi nish in a shorter we will ensure that adequate notice
Providers are being urged to intro- organisations and employers start that public funding is only used to time becoming disillusioned over is given should any changes to
duce new apprenticeship duration to implement this with immediate support the delivery of new skills their programme. current funding rules be called for
requirements immediately. effect. and competencies.” Work is also underway between by government ministers,” said the
The Skills Funding Agency is “Whilst the introduction of the Although most have welcomed the the National Apprenticeship Service Agency.
calling on existing apprentices aged new funding rule does not formally move, including the Association of (NAS) and issuing authorities to However, further change has not
16-18, where possible, to be given a apply to those already in learn- Employment and Learning Provid- ensure frameworks allow “suffi cient been met with approval by the AELP.
12-month minimum programme. ing prior to August, we strongly ers (AELP) whose chief executive time” for the apprentice to learn new Mr Hoyle said: “We are still fi rmly
It comes after the skills minister encourage all training organisations Graham Hoyle said that it had skills while achieving “the highest of the view that much greater fl ex-
John Hayes’ announcement last year and employers to offer all existing become “the norm” for the industry level of competence” possible. ibility needs to be both available and
of the year-long minimum for teen- apprentices aged 16-18 a 12-month already, others are cautious. The Agency added: “We expect in exercised to fully take into account
age apprentices, which will come minimum programme wherever it is Some critics, in comments posted a small number of cases this will the varying levels of skill and
into effect on August 1. possible to do so.” on the FE Week website, believe lead to changes in the duration of experience that these older workers
The Agency said the requirement The statement also gave an insight apprenticeships should be about the the framework.” bring to the completion of a full ap-
will be set out in 2012/13 funding into how funding is likely to be amount of on-the-job work experi- A review is also taking place to prenticeship framework.”
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2 FE Week Monday 20 February 2012 www.feweek.co.uk
Banks ‘invest’ in more FE Week news in brief
£4.5m City Skills Fund
than 1,500 apprentices
The government has announced a £4.5 mil-
FE lion fund for England’s biggest cities and
colleges to boost adult skills.
service, as well as qualifi cations in numeracy The City Skills Fund will give roughly
Nick Summers
Week and literacy. £500,000 to Birmingham, Manchester, Liv-
@SummersNicholas The Department for Business, Innovation erpool, Newcastle, Bristol, Sheffi eld, Leeds,
and Skills (BIS) has emphasised that large Nottingham and London.
Three high street banks are launching new employers are expected to contribute towards Cities minister Greg Clark said: “The City
apprenticeship schemes to try and help the cost of training. Skills Fund will see our core cities working
young people launch a career in the fi nancial A BIS spokesperson said: “Large employers in partnership with local colleges to ensure
services sector. contribute towards the cost of apprentice- employers in their area have access to people
HSBC, Barclays and Santander announced ships. with the right skills to help them thrive and
they will be creating more than 1,500 places at “Those with over 1,000 employees have a grow.
FE Week is a new newspaper dedicated to
a fi nancial services sector round table held in 25 per cent rate reduction for 19+ apprentice- “This is another example of how the Gov-
reporting on news, analysis, jobs and fun
Canary Wharf during National Apprentice- ships and are expected to contribute 50 per ernment is putting cities back in charge of
in the FE sector.
ship Week. cent towards all 19-24 and 25+ apprentice- their own economic destiny, allowing them to
Skills minister John Hayes said: “I am ships. drive growth and create jobs.”
So tell us what you think at
delighted that these banks are investing in “Depending on the delivery model, the NAS
www.surveymonkey.com/s/feweek
apprenticeships which will help them secure will negotiate further reductions to ensure
the high-quality skills they need to create that larger employers make signifi cant contri- Youth unemployment
And tweet us your thoughts @feweek or
economic growth and provide new pathways butions towards the cost of apprenticeships.”
with the hashtag #feweek
to excellence for the brightest and best young HSBC, the fi rst high street bank to launch Youth unemployment rose by 22,000 in the
people.” an apprenticeship scheme last year, has a di- three months leading up to December 2011,
Managing Editor: Nick Linford
Barclays is launching an apprenticeship rect contract with the Skills Funding Agency according to fi gures published by the Offi ce
Deputy Editor: Nick Reinis
scheme in April which will create 1,000 ap- (SFA) and has promised to take on an extra for National Statistics (ONS).
News Reporter: Nick Summers
prenticeship places for new employees only. 688 apprentices by the end of 2012. The unemployment rate for people aged 16
Designer: Daniel (the elbow) Duke
FE Week is led to believe that the pro- The scheme, which offers apprenticeships to 24 rose to 22.2 per cent in the quarter, an
Sales Consultant: Gemma Ryder
gramme will be delivered by Elmfi eld Train- in business administration, customer service increase of 0.3 percentage points from July to
Assistant Sales: Shane Mann
ing, which claims to be the “fastest growing” and providing fi nancial services, is only open September 2011.
Analyst: Tashanna Egbochue
vocational training provider in the UK. for existing employees. Labour market statistics show there were
Features: Janet Murray (freelance)
It is also understood that Barclays will be John Morewood, head of apprenticeships 1.04 million unemployed young people in the
PR & Marketing: Ruth Sparkes (EMPRA)
contributing to the cost of training for all ap- at HSBC, told FE Week: “People apply for an three months leading up to December 2011.
Contributors: Jaine Bolton
prentices aged 19 and above. existing role with us and then we move them The fi gure decreases to 731,000, however, if
Shane Chowen
“Barclays is providing the cost of training onto an apprenticeship - so we pay them the learners in full-time education are removed.
Joy Mercer
as well as the salaries, to make it clear that we going rate for the actual job, we don’t change
FE Week mini-mascot
are not deducting the cost of training from that. There’s this argument that if you put
Employer review no.2
salaries or asking for a contribution in kind someone in an apprenticeship you only need
For an annual subscription to FE Week for
to cover those costs,” the spokesperson said. to pay them a minimum wage, we don’t do A second employer-led review into apprentice-
just £75 visit www.feweek.co.uk and click
“There is SFA money available to support that, they’re qualifi ed to have a job with us, so ships will be launched shortly.
on ‘subscribe’ at the top of the page.
apprenticeship training, but for those appren- we pay them the normal rate for that actual A spokesperson for the Department of Busi-
If you are interested in placing a product tices who are aged 19 or over Barclays will be job.” ness Innovation and Skills said: “This review
or job advert in a future edition please click providing funding.” He added: “What we are then looking at, will focus on the longer-term, and complements
on the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page The spokesperson for Barclays added: “We and again this is something for the future, the Quality Action Plan, being developed and
on www.feweek.co.uk or contact want to support young people who don’t have is how we can enhance the apprenticeship delivered now by the National Apprenticeship
existing qualifi cations and experience. framework. We’re looking at what additional Service and Skills Funding Agency, to ensure
E: [email protected] “So we are providing a full salary, and cov- things can we add in there from, say, our exist- rapid action to safeguard quality and crack
T: 020 8123 4891 ering the additional training costs on top.” ing training.” down on any instances of poor provision.”
