Table Of Content

FE FE Week Week news ~ analysis ~ jobs ~ fun AoC award for high-flyer MonMdaoyn, dSaepy,t eMmabrecrh 1 168, ,2 2001133 www.feweek.co.uk FE Commissioner panel Page 3 Guidance criticised Page 4 inside... See page 12 for more Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris, member of the Red Arrows, © Crown 2013 College backs down on veil ban Birmingham Met defended its ban after media attention but has Chris Henwood @Chris_Henwood now ‘listened’ to students and ‘modified’ the controversial policy A Midland college has backed down “The college will still need to be The girl, who did not want to be to review our policies on a regular diverse, we are tolerant.” on a security policy that banned able to confirm an individual’s iden- named, branded the policy “dis- basis,” she said. The rule preventing use of niqabs Muslim students from wearing face tity in order to maintain safeguard- gusting” and said she was being Prime Minister David Cameron — a veil which leaves a thin slot for veils. ing and security. “discriminated against”. had also stepped into the row late on the eyes — also meant hoodies, hats Birmingham Metropolitan College “The necessity to comply with Protestors angry at the policy were Thursday, September 12, apparently and caps were banned. revised its policy late on Thursday national regulations, examination set to visit the college on Friday, in favour of the ban. His spokesper- The policy at the college, which night, ahead of a protest at the col- board requirements and applicable September 13, but the demonstration son said: “The point I would make had more than 26,000 students just lege the following day and in light of legislation will remain an overrid- was called off at the 11th hour in on this is that we back schools being over two years ago before merging mounting criticism from the likes of ing priority in all circumstances, as light of the college back-down. able to set and enforce their own with the 12,500-student Stourbridge the NUS, local councillors and MPs. will the need to ensure that effective But college principal Dame school uniform policies.” College this summer, is that indi- Even Deputy Prime Minister Nick teaching and learning methodologies Christine Braddock had appeared to It came just hours after the Deputy viduals should be “easily identifiable Clegg appeared to be against the ban. are applied. be refusing to give in to pressure on Prime Minister said on his LBC 97.3 at all times”. A college spokesperson “We are concerned that recent “We have listened to the views of the policy in an interview with FE phone-in radio show: “I’m really said the policy was eight years old. media attention is detracting from our students and we are confident Week on Wednesday, September 11. quite uneasy about anyone being A Department for Education our core mission of providing high that this modification to our policies However, at that point she declined told what they have to wear and I spokesperson said: “Schools and quality learning,” said a college will meet the needs of all of our to comment on whether it would be certainly would need to understand colleges have the freedom to set their spokesperson. learners and stakeholders.” reviewed in light of objections and why. own uniform policies. We expect “As a consequence, we will modify The college hit had the headlines media coverage. “I think I’ve set the bar very high them to act reasonably in accom- our policies to allow individuals to when a prospective Muslim student “Birmingham Metropolitan Col- to justify something like that be- modating the needs of different wear specific items of personal cloth- was told of the policy preventing lege actively engages with our stake- cause one of the things that is great religions.” ing to reflect their cultural values. learners from wearing a niqab. holders and users of our buildings about our country is that we are See editorial on page 4 MAKE TRAINEESHIPS WORK FOR YOU WWW.CITYANDGUILDS.COM/TRAINEESHIPS 2 FE Week M onda y, Sep tembe r 16, 2 0 1 3 www.feweek.co.uk FE news in brief Edition 74 Tutor sacked after college Final round of pilot FE Week is the only newspaper dedicated to sex talk complaints news, analysis, jobs and fun in the FE sector. The government has announced the winning bids for the second and final round of the And tweet us your thoughts @feweek or employer ownership pilot (EoP) with funding Eleanor Radford with the hashtag #feweek of £238m. @EleanorRadford Business Secretary Vince Cable spoke to Editor: Nick Linford business leaders at the Industrial Strategy Deputy editor: Chris Henwood A college in the North East has sacked a female Conference “One Year On” at Warwick Uni- Senior reporter: Eleanor Radford tutor after she allegedly talked to her class about versity on Wednesday. Reporter: Rebecca Cooney sex acts, prostitution and fetishes. “The difference in these [EoP] schemes is Head designer: Nicky Phillips Northumberland College (pictured right) that we will channel funds through employ- Operations: Shane Mann principal Stuart Cutforth said the behaviour of ers rather than providers,” he said. Sales executive: Hannah Smith the tutor, who has not been named, came to his The winning tenders included Everton Administration: Victoria Boyle attention after the college received a letter of Football Club and the National Grid. Financials: Helen Neilly complaint in July. Contributors: Dr Deidre Hughes The woman, who was running an employ- tutor was suspended with immediate effect. Apprentice reshuffle Ruth Sparkes ment skills course in Bedlington, was immedi- “The Skills Funding Agency and Job Centre Anthony Benton ately suspended while the matter was investigat- Plus were also notified of the complaint im- Karen Woodward is to take the lead on John Allan ed by a member of the college executive team. mediately. apprenticeship activities at the National Ap- Dr Matt O’Leary The college, which achieved a good rating from “The issues highlighted within the letter of prenticeship Service following the departure Rob Wye Ofsted in March, said it dismissed the woman complaint were investigated thoroughly by a of David Way, FE Week understands. following a disciplinary hearing. member of the executive team and a discipli- She is currently divisional apprentice- For an annual subscription to FE Week for Unemployed Paul Cocallis had been sent on nary hearing held. ship director at the Skills Funding Agency’s just £75 visit www.feweek.co.uk and click the course by the job centre and told the Even- “The outcome of the hearing resulted in the apprenticeship division, and will also take on ‘subscribe’ at the top of the page. ing Chronicle local newspaper that he had been tutor no longer being employed at the college. responsibility for traineeship employer “horrified” by the tutor’s actions. “In short, every action possible was taken to engagement. He claimed that, during the three-week ensure that the complaint was dealt with in a Mr Way, who was executive director of If you are interested in placing a product course run by Northumberland College hosted thorough and efficient manner and our external the service, stepped down at the end of last or job advert in a future edition please click at Bedlington Community College, the tutor dis- agencies are satisfied with the outcome of the