M: 0783 7769 411 Apprentices at Barclays will complete a Santander is planning a programme for Jason Holt is as taking charge of a seperate
framework in providing fi nancial services up to 50 apprentices, but is yet to decide on a review into apprenticeships for into small and
and work towards a BTEC award in customer third-party training provider. medium-sized enterprises (see right).
Adult Basic Skills qualifi cations to be scrapped
2014 and September 2013 respectively.” as they do not rely on the test bank, it is not
Nick Reinis
However, BIS could not say how much it known how the move will affect ESOL learners.
@fenickr
would save by no longer funding the test bank. The BIS spokesperson said: “ESOL qualifi ca-
“The cost of managing the test bank was tions are being reviewed as part of the simplifi -
Basic skills qualifi cations in numeracy and minimal and as it approached the end of its cation on funding for all qualifi cations.”
literacy for adults will cease to be funded for duration the remaining tests were allocated to Carol Taylor, NIACE’s director for develop-
new starts from August. awarding organisations. We have not costed ment and research, said the body believes
The Department of Business Innovation and procuring a new test bank, as responsibility for Functional Skills will support adults to un-
Skills (BIS) is no longer funding a centrally development and maintenance of adult English dertake the “realistic basic skills demands of
held test bank which supports Adult Basic and maths qualifi cations is now a matter for everyday life, developing, as we believe they do,
Skills (ABS) qualifi cations and Key Skills the awarding organisations, regulated by the ability to apply skills” to other settings.
Communication and Application of Number Ofqual,” added the spokesperson. However, she also added: “There are chal-
qualifi cations at Levels 1 and 2. In their place, the Skills Funding Agency lenges - it may take longer for learners to
Learning & Skills Events,
A BIS spokesperson said: “Ofqual has con- will fund English and Maths QCF qualifi ca- achieve, but the review of Skills for Life recom-
Consultancy and Training Ltd
fi rmed the operational end-dates of these quali- tions - from Entry Level up to Level 2 - from mended longer courses, and Functional Skills
161-165 Greenwich High Road
fi cations mean that no new enrolments will be September 2012 that “provide necessary rigour will be more challenging for all learners and
London SE10 8JA
T: 020 8123 4778 taken beyond August 2012 for ABS Certifi cates and fl exibility to support” progression. especially at lower levels, hence the decision
E: [email protected] and September 2012 for Key Skills qualifi ca- However, while Entry Level ABS qualifi ca- to retain Skills for Life qualifi cation for Entry
tions. The certifi cation end-dates are August tions will continue to be funded into 2013, Level learners for a period.”
www.feweek.co.uk Monday 20 February 2012 FE Week 3
Childcare supported for at least one more year
Nick Reinis Any changes, the DfE said, would be imple- said was essential in enabling them to attend importance and hope that they will continue to
mented from September 2012. college, and which reduced the rate of teenage do so in the future.”
@fenickr
However, although results of the consulta- parents who were not in education, employ- Although delighted at the news, Toni Pearce,
tion have not been published, the DfE has con- ment or training. NUS vice president for FE, said: “We are still
A scheme which supports thousands of teen- firmed that there will be no changes in 2012/13. Their campaign involved working with concerned about what could happen in the
age parents in further education has been A spokesman for the DfE said: “There will organisations including the British Youth future.
reprieved - at least for a year. be no changes to the Care to Learn childcare Council and the University and College Union. “It’s a huge win to protect it for a year
Care to Learn, which helps parents under support scheme in 2012/13.” Estelle Hart, NUS national women’s officer, and that’s something we have to be aware of,
20 who meet the specific requirements claim He added: “Funding arrangements from said: “Care to Learn is a lifeline to many young because it’s a whole year of students who will
up to £160-a-week for childcare and related 2013/14 are still under review. We haven’t yet parents who are looking to continue their edu- benefit from it.”
transport cost, was last year put under review published the results of the consultation, but cation whilst caring for their children. In 2009-10, the programme cost around £37
by the Department for Education (DfE). intend to in due course.” “When it was put under review there was million and provided childcare support to 7,933
A consultation launched in August sought The initial news of no change for the a great deal of concern that it would be the young parents. The scheme currently supports
feedback on the childcare support scheme scheme in the forthcoming year has been met latest victim of cuts which disproportionately around 6,300 young parents.
to move to either a discretionary fund, link with delight by the National Union of Students affect young people and women. It was introduced as a pilot in 2002 mak-
support to income, change weekly rates paid (NUS). “NUS made a concerted effort to demon- ing childcare funding available to those aged
or - the DfE’s preferred option - change the age NUS have been campaigning for retention strate the value of Care to Learn to officials between 16 and 18 and extended to under-16s in
criteria. of the scheme, which 77 per cent of recipients and we’re delighted that they recognise its 2004 and to 19-year-olds in April 2006.
Holt heads-up employer-led
FREE

review of apprenticeships
Quality Network Seminars
Nick Summers
@summersnicholas
Social entrepreneur and jeweller Jason Holt is
to take charge of an employer-led review into
how businesses can be encouraged to hire an
apprentice.