month after 38 years in the employment and on the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page cussed prostitution, fetishes and other graphic actions taken.” skills sector. on www.feweek.co.uk or contact: content. A Department for Business, Innovation and “It was disgusting really, other members of Skills spokesperson said: “The department Youth jobs on the slide E: [email protected] the class were not happy,” said the 25-year-old. takes safeguarding matters seriously. T: 020 81234 778 Mechanic Mr Cocallis added: “It got really “All publicly-funded providers are responsible The official unemployment rate for 16 to out of hand at times but you could not walk out for the safety and well-being of their learners 24-year-olds has risen slightly for a second Top Ofsted careers because then it would be reported back that you and for the professional conduct of their staff. month in a row to 21 per cent, according to the had not completed the course. You had no choice “In this case the college acted decisively in latest monthly figures. guidance tweets: but to stay and listen.” investigating this matter.” For May to July, it rose 0.5 percentage Mr Cutforth said: “The college received this The Institute for Learning declined to say if points (9,000) from February to April, said @nlakeland complaint on July 29 and put our complaints the tutor was a member. FE Week was unable to the Office for National Statistics, hitting the No surprises here though - 75% policy and procedures into place directly. The contact the tutor. 960,000 mark. schools not giving impartial advice, apprenticeships rarely mentioned ... Q is what happens Barclays sticks by Elmfield Training now? @KoolHeadsCoach Chris Henwood aware of the conditions attached to Elm- the provider. Such a missed opportunity, I field’s notice. Future starts at Barclays will The agency’s spokesperson said: “The @Chris_Henwood could not agree more - be dependent on the agency’s assurance that notice of serious breach issued to Elmfield Ofsted boss Sir Michael hits out Elmfield has made satisfactory progress following its inadequate inspection outcome at schools over careers guidance The Skills Funding Agency has been “work- against their post inspection action plan.” will remain in place until a full Ofsted re- ing closely” with Barclays Bank over its She added: “The agency is committed to inspection has taken place. @Fleeto87 apprenticeship plans with Elmfield Training working with Barclays to ensure the continu- A condition of the notice is that Elmfield Reading Ofsted’s “damning after the provider was banned from taking on ation of this successful programme.” cannot start any new learners with either commentary” on careers advice new learners, FE Week can reveal. Ofsted found outcomes for Elmfield learn- new or existing employers or apply for in schools. Something needs to The multinational bank said last month ers were inadequate and the majority of its growth. change it wanted to double its apprentice intake to apprentices did not complete their frame- “This condition will only be lifted once the 2,000, despite contracted provider Elmfield work within the planned time. agency is assured that Elmfield is making @148notout having been banned from taking on new The inspection report came just months af- satisfactory progress against their post- The real cost of Gove’s learners. ter FE Week reported how Elmfield’s success inspection action plan.” education policy! The bank said it wanted to achieve its aim rates showed just 47.5 per cent of its 13,420 Meanwhile, the agency’s requirements of — targeting young people aged 16 to 24 not in leavers in the retail and wholesale sector, Elmfield under the notice were disclosed to @abijanesmith education, employment or training — within aged 25+, walked away with an apprentice- FE Week following a Freedom of Information Ofsted boss Sir Michael hits out two years. ship certificate in 2011/12. Act request. at schools over careers guidance. The announcement came after the agency’s Although Ofsted acknowledged the pro- The agency issued its notice to Elmfield Hardly surprising, schools want ban for Elmfield, under a notice of serious vider’s success rates were good in newer chief executive Simon Shaw on July 15. to retain learners, not lose them! breach, over its Ofsted grade four inspection areas of provision, accounting for around 20 He replaced former chief executive Ged result in July. per cent of its delivery and including bank- Syddall after his resignation in light of the A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our com- ing, some elements nevertheless required Ofsted blow, although it is understood he mitment is unchanged to apprenticeships. improvement. remains the provider’s majority shareholder. Learning & Skills Events, We are working closely with the agency and Elmfield said it accepted the education The notice said a grade three result was Consultancy and Training Ltd Elmfield to ensure we meet that commit- watchdog’s recommendations for improve- needed from Elmfield’s next Ofsted 161-165 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8JA ment.” ment and would, “focus on tackling the inspection. T: 020 8123 4778 Elmfield declined to comment, but an success factors identified initially in our self- It also set out seven key areas of concern E: [email protected] agency spokesperson said: “We have worked assessment report”. to be monitored at monthly case conferences closely with Barclays to ensure they are Barclays said at the time it would stand by arranged and chaired by the agency. @FEWeek Mond ay, Sep tembe r 16, 2 0 13 FE Week 3 Commissioner: only the brave need apply Eleanor Radford a-day job that includes travelling the length and tive Martin Doel; and, Ofsted’s national director The successful candidate will also have the breadth of the country. of FE and skills, Matthew Coffey. power to issue notices of concern to failing col- @EleanorRadford Skills Funding Agency chief executive Kim And last, but by no means least, will be the leges and close colleges that don’t improve. Thorneywork is the Alan Sugar of the bunch, deputy director of the Department for Business, “If a college is placed into administered col- These are the tough nuts you’ll have to crack if leading the pack as chair during preliminary Innovation and Skills Bobbie McClelland. lege or administered institution status the FE you want to be the new FE Commissioner, FE interviews and assessments. They’re due to take The menacing quintet was revealed on Tues- Commissioner’s role at this point is to conduct Week can reveal. place October 9 to 11 with final interviews on day, September 10, with the launch of fecommis- a structure and prospects appraisal,” said Mr The imposing interview panel is a fearsome October 28 and 29. sioner.com to recruit to the post. Hancock. line-up that includes sector chief executives and Ms Thorneywork will be flanked by the Edu- It is the second attempt at hiring for the role, “The FE Commissioner will aim to complete directors. cation Funding Agency’s chief executive, Peter after a failed attempt in May when no-one was the appraisal within three months.” They’re all that stands in the way of the £800 Lauener; Association of Colleges chief execu- appointed despite a number of interviews. The job specification says the ideal candidate Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “We should have experience developing forward- Qualifications cull are looking for a high-calibre individual to per- thinking strategies, leading and influencing form this critical role, with a proven track re- complex organisational change and the ability cord of successfully leading and driving change to maintain a positive approach in challenging in FE colleges, universities, academies, training circumstances. The post is offered on a two-year comes under FAB fire organisations or similar types of institution.” fixed term contract, with an expected commit- The FE Commissioner will review the im- ment of around 80 to 120 days each year. provement plans of troubled colleges within a Visit www.fecommissioner.com before the An agency spokesperson told FE Week: “We two-week timescale and brief ministers on the closing date of September 22 for more details Chris Henwood asked awarding organisations, colleges and competency of principals and governors. and to apply. @Chris_Henwood training providers to submit evidence for any qualifications they believed should be retained. A cull of more than 1,800 adult qualifications “Where we have removed public funding for that had little or no uptake has come under fire qualifications with no or low enrolments, we from Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) have ensured no gaps in provision for employ- chief executive Jill Lanning. ers and learners.” The Skills Funding Agency has axed funding She added that the agency would review for a host of awards, from entry level to level funding decisions if there was evidence of four, as part of its New Streamlined Funding demand. System for Adult Skills from the start of last And, thanks to a Freedom of Information month. request to the agency, FE week can reveal that Barclays sticks by Elmfield Training Among the 1,884 qualifications hit for no 70 per cent of the qualifications cut were axed uptake were City & Guilds’ level one award in because they had no uptake in the 22 months creative techniques in jewellery — personal- from August 2011, while the remainder were ised key fob and the Royal Society for Public culled for little demand. Health’s level two award in health promotion. Meanwhile, City & Guilds won amnesty for However, a further 197 qualifications that had 74 of its qualifications, but lost 345. Its direc- faced the chop were saved. tor of policy, research and regulation, Judith They included the Mineral Products Qualifi- Norrington, said: “It’s understandable that the cations Council’s level four diploma in supervi- government is keen to focus funding on the sion of underground coal, shale or fireclay qualifications that people are taking. mining operations and City & Guilds’ level “Clearly, there is a need to simplify the com- three diploma for professional dog stylists. plex framework system wherever possible — in Nevertheless, Mrs Lanning remained critical fact the Qualifications and Credit Framework of the cull. [QCF] system itself led to awarding bodies “We recognise the agency may need to focus producing so many qualifications. and prioritise the limited public funding avail- “Our main concern is whether the needs able for adult learning, but we do not believe of employers and learners have driven the that the approach used to remove funding from changes to funding. It’s particularly vital that individual qualifications with low and no enrol- employers are involved to ensure the funding ments is an effective way to do this,” she said. is directed to the right areas and meets their “Many cases of funding are being withdrawn needs.” from only one or two of the awarding bodies of- Meanwhile, OCR saw two of its qualifica- fering each of the qualifications under scrutiny. tions saved, including its level two certificate in “We are naturally concerned about the preparing to work in creative media. It lost 192. impact of this approach on our members, in- A spokesperson for the awarding body cluding where funding was removed from one said: “The fact that there are so many unused of a suite of linked qualifications offered by an qualifications is a hangover from an old regime awarding organisation.” and illustrates perfectly the need to get rid of In February FE Week reported how more the QCF. than 2,400 qualifications could disappear, but “What is really important is that we all de- in July Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said velop new qualifications for new and emerging that 1,884 qualifications would be scrapped fol- needs. It is not about the actual number of qual- lowing a “thorough” review. ifications, but the right kind of qualifications.” 4 FE Week M onday , Sept ember 16, 20 1 3 www.feweek.co.uk Editor’s comment Safe AND inclusive It was inevitable that Birmingham Metropolitan College would bow to the weight of public pressure. Clearly, ensuring a safe environment for all learners, employees and visitors is of paramount importance. And the college policy at Birmingham Met was never intended to offend or discriminate. Whatever your opinion is about whether this is right or wrong, the college has Careers plan after wrath of Wilshaw now listened and seems to have found a way to Chris Henwood able to them”. tion of Employment and Learning Providers, The Ofsted report came out on September 10 said: “The Ofsted report should lead to schools balance the need for a @Chris_Henwood — the day after Sir Michael praised schools for and colleges being more transparent in terms of safe environment with the “radical advances” in inspections. the careers advice offered and more welcoming freedom to wear a veil. The government has announced an action plan He said: “Our findings show that too few to input from training providers and employ- to tackle poor careers advice after Ofsted boss schools are doing enough to ensure all their stu- ers.” I sympathise with the Sir Michael Wilshaw attacked schools saying dents receive comprehensive advice about the David Igoe, chief executive of the Sixth Form college’s position and “too few are doing enough” on the service. breadth of career opportunities available.” Colleges’ Association, said his members “rely He hit out with the education watchdog’s The criticism comes nine months after the on local schools providing information and congratulate its principal, much-awaited report — Going in the right direc- Education Select Committee warned of a “dete- guidance on all the opportunities available and Dame Christine Braddock, tion? Careers guidance in schools from Septem- rioration” in schools’ careers guidance. … too often we felt that this statutory duty was on being brave enough to ber 2012 — offering a damning commentary on Committee chair said Graham Stuart said: neglected or just blatantly ignored.” careers guidance in schools. “This [Ofsted] report makes an irresistible case Brian Lightman, general secretary of the As- modify the policy. The report showed that 75 per cent of the 60 for change and I very much hope ministers are sociation of School and College Leaders, wanted I wish the students schools visited were not implementing their listening.” “high-quality, face-to-face guidance provided by duty to provide impartial careers advice. Tristram Hunt, Labour’s Junior Shadow qualified professionals