Mr Holt, chief executive of Holts Group of
Companies, will talk to small and medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs) about what the gov-
ernment can be doing to reduce bureaucracy SQA is an Awarding Organisation If you are an existing SQA
and simplify the process for recruiting and “There are five businesses in the group with a global reputation for quality approved centre or would like
training new apprentices. company which I run and it’s a very, very busy and service. to find out more about working
Skills minister John Hayes, who announced time for us at the moment,” Mr Holt said. Our QCF qualifications in with us, come along to one of our
the appointment, said: “I am delighted Mr Holt “Not to be around as much as I would or Construction, Streetworks, popular Quality Networks.
has agreed to lead this review. should be, or would like to be for the busi- Warehousing and Logistics and These free events will allow you
“His experience, both as a business man and nesses was a big decision, but I put a lot of Driving Goods Vehicles provide to find out more about new
through running a training academy, gives thought into it and thought what a fantastic relevant, flexible and cost effective SQA qualifications, funding, and
him invaluable insight into the needs of both opportunity to make a hopefully meaningful solutions for your learners. to meet our External Verifiers,
small businesses and apprentices.” contribution to a really important area of They are underpinned by first and Qualifications and Business
Mr Holt runs a number of organisations business - an area which I think is pivotal to rate quality assurance, support Development Teams.
including Holts Lapidary, a jewellery manufac- business growth.” materials and expert external
turer and retailer, Holts Academy of Jewellery, The employer-led review will examine and verification.
a not-for-profit training provider and Jewel- build on a number of government initiatives
Newcastle: Birmingham:
lery Innovations, a social enterprise for ap- designed to improve the apprenticeship pro-
prentices seeking work in UK manufacturing. gramme for SMEs.
Thursday 23 February 2012 Thursday 1 March 2012
Mr Holt said: “At the end of the day, we have These include reducing the time taken to ad-
an economy which is 95 per cent composed vertise an apprenticeship vacancy on the NAS
Manchester: Llandudno:
of SMEs, yet only a tiny proportion take on website to within one month of an employer’s
apprentices. decision to take on an apprentice.
Friday 24 February 2012 Thursday 15 March 2012
“The majority of those are taken on by large Mr Hayes said: “I want to ensure that small
business, so what can I recommend that the businesses can enjoy the multitude of benefits London: Cardiff:
government do to change the system and make that apprentices can offer a company – includ-
it the easiest possible?” ing improved productivity and the chance to Wednesday 29 February 2012 Friday 16 March 2012
Mr Holt, who will present his review to min- build a better-skilled and dedicated workforce.
isters in May, says he didn’t know anything “This review will play a vital role in achiev- London Event - Special Guest Speaker:
about the review before the National Appren- ing that aim.” Janet Ryland from Skills Funding Agency
ticeship Service (NAS) asked him to be the Other measures introduced by government
lead employer. include reducing the health and safety re-
To find out more and register
“The first time I heard about it was when I quirements imposed on providers by the Skills
your attendance contact
had an approach from the apprenticeship unit Funding Agency (SFA), as well as simplifying
at BIS and was asked if I would like to be the the guidance available to SMEs and establish- SQA Events Team
lead employer,” Mr Holt told FE Week. ing a “dedicated team” at the NAS. Email: [email protected]
Mr Holt says he is both “honoured” and “de- The employer-led review into SMEs and Phone: [phone]
lighted” to be leading the research, although apprenticeships follows on from the Education Web: www.sqa.org.uk/qcf
accepting the top position was a difficult and Skills Growth Review published by BIS
decision. last November.
4 FE Week Monday 20 February 2012 www.feweek.co.uk
UK’s biggest skills and careers event
FE Week Q&A with Richard Beene,
Head of Skills Competitions at NAS
How did the idea for the Will the showcase and
Skills Show come about? exhibition be changing at all?
The thinking behind it developed in the We’ll see some of the key components
run up to WorldSkills London 2011. We delivered generally in the same fashion,
were confident that the show would have because it was very powerful in London.
an impact in all the right areas, in terms of You had the different components, the
raising the profile, awareness and esteem for competitions, the Have a Go activities, the
vocational education and skills, especially advice and guidance, the showcasings, the
apprenticeships and having a knock on effect exhibition, all integrated so that you could see
in terms of raising standards. something, you could do it and then you could
find out how to progress your interest in it all
The issue for us was that WorldSkills London in a very close environment.
2011 was a one off. What we wanted to do was
determine how we could maintain that sort of They weren’t seperated or segregated so
reach and impact in the future. Of course it you had to choose between one or the other.
may seem rather obvious, but the best way to We think we can build on that experience,
Picture by Nick Summers, taken at the Parliamentary Reception during National Apprenticeship Week do that is to recreate the experience regularly. such as having a theatre delivery in the
So even before London, we were very wedded actual competition and events area. We also
Minister for FE announces date for to the concept of replicating that experience. learnt that employers wanted to spend more
time on the floor, rather than being engaged
the UK’s first national skills event Do you hope WorldSkills in presentations, so now we can redesign
the whole event to make it a much more
will grow to a point where pleasurable, and effective experience for all
Nick Summers WorldSkills competitors, including Will the key people that we want to speak to.
@SummersNicholas Torrent, now a patisserie consultant at all youngsters recognise it?
Waitrose. Do you feel national media
“It’s about reaching out to more and more Absolutely. WorldSkills is a combination of
The new annual showcase, named WorldSkills people, and saying you know what, being in activity which does start at grass roots level coverage was quite poor at
UK – The Skills Show, will be held at the a skill, being in a vocation can be cool, it can in local colleges, training providers and
National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in be sexy, it’s trendy and it can lead to a lot of employers all over the four nations of the UK WorldSkills London 2011?
Birmingham on November 15-17. amazing things,” Mr Torrent said. and we want all that activity to engage with
John Hayes MP, speaking at the “The Skills Show will see tens of thousands young people so they can see a clear line of My feeling was post-event, there were a range
Parliamentary Reception during National of people, hopefully young people coming and sight and follow the progress for individuals of media outlets who on reflection felt that
Apprenticeship Week, said: “It will showcase saying, well I’m not really academic, I’m not and the companies and training organisations they probably should have committed a higher
all that is best in our world and by that, I really great at writing essays, but I want to be supporting them, right through to this big profile having seen what happened, what the
mean the world of skills here in the UK.” a bricklayer or a pastry chef, and this is also national event and beyond. experience was and the impact. So I think
The National Apprenticeship Service how I can represent my country.” there was a slight disappointment in the fact
(NAS) say they hope to have all but one or Shane Allum, a former apprentice at BT At the moment, simply because it’s that the opportunity wasn’t taken as widely
two of the existing national competitions at and volunteer at WorldSkills London 2011, disaggregated, some people know it and as it could, although it was the most impactful
the event, as well as providing an exhibition said any apprentice should try and get understand it - but we want to make it have media representation of skills activity that
and apprenticeship showcase similar to involved with ‘WorldSkills UK – The Skills a bigger imprint in terms of the public there has ever been, so it was still very, very,
WorldSkills London 2011, held last November. Show’. consciousness, right through from schools good.