is available in all parts of and staff both a safe and Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said Education Minister, said: “The government’s the country”. inclusive start to the year. schools, which have been responsible for provid- reforms have brutally undermined careers David Hughes, chief executive of the National ing their 14 to 16-year-olds with careers guid- services for 14 to 16-year-olds. Institute of Adult Continuing Education, said Nick Linford, editor ance since 2012, would in future be issued with “This is a matter of social justice and eco- employers should have a role in schools’ careers clearer advice on their responsibilities. nomic competitiveness — young people need guidance. He said he also wanted more employers the support to make the right choices and the “Including employers … will go some way to Correction involved in response to the Ofsted report and youth unemployment rates are a sad testament inspiring those wanting to take a more voca- also a report this year by the National Careers to that.” tional route,” he said. Council which called for a “culture change” in Association of Colleges president Michele Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 careers guidance. Sutton said: “We are letting young people down Group, suggested colleges step in to help schools, While Sir Geoff Hall may well have stepped “I want all schools to do as the best do — in- if we don’t provide them with absolute clarity because they “offer excellent advice and guid- spiring young people, providing work experi- on the full range of providers, including sixth ance services”. down from his post as interim chief ence and putting them in touch with employ- form colleges and colleges, and to the widest Meanwhile, Karen O’Donoghue, president executive of the Education and Training ers,” said Mr Hancock. range of options open to them, which includes of the Career Development Institute, called for Foundation, he has not left his job as chair The National Careers Service is also set to further and higher education, traineeships and guidance to be delivered by Qualifications and of the Information Authority (IA). “be improved to give young people a greater apprenticeships.” Credit Framework level six-registered profes- It was incorrectly reported in the last understanding of the full range of options avail- Stewart Segal, chief executive of the Associa- sionals. edition of FE Week that Sir Geoff no longer See the FE Week website for an interview with Ofsted inspector Karen Adriaanse, author of held the IA post. Read an expert piece on page 7 Going in the right direction? Careers guidance in schools from September 2012 by National Careers Council chair Dr Deirdre Hughes FE Week would like to apologise for any distress caused by this inaccuracy and Comment confirm that the former principal and chief executive of New College Nottingham Apprentice hopefuls face Two in every three colleges Have you got something to say remains in post having been appointed in GCSE barrier using zero-hour contracts, about FE or one of our stories? January 2011. research suggests The error did not appear in FE Week Oh, to have the choice of turning prospective Email us with Comments in the coverage online of Sir Geoff’s resignation apprentices away. The problem with zero-hour contracts is subject line at [email protected] or from the foundation. If at initial assessment they are really not that the flexibility is all for the benefit of the leave a comment on our website www. up to it then we would suggest another route, employer. feweek.co.uk Have you spotted something wrong but around 30 per cent of our apprentices They are a way of stripping staff of the with this edition of FE Week? do not have a transferable English or maths key benefits to which they are entitled. Or1, 6y1o-u16 c5a Gnr weernitwe itcoh u Hs iagth F REo Wade,e k , qualification and we deliver functional skills FE should be doing more to keep hold of the London SE10 8JA. to them. skills and knowledge of its staff by offering If so, feel free to tell us about it, I would also suggest that Functional Skills more secure futures and making the sector a Full contact details should be provided including the page number and story are a much better fit than GCSEs in many desirable place to work as a result. and can be withheld by FE Week headline, and explain what the problem working environments, but that more sector upon request. is. Email us at [email protected] with specific Functional Skills would be more Jane Scott Paul, chief executive, Association Corrections in the subject line. useful. Beverley Slynn of Accounting Technicians Cambridge TRAINEESHIPS CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMBRIDGE TRAINEESHIPS IS EASY WITH OCR Cambridge Traineeships have been tried and tested through a dedicated pilot and can be provided as off-the-shelf programmes, or programmes specifi cally designed to suit individual needs. The range has been set up to suit all learner types, with the option of Cambridge Progression qualifi cations in English and maths if learners aren’t ready for Functional Skills. Plus there’s the option of including vocational qualifi cations if your learners want to specialise in a particular sector. There are four categories of off-the-shelf Cambridge Traineeships to choose from: · Progression to Work (includes Cambridge Progression) · Functional Work Ready (includes Functional Skills) · Progression to Work Plus (includes Cambridge Progression and a vocational qualifi cation) · Functional Work Ready Plus (includes Functional Skills and a vocational qualifi cation) To see the range of programmes within each of these categories, view the interactive Package Finder at ocr.org.uk/cambridgetraineeships Or, if you’d like to speak with us about programmes specifi cally designed to suit individual needs, please call us on 02476 851509 or email vocational.qualifi [email protected] @ocrexams linkedin.com/ company/ocr 6 FE Week M o n day, S eptem ber 16 , 2013 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week on location Hull 14 to 16-year-olds leading the way to college Chris Henwood @Chris_Henwood Seven colleges in England are for the first time taking on young teenagers. Hull College Group is one of those. One hundred 14 to 16-year-olds in Hull are among the country’s first within the age group to study full-time at college. Hull College Group launched its new college on Friday, giving the youngsters the chance to study vocational specialisms over a two-year period alongside GCSE English, maths and science. Professor Alison Wolf CBE, who recommended that providers should be allowed to enrol students at 14, helped launch the college. Group chief executive Gary Warke said: “We are pleased to welcome our first cohort of students to the 14 to 16 college. “It’s an historic moment for Hull College Group and one that signifies a momentous moment in education.” Hull College was rated as outstanding by Ofsted in February. It is one of seven to directly enrol 14 and From left: Professor Alison Wolf, Gary Warke and students Jessica Linford and Mario Sequeira, both 14 Photos by Colin Wallwork for FE Week 15-year-olds. The others are Halesowen College, in the Midlands; Middlesbrough further training. College; Leeds City College; Newcastle College From 