The showcase will include the popular Have “When you’re an apprentice there are to having the opportunity to represent your
a Go activities, as well as a number of experts so many opportunities open to you, and if country at the WorldSkIlls international Is there a concern the event
to give out expert information, advice and you can get involved you absolutely should, events.
guidance. because you’ll get so much from it,” Mr Allum will clash with AoC’s Annual
Jaine Bolton, national director for business said. What can we expect from The
development at NAS and official UK delegate “The Skills Show sounds like a really, really Conference and Exhibition?*
for WorldSkills, said: “We’re hoping to get a great opportunity and a great showcase of Skills Show in particular?
couple of international teams there too, to do the things that people in different kinds of We were very clear after some consultation
some of their own pressure testing ready for apprenticeships can experience and achieve.” The ambition is to ensure that all of the that whilst there’s never a perfect time for
Leipzig, which of course only comes in July The event finishes just three days before WorldSkills UK competitions culminate in the everyone, certainly the October/November
next year.” the Association of Colleges (AoC) Annual finals being at the Skills Show. I expect that time had the most advantages. Then it was
Simon Waugh, chief executive of the NAS, Conference 2012, held at the International this year, simply because of the logistics and down to the specific weeks available and
said he thought the international WorldSkills Convention Centre (ICC) on November 20-22. the time involved we will have the majority of ensuring we miss half terms and a few other
event was the best in the competition’s Jaine Bolton said the timings of the two our competition organising partners involved things like that - so the date was slightly
history. events were merely ‘coincidental’. in The Skills Show, but for one or two it’s just coincidental, we think it’s potentially a
Mr Waugh said: “What we had was the “There’s some really good opportunities for not been feasible. positive though because we can try and join up
best WorldSkills event in history – by a mile us there in terms of getting more of the FE that story much more.
– 200,000 people went to see it and the vast college principals and college network to both The vast majority will be represented as we
majority of them were 14-18 year-olds, so it events, but it is just a coincidence.” she said. move towards full participation alignment in From the point of view of college
was a fantastic demonstration of what we can Visitor registration for the event will be 2013 and of course that’s the big plus of being participation, many of those colleges and
do. open from March 22. able to commit to it over three years, is that training providers will quite possibly have
“It was the best medal haul we’ve ever had Colleges and training providers wishing everyone has the confidence and the assurance competitors at the Skills Show, so I think
for the UK and that’s why the Skills Show to apply as a showcase organisation or host to develop their plans towards that. But they’re very likely to be at both events.
we’re going to have is so important.” a Have a Go activity at WorldSkills UK – The certainly even this year, despite the relatively
The Parliamentary Reception was attended Skills Show have until April 20 to submit a short planning time span, we expect to have all * The AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition 2012
by a number of former apprentices and proposal. the key skills represented at the Skills Show. takes place in Birmingham on November 20-22.
www.feweek.co.uk Monday 20 February 2012 FE Week 5
FE Week profile
Jayde Louise Kirkup ~ her story
Nick Summers well in group activities. She is a sociable,
kind, hardworking young person who does
@SummersNicholas
everything in her power to not let her
WWIINNNNEERR
disability be a barrier to what she wants to
Jayde Louise Kirkup was really achieve.”
overwhelmed, saying “I wasn’t expecting Jayde says East Durham College are
to win at all” as she tries to explain what it “really helpful” and accommodate for any
was like to be crowned the victor of FE Week problems she might have outside of class.
& Me. “If I was behind on some deadlines they
The 16 year-old student from Peterlee is would extend my deadline just so I could feel
enrolled on a Health and Social Care Level 3 less stressed about it, which is quite nice
Diploma at East Durham College. too,” she says.
Jayde’s competition entry was Living with cerebral palsy can cause all
inspirational, filled with a clear sense sorts of problems for Jayde. Uncontrollable
of determination and ambition. So it’s spasms, as well as muscular and mental
surprising to hear that she was in tears fatigue are but a snapshot of what makes her
when FE Week announced the winner. “I was daily life difficult.
looking at the website all morning,” “I have to overcome...even if I was going to
Jayde explains. “But then I thought I get ready or I had a bad night’s sleep because
shouldn’t get my hopes up, so I stopped of spasms, or stuff like that, I would be
looking...then I had one look around 11am really fatigued that day.”
and just cried.” She adds: “Even just doing the work for
Both of her parents were “chuffed” when long periods of time, because my brain can
they heard she had topped the FE Week & just shut off and it won’t store anything. I
Me shortlist. “When I told my mum she gave know that happens to most people anyway,
us a hug and then she was just overwhelmed but it happens even more with me because I
as well,” Jayde recalls. get really fatigued easily.”
“She was really happy for us. After that I Jayde has a lifelong ambition to work
phoned my dad and he was all chuffed too.” either in occupational or physical therapy,
Jayde has cerebral palsy, has undergone because it will enable her to help other
numerous operations, and has learned to young people with physical disabilities. Her
walk four times during her time in formal competition entry reads:
education. “Not just to have people surrounding them
The challenges which she has had to to help them but to have someone beside
overcome have given her an unmatched them who would not only help them but
appreciation for East Durham College and actually know what they’re going through.”
the opportunities which stem from further In the meantime though, she says her
education. sights are set either on volunteering or going
“Jayde has an amazingly positive outlook to university.
which works in her favour, as does her Jayde has won £1,000 in vouchers and you
passion and enthusiasm for her course,” can read the winning and shortlisted entries
In
Jayde’s lecturer at East Durham College, online via the link below. partnership
Julie Knowles said. “Jayde works really http://tinyurl.com/feweekandme with
NCFE is proud to support the FE Week & Me competition
As a national awarding organisation inspiration to others but a great example of fiercer than ever before, learners must be
our mission statement is to create how hard work and determination can help supported in a way which helps them to
opportunities for success to enrich society, you succeed in anything you set your mind develop their confidence and at the same
and supporting such a great campaign like to. Her display of personal and academic time, their job search and interview skills
FE Week & Me allows us to achieve just that. experience is why NCFE chose to be involved which will provide them with a solid base
As the world of FE finds itself entangled in with this competition, to highlight the great knowledge to help them on their way to
administration, it’s important to remember work of our learners and their successes and success.
the reason as awarding organisations and achievements in further education. NCFE’s portfolio of qualifications helps
colleges, why we do the things we do. A All of the entries featured in the to provide innovative curriculum solutions
campaign such as this helps to demonstrate competition are a great testament to the enhancing employment outcomes and also
how by working together, we can improve and commitment and drive learners give to maximising funding allocation. We know
develop the lives of individuals in whatever their education. By continuing to support that colleges need qualifications to work for
career path is right for them. vocational qualifications and the right them in a number of ways; qualifications
With over 350 people voting for their qualifications for learners, we hope that this that are the right fit for your learners, but
favourite stories online, it’s with pleasure dedication and commitment continues. also meet government agenda and sit within
that we congratulate Jayde Kirkup from East At NCFE, we will continue to develop current funding criteria.