18, students can continue on to higher Group; Accrington and Rossendale College, in education either with Hull College or at Lancashire; and, Hadlow College, in Kent. university or they can leave education and enter into employment. Mr Warke said: “Our previous experience has “It’s an historic cemented Hull College Group as a pioneer of 14 to 16 education. This includes sponsorship of moment for Hull the Hull Studio School and Sirius Academy. “Both are representative of the success Hull College Group and College Group has with this age group and what can be achieved with an exciting, varied one that signifies curriculum and excellent teaching staff. “We wish our new students all the best.” a momentous The criteria for direct recruitment of 14 to 15-year-olds include an outstanding, good or moment in requires improvement rating from Ofsted. Colleges who do take on 14 and 15-year olds education” will also be required to provide a dedicated area for them within the college estate, as well as separate leadership. Hull’s class sizes are smaller and students Colleges will also be subject to an Ofsted will be taught by specialist vocational tutors inspection under the schools’ framework within who are industry trained, said a college two years of their 14 to 16 centre opening. spokesperson. The Education Funding Agency declined to Student support in the form of personal indicate how many students were likely to be tutors, learning mentors, support for students enrolled overall this year, but a spokesperson with disabilities and a full range of enrichment said: “We are pleased that these seven colleges activities will play an integral part in the will be acting as early pathfinders and will be development of students. working closely with them to learn early lessons Pathways are also in place to ensure students and share good practice.” have various progression opportunities, added He added: “The funding they receive will be the spokesperson. From 16, students can study based on the actual numbers they recruit.”It is full-time vocational courses, full-time A-level understood that more colleges are planning to courses, apprenticeships, employment and offer 14 and 15 provision in 2014/15. @FEWeek M Monodnad ya, yS, eSpetp etmembebr e r1 61,6 2, 02 1 0 313 FE Week 7 FE Week experts Planning to change a careers culture The National Careers Council called for for England is a major step forward. local communities. a ‘culture change’ in careers guidance in This is the first time the government has had The Minister’s Inspiration Vision sets a the summer and made seven recommenda- such an action plan. challenge for more businesses to step up tions to improve the service. Dr Deirdre It is heartening that the government has and work more closely with education, extend- Hughes says she’s happy with the govern- acknowledged careers provision needs to be ing the delivery of the best that exists and ment’s new action plan on the issue. radically improved, responding to repeated more. calls from people working in schools, colleges Partnerships at a local and national level For too long, careers provision has been a and local communities. have been commonplace for some time, but Cinderella service. Many people have their As with all plans, the real work lies ahead the new emphasis is to make an exceptional own anecdotes about the careers advice they to support schools, colleges and universities partnership the new norm. personally received. to provide impartial and independent careers Clearly more people, especially young people, Now is the time to think more earnestly guidance. need access to career insights to the world of about how to improve careers provision, Ofsted’s findings are unsurprising given work, but it is essential that this is combined moving beyond anecdotes to evidence of posi- major structural changes in the delivery with proper access to impartial and independ- tive impact, including good and interesting system are ongoing in this transitional period ent careers guidance. policies and practices in our local communi- for schools. The National Careers Service (NCS) has to ties. There is an urgent need to take collective But we now have a new focus and direc- strengthen its links further with employers. action. tion of travel — improving careers provision, There is significant potential with its part- I welcome the Skills Minister Matthew regarded by government and its partners as a ners to harness existing and new resources to Hancock’s call for ‘a culture change in careers social and economic priority. reach out and connect with young people (and guidance’ which requires government, educa- In England, a revision of guidance to schools parents) in local communities. tion, employers, training providers and career and colleges and improvements in destination Getting people closer to ‘the line of sight development professionals all to play their measures are a step forward. to work’ and/or suitable opportunities is a Careers Council (NCC), the implementation of full part. Also, innovative developments such as the common goal that involves a multiplicity of NCS ‘practical steps’ now begins. As teachers and lecturers have so often said, UK Commission for Employment and Skills’ players. The culture change is underway. The NCC young people need clearer pathways into the (UKCES) LMI [Labour Market Information] We know investment in addressing the youth will continue to work with government, the workplace through schooling, tertiary educa- for All initiative will improve access to labour employment challenge now comes in many UKCES and other interested parties to look tion and training. market intelligence. different forms, including Local Enterprise ahead and find practical solutions that help Having careers support to help with navigat- But significantly more work needs to Partnerships (LEPs), who are beginning to support and improve careers support services ing options and making well-informed deci- be done between education, employers and work more closely with the NCS and National for young people and adults. sions based on labour market realities career development professionals. I would Apprenticeship Service. is essential. also like to see more emphasis on engaging With the government’s formal endorsement Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE, chair of the National The government’s new Careers Action Plan with the voices of young people and parents in of all seven recommendations of the National Careers Council and UKCES commissioner Gaps in careers guidance an opportunity for FE Ofsted’s careers guidance report pulled their own audiences. And what can colleges do? no punches in its criticism of schools. BCA decided that it needed to reach out to Most colleges already offer good quality Nor did it come as a surprise to many young people in ways that made it as accessible advice and guidance to their students and in the FE sector. But now that it has as possible. prospective students. Why not open this service arrived, so has the time to act — and to up to anyone who needs it? capitalise, says Ruth Sparkes. Colleges could work with their local papers “They could even (like BCA did) and offer another very valuable Careers guidance in schools has come in for offer advice from service to young people. a rough ride this