Durham College on winning the competition. and take on solutions that address the The need for learners to be ‘work ready’
The competition highlighted both learners’ challenging issue of youth unemployment really has never been greater and with that,
hopes and aspirations for the future and how and will continue to provide opportunities for we look forward to continuing our work with
their college courses are helping them to learners like Jayde and her peers to succeed colleges across the UK, helping their cohorts
achieve their goals. in what they chose to do. on to brighter futures in the face of tough
Our winner, Jayde, is not only an With competition for each job position global economic conditions. David Grailey is the Chief Executive, NCFE
6 FE Week Monday 20 February 2012 www.feweek.co.uk
FE Week Expert
WorldSkills UK – The International lessons on
Skills Show launches teaching and training
the government’s commitment to making ap- As the dust settles from National Appren-
prenticeships the gold standard for ambitious ticeship Week 2012, surely all eyes now are
young people. on the next big event of the year, the Eurovi-
sion Song Contest. Aside – obviously – from
This endorsement shows the government’s com- Adult Learners’ Week in May.
mitment to strengthening the UK’s economy
by helping employers take on apprentices. It Our recent Eurovision record is almost as good
is information and guidance both for young as my ability to link pop culture references to
people on how they can enroll on training and topical issues in further education. Rubbish.
for employers on how they can employ appren- But while we might have a comfortable lead on
tices that will be a key part of the activity on this Eurovision League Table, our colleagues
offer at The Skills Show. Visitors will be able to around Europe have a lot to teach us in the area
attend sessions where they can hear first hand of apprenticeships policy, participation, models
from people in a vocational career and ask them of funding, teacher and trainer training and
about their experiences. Employers will be employer engagement.
able to connect with potential employees, take
part in advice sessions on how to take on an At a conference on international practices,
apprentice and find out more about WorldSkills organised by the National Apprenticeship
UK skills competitions. Service, I saw a presentation by Dr Ursula
Scharnhorst from the Swiss Federal Institute coaching and mentoring and on teaching and
We are also looking for colleges and training for Vocational Education and Training. For learning using interactive platforms. IfL has
providers from across the UK to be part of our the first time, I heard someone talk about an long shared the principle that teachers and
national skills showcase. The Skills Show will apprenticeship system, participation, quality, trainers need to be trained experts and continu-
feature an array of some of the country’s most standards and equality with central emphasis ally keeping up to date in both their field and in
outstanding apprenticeship and student talent. and very explicit reliance on qualified voca- teaching and training methods and we will ex-
If you were one of the many thousands of visi- The key element of WorldSkills London 2011 tional teachers and trainers. plore how teachers and trainers in this country
tors to WorldSkills London 2011 last October was the competitions taking place in over 45 can draw on approaches to professional teach-
it will come as no surprise as to why we are skills areas. How have we become used to a narrative ing and training practice in other countries.
launching the UK’s first ever national skills around apprenticeships being about ‘quality’
event, WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show. These competitions saw over 1000 young people and ‘standards’, devoid of the language of What do we know already? We can say with
from all over the globe battle it out to be named teaching and learning in this country? confidence that our teachers, trainers and
Nearly 200,000 people visited WorldSkills Lon- the ‘best of the best’ in their chosen skill. As assessors are committed to their own profes-
don 2011 when the UK hosted it, making it the I mentioned before Team UK did rather well While the sector debates definitions, numbers sional development and are determined to be
most successful and largest WorldSkills event and were ranked fifth. We select competitors and infrastructure, we, for the most part, are at the top of their game in terms of subject
ever held in the 60 year history of the competi- for Team UK from our WorldSkills UK national ignoring the teaching, training and learning knowledge and teaching and training methods.
tion. competitions. The competitions are run in over experience. Unless we understand the whys Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is
50 skills and are open to current apprentices and hows of good teaching and training and clearly a major part of this. Based on our regu-
Young people, parents and employers were and learners, or those who have completed a increases in completion and success rates, this latory responsibility, IfL reported earlier this
inspired, informed and entertained as the relevant programme of study within the past 12 progress is unsustainable. year in our annual review of CPD in the sector
UK demonstrated how apprenticeships and months. that, on average, 48 hours was carried out by
vocational training really can lead to success- Switzerland operates what’s known as a ‘dual each teaching practitioner in our sector as a
ful careers. There was also the medal winning Many of these national finals will be taking system’ apprenticeship mode where the roles whole. In work based learning specifically, our
performance of Team UK. Winning five gold, place at The Skills Show and most importantly of employers and the state are very clearly members on average declared 62 hours of CPD
two silver, six bronze medals and 13 Medallions the competitors will all be UK based. Visitors defined. Functional and academic learning last year – more than double what is required
of Excellence, Team UK delivered the best really will get the opportunity to see the ‘best is funded by the state and delivered through of them.
ever performance by the UK at a WorldSkills of the best’ in the UK in action and see the high ‘vocational schools’ or equivalent institutions,
competition. level of talent that exists in the UK. We hope and vocational competency based learning is We know too that here in the UK, nine per cent
this will motivate more people to get involved delivered, funded and managed entirely by the of 16-18 year olds participate in an apprentice-
As the event drew to a close last October, we with apprenticeships and vocational training. employers. Those who teach in functional and ship. In Switzerland, it is 53 per cent participa-
were already being asked by training organisa- academic learning do so in Vocational Educa- tion with a success rate of 90 per cent.