year from the Education You could contact your local schools and Select Committee and the Mobility Commis- a caravan outside offer your services, or if that’s a non-starter… sion — and now Ofsted is sticking the boot in. Colleges don’t have to fight to get into second- Its boss, Sir Michal Wilshaw, is not at all schools’ gates — ary schools, they can use Twitter (BCA used happy with the careers advice that schools are the #AskVicki hashtag); they can use empty there’s much that dishing out. shops in their local high street, they can offer I suspect that for most colleges this hasn’t drop-in sessions on their campuses to coincide can be done” come as a surprise. with schools’ home time, or Saturday morn- However, the Ofsted report is a fantastic ings. They could even offer advice from a opportunity for colleges to show their met- caravan outside schools’ gates — there’s much tle and raise awareness about what fantastic The college decided to set up a careers shop that can be done. advice and guidance services they offer — and (literally) in the town’s shopping centre and it All of this is about offering young people perhaps increase recruitment numbers at the wheeled out resident careers expert Victoria good quality, impartial careers advice. But, why same time. Sellens via Twitter; via a Q&A in the local should you? Just days after GCSE results day last month, paper; via a national blog; and, of course she My first answer to that is because it’s a good children’s charity Barnardo’s released a report manned the careers shop (and just so you know, thing to do, and, because you can – you have the with similar concerns. she’s has had a nice holiday since). resources. As we know, A-level and GCSE results days ‘I was very nervous about it all,’ she said. My second answer is because you will come are a period of intense anxiety and often dis- ‘I am a Twitter and blogging newbie, but it in to contact with students who may never tress for young people. turned out to be an ideal way of connecting have thought about your institution, who may They’re making what feels life-changing de- with young people, especially using social me- never have even heard about it or even realised cisions about their futures, especially if their dia. It is the ideal platform to offer the guidance fer level two catch-up in English and maths.’ that coming to you was an option. You stand a exam grades weren’t as good as they’d hoped. they need in a friendly and informal setting.’ Ahem… Now, I know the excitement and very good chance of increasing your student There is a national shortage of expert advice Now, I suspect those diehards out there are trauma of results’ days are over for another numbers by doing something good. and Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) saying: ‘Harrumph – it’s not FE’s job to pick up year, but young people need advice and guid- decided to tackle this head-on. It’s a lead that where schools have failed. We don’t get funded ance all year round. Ruth Sparkes, managing director of marketing I think other colleges can look at and adapt to for that … blah blah. Next we’ll be having to of- So, what’s to be done? and education, media and PR agency EMPRA 8 FE Week M o n day, S eptem ber 16 , 2013 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week experts The wrong answer Apprenticeship rush for the GCSE ‘needs to be avoided’ obsession Government proposals on apprenticeships include one in which funding goes through employers. It’s a principle John Allan Young teenagers face an extended period agrees with, but he thinks the options on in education with the raising of the the table still aren’t right. participation age. It’s a grand idea, but it might not be the wisest, says Anthony The Federation of Small Businesses believes Benton. the best approach for apprenticeships would be a more demand-led system that August saw a big change in the statutory ensures training is tailored to suit the needs of education system, the “participation age” businesses. rose from 16 to 17. The FSB has long said that the best way to Young people must now remain in full-time make the system more effective is for govern- education or approved training and continue to ment funding to be routed through employers study English and maths (GCSEs if in school or rather than being paid directly to training GCSEs/Functional Skills if in training). providers. In essence, you could think this is a good The current apprenticeships system has idea, but is it? Some nations keep young people been subjected to constant change which has in education and training longer and some of undermined its brand and led to confusion. these have better outcomes, but is it really tack- While the current system is not ideal, it is ling the real challenges we face as a nation? vital not to rush into an imperfect solution. Indeed, detailed thought must be given to ways in which apprenticeship candidates, employers “We have created a and training providers will be affected by any changes. cultural situation The FSB has said government must take its where many time with any reforms. It must think through years of intensive full-time education without the implementation in order to get it right learners are being able to get above a grade D in their GCSE first time and create a system that will last for exams? decades to come. uninterested in Hoping to make up for that failure through RPA is too little too late. ship ends prematurely, and payment on results “Proposals may these basic skills” It is the wrong answer to the wrong ques- could compound the financial pain felt by busi- tion and to make matters worse by the time potentially lead nesses in these circumstances. most young people get to this “failed stage” Routing funding through employers should As with many government initiatives they probably hate maths and loath English, to a sudden and offer many long term benefits. It would raising the participation age (RPA) is a blunt probably having sat their GCSE exams several make employers more involved in vocational instrument — it has side effects and unwanted times and being convinced by the establish- significant increase education, and lead to providers being more consequences. ment that they are thick. businesslike and cost conscious. in costs which small One justification for RPA is that too many Tragically, we are seeing also that some sec- We believe government must continue to young people leave education without the level ondary schools are refusing to take back pupils be as generous as it currently is in its contri- and micro businesses of basic skills that employers say they want. who have done badly in GCSE results, reducing bution towards apprenticeships, while also Cynically, a more basic underlying reason participation opportunity and reinforcing that fully-funding the training element of appren- cannot absorb” could be to slow the increase of so-called sense of failure in the classic establishment ticeships for 16 to 19-year-olds. This group in NEETs (young people not in education, employ- academic route. particular can be seen as far riskier to take on ment or training) currently running at around We need a nationally-recognised qualifica- for a small firm as they lack experience and a million. tion system, but it needs to be two things to be