tions, colleges and employers who had been If you have students or apprentices who you tion and Training (VET) Schools. To qualify,
involved how we could use the excitement and think have got what it takes to compete on a they need to complete a Diploma including six What I took from that conference during Na-
interest generated by the event to benefit the national stage make sure you sign them up by months of integrating practice and pedagogical tional Apprenticeship Week was that we have
skills framework in the UK. By hosting a UK March 15. For more information visit studies and 1,800 hours of teaching hours. a strong base to build a truly world-class voca-
only skills event, WorldSkills UK – The Skills www.worldskillsuk.org tional educational system in this country, but
Show we can showcase the very best of what Trainers in host companies need to qualify to do that we need to broaden what we mean by
the UK’s apprenticeships and further education WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show is a vital part with a VET Diploma, and each company needs success and excellence.
system has to offer. of the new era for skills in this country. I urge to have at least one person who is qualified at
you all to be part of it and ensure we continue to this level. They will have needed to have dem- We need to learn from our colleagues in Eu-
We will also use the event to celebrate the inspire the workforce of tomorrow to gain the onstrated two years of practice in the vocation- rope, not just about funding and policy models,
achievements of apprentices and other highly skills that businesses need to remain competi- al area, undertaken 100 hours of teaching and but how the very best teaching and training
skilled young people who are contributing to the tive. will have completed a 40 hour specialist course for apprentices and workbased learning works
new era of skills in this country. on instructing apprentices. in practice, as well as how our own cultural
WorldSkills UK is taking place from 15 – 17 values, social attitudes and interest in brilliant
Skills Minister John Hayes launched World- November at the NEC Birmingham. For more All of this falls under principles set out by the learning opportunities rely on the very best
Skills UK – The Skills Show during National information visit: www.theskillsshow.com Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Educa- teachers and trainers.
Apprenticeship Week 2012. This followed the tion and Training. These principles are explicit
announcement made earlier in the week by Jaine Bolton, Director, on bridging industrial practice with pedagogy, Shane Chowen, Policy Officer at the
Prime Minister David Cameron who pledged National Apprenticeship Service of experience which is current, on expert Institute for Learning
www.feweek.co.uk Monday 20 February 2012 FE Week 7
FE Week Expert
Where next for 14-19 vocational qualifications?
The Department for Education’s recent cull At their best, vocational qualifications offer a lence, have found that students who had
of more than 3,000 vocational qualifi- good general education with the hook of mo- supposedly achieved a Level 2 in a vocational
cations taught in schools sparked a media tivation – a powerful combination of learning qualification at school were ill-prepared for
response that exposed the bitter rift that con- the theory and then applying it. For example, Level 3 courses.
tinues to dog the thinking about our children’s a student on an A-level business course will
education. learn about the theory of running a small Vocational qualifications must be delivered
business; on a vocational BTEC Business and by expert teachers in industrial or business-
The print and broadcast media fastened onto Finance course the student would be asked to standard environments. Such experts
- and belittled - nail technology and fish farm- actually create a business. integrate relevant maths, English, critical
ing as examples of worthless qualifications. thinking and problem-solving skills within the
They fed the prevailing orthodoxy that only Learning by doing is an unassailable theory of course.
‘real’ subjects like Latin and geography should how we learn best; where would our Olym-
be taught in schools, harking back to a time pic hopefuls be if they could only watch top They develop an individual through the as-
when facts were relentlessly drummed into athletes perform before taking to the field of signments they undertake, often including
young skulls. competition themselves? Vocational qualifica- real projects for local employers, and turn out
tions have always recognised that people learn young people who are work-ready and future-
While memorising information is, of course, a in different ways but this does not mean that proofed. Chef Jamie Oliver and TV gardening
very important skill, it is questionable wheth- one approach is of less value. There is a place guru Christine Walkden both started their
er deep learning takes place. It also has almost for both. illustrious careers at college - Westminster
no correlation with the world of work. Good Kingsway College, London, and Myerscough
vocational education teaches transferable Fifty per cent of pupils leave school without College, Lancashire, respectively.
skills which can be applied in the workplace. the five A*-C grades at GCSE that are con-
sidered by successive governments to be the So, what will be the result of the new direction
The axing of so many school-based vocational mark of an educated young person. For those for school league tables? There is enormous
courses is part of the implementation of the students for whom that ‘traditional’ route has concern that schools will teach subjects that
Wolf Report and aims to prevent what Profes- failed - those who leave school, disillusioned, contribute to the E-Baccalaureate and will
sor Wolf saw as students being encouraged to before reaching their GCSE exams - vocational continue to plug away at the diet of academic
pursue useless qualifications with no progres- learning is often the answer. But it should qualifications which continues to fail half of
sion route. not be delivered in schools where the physics our young people at 16. suit all. If not, we are in danger of driving
teacher has been reassigned to teaching an more young people into the NEET classifica-
For Education Secretary Michael Gove it put engineering qualification in a design technol- The solution must be to allow pupils to study tion, where their talents and ambition will be
an end to the ‘gaming’ of the school perfor- ogy classroom. full-time at a college from 14; to resource crushed and society as a whole will lose out.
mance tables by allocating the equivalence schools so they can continue to allow young
of two GCSEs to some of those vocational They must provide progression to the next people to make an informed choice at 14 and Joy Mercer, Director of Education Policy at the
qualifications. stage. Colleges, as hubs of vocational excel- 16, to recognise that one orthodoxy does not Association of Colleges (AoC)
The Ultimate Curriculum Planning Workshop
Critical updates on the funding of classroom and workplace training
24 February in London
6 March in York
20 March in Liverpool
To find out more and book a place
visit: www.lsect.com
8 FE Week Monday 20 February 2012 www.feweek.co.uk
FE Week gets technical ~ real or rebrand?
Starts by Train to Gain Apprenticeships
Starts by Train to Gain Apprenticeships
Sector Subject Area falls 175,200 rise 177,500
The BIS Select Committee have started taking evidence for their apprenticeship enquiry, and one issue being explored is whether the latest apprenticeship Sector Subject Area falls 175,200 rise 177,500
growth is real, or whether it is simply Train to Gain rebranded as apprenticeships. Here we publish the latest figures to help you make up your mind.