Unfortunately, proposals laid out by govern- skills of older apprentices. When the government talks about adequate successful. It must run seamlessly across all ment in the current consultation take a simpli- Establishing government funding through English and maths, of course they mean a levels without ambiguity and be constant over fied view of apprenticeships. Furthermore, the business puts the employer in charge and grade C or above in GCSE, a so-called gold time. in their current form they appear to breach we believe that over time this will make them standard. Successive governments have fed And although these qualifications can then some of the key points we consider imperative more engaged. The FSB believes they will have confusion in this area by periodically introduc- be a marker for schools, pupils and teachers, to make this system work for small and micro much more success at getting the training they ing new qualifications and messing around they must not be allowed to exclude or domi- businesses. want, rather than what a training provider can with exams year-on-year for generations. nate other markers, for example employment Current proposals seem to suggest govern- deliver cheaply. I would argue that many people in education, success rates and broader school culture-driven ment aims for the employer to pay the full costs To sum up, the FSB is a keen supporter of politics and the media are obsessed by GCSEs. outcomes such as behaviour, values and at- in advance of government payback. the principle of routing apprenticeship funding After all, these things that we don’t really un- titude. The reality is many small businesses cannot via employers. However, combining this change derstand are what schools are judged on more It is clear the biggest issue is the failure in afford to pay the full cost of the training up- with a requirement to prefund providers than anything else. And that obsession and the learning of English and maths during school front, even though some of it will be recovered. and potentially increasing costs will reduce coarse use of GCSE exam results as the success years. We have created a cultural situation This would damage cash-flow and put small employer’s engagement in the apprenticeship measure of a school means that many other where many learners are uninterested in these firms off engaging in the system. programme. facets are pushed into the margins. basic skills. This is what we have to address We are also concerned that current proposals We urge government to take its time with So, one of the stated objectives of the rather than just add on another year. may potentially lead to a sudden and signifi- this proposal and ensure the best possible increase in participation age is to improve You can lead a horse to water, but if it isn’t cant increase in costs which small and micro outcome, not just for the apprentice but for the the levels of English and maths before young thirsty, it won’t participate. businesses cannot absorb. small business too. people move into employment. Moreover, we are concerned about the pro- A laudable ambition, but what about the Anthony Benton, chief operations officer, posals for payment on results. Small businesses John Allan, national chairman of the question of why so many get to the end of Employment and Skills Group are already left out of pocket if an apprentice- Federation of Small Businesses @FEWeek Mond ay, Sep temb er 16, 2 0 13 FE Week 9 FE Week experts Qualifying the FE teacher argument offer an alternative perspective. Mr Pryce calling into question this agenda and determine what professionalism means … is Mr Pryce’s position is largely based on a with it the progress made over the last decade what an independent, mature FE sector should laissez-faire philosophy, which believes that in raising the professional profile and status of want’. by opening teacher professionalism — and the profession. Every FE teacher would no doubt welcome qualifications — up to the free market, things One of the most perplexing statements he the freedom to determine what it means to be a will take care of themselves and the ‘market’ makes is: ‘I find it hard to see how a teaching professional, but surely this is dependent on a will naturally ensure high levels of profession- profession owned by teachers wouldn’t be able reduction of some of the systemic constraints alism. to persuade employers of their value’. that currently limit their ability to express The fact that he thinks the removal of statu- It’s difficult to decide what is most perplex- such ‘freedom’. tory qualifications is likely to have a positive ing about this statement. Is it the assertion that Contrary to what he would have us believe, it impact on the quality of teaching and learning de-regulation is somehow tantamount to giving is not teacher qualifications that should be seen suggests a lack of understanding of the sym- teachers more ownership of their profession, as a constraint, but performance management biotic relationship between teacher education or the assumption that teachers actually oper- systems that require FE teachers to spend so and classroom practice. ate in a bubble of professional autonomy? much of their time manipulating and manag- He talks about wanting ‘professional teach- ing data than the very job they entered the ers because they need less supervision’, but “Every FE teacher profession to do. fails to recognise that a key platform to the Mr Pryce’s free-market vision will do little creation of ‘professional teachers’ comes from would no doubt to help a sector that craves greater stability to them having undertaken a teacher education continue to attract the very best teachers. Government legislation is doing away programme in the first place. welcome the freedom The move to de-regulation and leaving FE with the requirement that FE lecturers In a 2012 survey by the Institute for Learn- teacher qualifications to the whim of market need centrally-defined teaching qualifica- ing of more than 5,000 members, 90 per cent of to determine what forces is only likely to result in an increase in tions. Dr Matt O’Leary makes the case respondents emphasised the need to retain a the transitory nature and casualization of the it means to be a against the move. minimum qualification requirement, arguing workforce, ultimately resulting in the continua- that it added to the status and standing of the tion of this perpetual cycle of uncertainty and professional” Ia n Pryce, principal of Bedford College, has profession, and to the status and standing of instability, which, let’s face it, is no good for argued that the de-regulation of teacher vocational, adult and further education overall. teachers, learners or employers. qualifications should be seen as a positive step It is quite ironic then that at a time when vo- Whichever of the two, this comment is either in the development of teacher professionalism cational pedagogy is at the forefront of the FE incredibly naïve or so far removed from reality Dr Matt O’Leary, principal lecturer in post- and a ‘golden opportunity for FE teaching staff agenda nationally, and with it the importance that it suggests a lack of awareness of what it compulsory education, Centre for Research and to demonstrate their true worth’. I would like to of teacher education in shaping