Source: Statistical First Release (SFR) Supplementary Tables for Train to Gain (published 13/02/12) and Apprenticeships (published 14/02/12), The Data Service
Business,
Business,
Starts by Train to Gain Apprenticeships
Administration - 62,530 + 57,230
Starts by Train to Gain Apprenticeships
Administration - 62,530 + 57,230
age band falls 175,200 rise 177,500 and Law
age band falls 175,200 rise 177,500 and Law
19-24 Health, Public
19-24 - 20,390 + 29,660 Health, Public
year-olds - 20,390 + 29,660 Services - 28,700 + 45,820
year-olds Services - 28,700 + 45,820
and Care
and Care
Information and
25-44 Information and
25-44 - 99,570 + 88,940
communication - 10,920 + 6,950
year-olds - 99,570 + 88,940 communication - 10,920 + 6,950
year-olds
technology
technology
Retail
Retail
45 year-olds
45 year-olds - 55,240 + 44,000 and Commercial - 30,260 RRi+si se4e 1b ,by1 y5 0
- 55,240 + 44,000 and Commercial - 30,260 + 41,150
and over
and over Enterprise 44,000
44,000
Enterprise
Sector Subject Area 2009/10 2010/11 Shift 2009/10 2010/11 Shift
Age band 2009/10 2010/11 Shift 2009/10 2010/11 Shift Sector Subject Area 2009/10 2010/11 Shift 2009/10 2010/11 Shift
Age band 2009/10 2010/11 Shift 2009/10 2010/11 Shift
Under 19 8,210 8,220 +10 116,780 131,700 +14,920 Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care 8,070 6,890 -1,180 5,690 7,380 +1,690
Under 19 8,210 8,220 +10 116,780 131,700 +14,920 Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care 8,070 6,890 -1,180 5,690 7,380 +1,690
19-24 132,810 112,420 -20,390 113,770 143,430 +29,660
19-24 132,810 112,420 -20,390 113,770 143,430 +29,660 Arts, Media and Publishing 250 290 +40 440 1,030 +590
Arts, Media and Publishing 250 290 +40 440 1,030 +590
25-44 408,270 308,700 -99,570 38,930 127,870 +88,940
25-44 408,270 308,700 -99,570 38,930 127,870 +88,940 Business, Administration and Law 120,410 57,880 -62,530 76,590 133,820 +57,230
Business, Administration and Law 120,410 57,880 -62,530 76,590 133,820 +57,230
45+ 225,240 170,000 -55,240 10,210 54,210 +44,000
45+ 225,240 170,000 -55,240 10,210 54,210 +44,000
Construction, Planning and the Built Environment 53,520 58,120 +4,600 25,210 28,090 +2,880
Grand Total 774,500 599,300 -175,200 279,700 457,200 +177,500 Construction, Planning and the Built Environment 53,520 58,120 +4,600 25,210 28,090 +2,880
Grand Total 774,500 599,300 -175,200 279,700 457,200 +177,500
Education and Training 16,110 11,650 -4,460 860 4,070 +3,210
Education and Training 16,110 11,650 -4,460 860 4,070 +3,210
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies 71,870 81,980 +10,110 37,860 48,970 +11,110
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies 71,870 81,980 +10,110 37,860 48,970 +11,110
AgAeg bea bnadnd 2020090/91/010 2021001/01/111 SShhifitft 22000099//1100 22001100//1111 SShhiifftt HHiissttoorryy,, PPhhiilloossoopphhyy aanndd TThheeoollooggyy 1100 1010 00 0 0 0 0 0 0
Under 16 10 10 0 400 320 -80 Health, Public Services and Care 133,820 105,120 -28,700 44,150 89,970 +45,820
Under 16 10 10 0 400 320 -80 Health, Public Services and Care 133,820 105,120 -28,700 44,150 89,970 +45,820
1616 141040 113300 --1100 2299,,338800 3300,,449900 ++11,,111100 IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn aanndd CCoommmmuunniiccaattioionn T Teecchhnnoolologgyy 2211,9,95500 111,10,30030 -1-01,09,29020 121,25,75070 191,95,25020 +6+,965,9050
1717 1,11,11010 115500 --996600 4400,,778800 4444,,884400 ++44,,006600 LLaanngguuaaggeess,, LLiitteerraattuurree aanndd C Cuullttuurree 1100 -- - - - - - - - -
1818 6,69,59050 77,9,93300 ++998800 4466,,222200 5566,,005500 ++99,,883300 LLeeiissuurree,, TTrraavveell aanndd TToouurriissmm 1100,5,59900 131,39,79070 +3+,33,83080 141,46,96090 212,15,95090 +6+,960,9000
191-92-424 13123,28,18010 111212,4,42200 --2200,3,39900 111133,,777700 114433,,443300 ++2299,,666600 PPrreeppaarraattiioonn ffoorr LLiiffee aanndd WWoorrkk 223311,1,12200 17157,54,14010 -5-55,57,17010 - - - - - -
252-53-434 20210,11,31030 151555,3,39900 --4455,7,74400 2255,,225500 7733,,440000 ++4488,,115500 RReettaaiill aanndd CCoommmmeerrcciiaall EEnntteerrpprrisisee 110055,1,16600 747,49,09000 -3-03,02,62060 616,16,26020 10120,27,77070 +4+14,115,1050
353-54-444 20270,71,41040 151353,3,31100 --5533,8,83300 1133,,668800 5544,,447700 ++4400,,779900 SSoocciiaall SScciieenncceess -- -- - - - - - - - -
454-55-959 20260,66,36030 151555,1,11100 --5511,5,52200 99,,881100 5500,,332200 ++4400,,551100 SScciieennccee aanndd MMaatthheemmaattiiccss 117700 3030 -1-41040 - - 1010 - -
606+0+ 181,86,16010 1414,8,89900 --33,7,72200 440000 33,,889900 ++33,,449900 OOtthheerr 11,4,46600 2,20,60060 +6+06000 - - - - - -
GrGarnadn Tdo Ttoatlal 77747,45,05000 595999,3,30000 --117755,2,20000 227799,,770000 445577,,220000 ++117777,,550000 GGrraanndd TToottaall 777744,5,50000 59599,93,03000 -1-7157,52,02000 27297,97,07000 45475,72,02000+1+7177,570,5000
www.feweek.co.uk Monday 20 February 2012 FE Week 9
Starts by Train to Gain Apprenticeships
Sector Subject Area falls 175,200 rise 177,500
Business,
Starts by Train to Gain Apprenticeships
Administration - 62,530 + 57,230
age band falls 175,200 rise 177,500 and Law
19-24 Health, Public
- 20,390 + 29,660
year-olds Services - 28,700 + 45,820
and Care
Information and
25-44
- 99,570 + 88,940
communication - 10,920 + 6,950
year-olds
technology
Retail
45 year-olds
Rise by
- 55,240 + 44,000 and Commercial - 30,260 + 41,150
and over
44,000
Enterprise
Sector Subject Area 2009/10 2010/11 Shift 2009/10 2010/11 Shift
Age band 2009/10 2010/11 Shift 2009/10 2010/11 Shift
Under 19 8,210 8,220 +10 116,780 131,700 +14,920 Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care 8,070 6,890 -1,180 5,690 7,380 +1,690
19-24 132,810 112,420 -20,390 113,770 143,430 +29,660
Arts, Media and Publishing 250 290 +40 440 1,030 +590
25-44 408,270 308,700 -99,570 38,930 127,870 +88,940
Business, Administration and Law 120,410 57,880 -62,530 76,590 133,820 +57,230
45+ 225,240 170,000 -55,240 10,210 54,210 +44,000
Construction, Planning and the Built Environment 53,520 58,120 +4,600 25,210 28,090 +2,880
Grand Total 774,500 599,300 -175,200 279,700 457,200 +177,500
Education and Training 16,110 11,650 -4,460 860 4,070 +3,210
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies 71,870 81,980 +10,110 37,860 48,970 +11,110
Age band 2009/10 2010/11 Shift 2009/10 2010/11 Shift History, Philosophy and Theology 10 10 0 0 0 0
Under 16 10 10 0 400 320 -80 Health, Public Services and Care 133,820 105,120 -28,700 44,150 89,970 +45,820
16 140 130 -10 29,380 30,490 +1,110 Information and Communication Technology 21,950 11,030 -10,920 12,570 19,520 +6,950
17 1,110 150 -960 40,780 44,840 +4,060 Languages, Literature and Culture 10 - - - - -
18 6,950 7,930 +980 46,220 56,050 +9,830 Leisure, Travel and Tourism 10,590 13,970 +3,380 14,690 21,590 +6,900
19-24 132,810 112,420 -20,390 113,770 143,430 +29,660 Preparation for Life and Work 231,120 175,410 -55,710 - - -
25-34 201,130 155,390 -45,740 25,250 73,400 +48,150 Retail and Commercial Enterprise 105,160 74,900 -30,260 61,620 102,770 +41,150
35-44 207,140 153,310 -53,830 13,680 54,470 +40,790 Social Sciences - - - - - -
45-59 206,630 155,110 -51,520 9,810 50,320 +40,510 Science and Mathematics 170 30 -140 - 10 -
60+ 18,610 14,890 -3,720 400 3,890 +3,490 Other 1,460 2,060 +600 - - -
Grand Total 774,500 599,300 -175,200 279,700 457,200 +177,500 Grand Total 774,500 599,300 -175,200 279,700 457,200 +177,500
10 FE Week Monday 20 February 2012 www.feweek.co.uk
FE Week campus round-up
Birmingham Metropolitan College gets
visit from the Doctor’s new companion
Doctor Who actor Arthur Darvill (centre) our students face to face with successful
was the star of the first seminar held performers from every aspect of the stage
by Birmingham Metropolitan Academy of and screen.”
Brent Cross shopping centre hosts live
Performing Arts (BMAPA) in 2012. Arthur is due to start filming the next
Mr Darvill, who has played the character series of Doctor Who at the end of this
Barnet and Southgate College showcase
Rory Williams in the last three series of month and can be heard on BBC Radio 4
Doctor Who, shared his experiences of playing the title role in an adaptation of
Barnet and Southgate College held a Southgate College said: “Collaborations of working as a voice and stage actor, musician Gulliver’s Travels.
Creative Winter Showcase of live music, this nature are fundamental in terms of the and composer with the students at the Sutton Vincent Botting, a student at BMAPA, said:
photography, fashion, hairdressing and student experience and generate a rewarding Coldfield Campus. “It was great to meet Arthur. Along with
beauty at the Brent Cross shopping centre. and professional perspective, developing Paul Garnault, head of BMAPA said: “We talking about his experiences on Doctor Who,
The two day event was a chance for their confidence to step into the commercial were delighted that our students could meet he told us useful things about life at drama
students to demonstrate all of the creative world. such a popular actor who has accomplished school and the process of auditioning for
skills they have picked up during their “It’s also a great opportunity for people so much and has the potential to become even parts.
studies at the college. who might be interested in studying at more established. “It was good to know that although he’s
Fashion and hairdressing students Barnet and Southgate College to meet course “This was the first of many seminars achieved lots, his career has had its highs
were able to see their work modelled on a advisors.” BMAPA will be running this year to bring and lows, just like any other actor’s.”
professional catwalk, while music students The Creative Winter Showcase was also
either performed to a live audience or filmed by first year National Diploma Media
City College Norwich cuts the ribbon at
operated as sound engineers. students as a live project for their course
Marilyn Hawkins, principal of Barnet and portfolios.
their £1.2m StartUp Lounge for enterprise
Prince visits Blackpool and The Fylde
College on Queen’s Diamond Jubilee tour
An ew £1.2m facility for teaching enterprise Lounge which takes students through a series
and entrepreneurship skills has been of stages in a business start-up “journey”.
Students were treated to a Royal visit in the Gallery, the Prince said: “It’s been so officially opened at City College Norwich. Dick Palmer, principal at City College
when Prince Edward dropped into nice to meet so many of you and I’d like to Gazelle entrepreneurs Priya Lakhani, Norwich and chairman of Generator
Blackpool and The Fylde College. wish you all the best with your studies and founder of Masala Masala and SOCO, and Enterprises said: “The StartUp Lounge and
The Prince headed into the University the future.” Ben Ramsden, founder of Pants to Poverty, the work of our partner college principals
Centre as part of the Queen’s Diamond Pauline Waterhouse OBE, principal of alongside City College Norwich Principal Dick in Gazelle is about transforming further
Jubilee tour, where he spent time chatting the college, said: “I’m so proud of all the Palmer, joined more than 100 students from education and helping to create the start-up
to a number of students and staff, before staff and students for helping to make the City College Norwich and partner schools and businesses needed for future growth.
enjoying performances from musical visit such a success. colleges to launch the StartUp Lounge. “Our students are already making fantastic
theatre degree students and the college “I think we have certainly showcased The main reception area of the college was use of the StartUp Lounge and from September
choir. the college and people seemed to find the transformed into a vibrant market, before we will be making these opportunities an
As he unveiled a commemorative plaque experience very uplifting.” guests had the opportunity to tour the StartUp entitlement for all of our 14,000 students.”