excellent voca- means to be a teacher in FE in 2013. Development in Lifelong Education, University respond to some of his claims and in so doing tional tutors, there are voices such as those of Mr Pryce goes on to say that ‘freedom to of Wolverhampton 10 FE Week M o n day, S eptem ber 16 , 2013 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week special report on location Traineeships the Welsh way Eleanor Radford business developer at Itec. @EleanorRadford In fact, leading Welsh training provider ACT, based in Cardiff, found the engagement With traineeships getting off the ground stage so worthwhile, it split it into two tiers in England, FE Week reporter Eleanor — phase one and phase two. Radford visited Welsh training provider “There are some learners who do not fit Itec to learn more about the scheme the standard mould, which is why we imple- across the border where it has been run- mented the phased engagement provision,” ning since August 2011. said Katy Wolar, senior centre manager at ACT. Among the hustle and bustle of Newport “The good thing about traineeships is be- city centre is Itec’s training centre. ing able to have the flexibility and freedom With phones ringing constantly, hairdry- to deliver the programme as you see neces- ers blowing and hammers banging, it’s diffi- sary, and to cater for the variable needs of cult not to get a buzz when you walk through the learners,” she added. the doors of the three-storey building. The Welsh government’s funding model With six delivery centres across the south sees providers funded per hour, per head, east of Wales filled with around 1,000 16 to and there is no time-based cap, unlike 18-year-olds completing their traineeships, England’s traineeships where the Education Itec is one of the principality’s largest — and Funding Agency stops paying out after 540 seemingly busiest — training providers. hours per trainee. Here, construction learners make joints A further difference is the level of funding for bird tables, childcare trainees work on providers get while the learner is on place- their NVQs, while retail hopefuls fill out job ment. applications. Receptionist Sophie Pilot completed “Traineeships have an admin and customer service level one FE Week reporter Eleanor Radford interviewing receptionist Sophie Pilot, 20, who got a job with training provider Itec after completing a traineeship with them traineeship last year and was then offered a worked better than full-time job with Itec. “I was so pleased,” said the 20-year-old, any of the other from Griffithstown, eight miles north of Newport. programmes that “It worked mainly in building my confi- dence, and now I have a job I love.” Faith O’Brien, Itec operations director, have come along said: “In my experience traineeships have worked better than any of the other pro- before it” grammes that have come along before it. We feel a lot of our learners are pre-FE and traineeships act as a feeder into FE.” In England, providers see no change Sophie and Itec offer a vision of trainee- in the level of funding, but in Wales, ships as a success story, so can anything said Mr Williams, “funding rates be learned from the Welsh experience and are reflective of the associated exported to England? costs a provider is likely to experi- Some outline of the system in Wales is ence when supporting a learner.” needed first. He continued: “This means the Across the border, traineeships have an funding we receive when a learner is “engagement” entry point, which normally on placement or work experience is lasts around three months and where no one twelfth that we receive when the qualifications are required. learner is in centre.” Construction trainee Jack Crocker-Jones, 17, learning how to make a bird table It also acts as a qualifier to the level one And funding affects learners differently stage, which can last six to nine months. too, with Welsh trainees getting an allow- gressed into employment, further or higher portunity for young people who are motivat- Meanwhile, those wanting to go straight ance of between £30 and £50 while working level learning. ed by work to develop the breadth of skills, onto level one — without having taken the on placement. Mr Williams said the money The review concluded that targets were qualifications and experience they need to “engagement” route — are assessed by pro- was often a “deal-breaker” for learners. hampered by a lack of work experience and be attractive to employers.” viders for suitability rather than face strict Meanwhile, trainees in England get no such employment opportunities, and more able He also defended the level of payments qualification requirements. official payment. learners were penalised because only those to learners, saying: “Our evidence suggests By contrast, 16 to 19-year-olds in England, However, the Welsh system only caters for up to level one need could apply. that this allowance does encourage learners where there is no such earlier entry point, 16 to 18-year-olds, including anybody in the Regardless, the system is seen by the to progress from the engagement to level must already have some level two qualifi- age group not in education, employment or Welsh government as successful. one.” cations when they enter at level one. And training, but traineeships extend up to the “Traineeships is a flexible programme He added: “The traineeship is still a rela- English traineeships should last no more age of 24 in England. which requires the development of an tively new programme. than six months. So is the Welsh model one that England individual plan of learning to meet the “Having given the programme time to ‘bed “The engagement stage works well for us should be looking to replicate? needs of each young person,” said in’ we now want to work closely with provid- as it lets the learner get ready for the place- A Welsh government-commissioned Ken Skates, Welsh Skills and Technology ers to improve performance and ensure ment stage and it allows us to get to know traineeships review in January said that in Deputy Minister. we get the best outcomes we can for young them and their abilities,” said Joel Williams, 2011/12 just 63 per cent of candidates pro- “The programme provides an excellent op- people.”

ebook img

FE Week E74 PDF

2013·24.4 MB·English
by  
#magazine_rack #newsmagazines #fe-week
Save to my drive
Quick download
Download
Upgrade Premium
Most books are stored in the elastic cloud where traffic is expensive. For this reason, we have a limit on daily download.

Preview FE Week E74

FE FE Week Week news ~ analysis ~ jobs ~ fun AoC award for high-flyer MonMdaoyn, dSaepy,t eMmabrecrh 1 168, ,2 2001133 www.feweek.co.uk FE Commissioner panel Page 3 Guidance criticised Page 4 inside... See page 12 for more Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris, member of the Red Arrows, © Crown 2013 College backs down on veil ban Birmingham Met defended its ban after media attention but has Chris Henwood @Chris_Henwood now ‘listened’ to students and ‘modified’ the controversial policy A Midland college has backed down “The college will still need to be The girl, who did not want to be to review our policies on a regular diverse, we are tolerant.” on a security policy that banned able to confirm an individual’s iden- named, branded the policy “dis- basis,” she said. The rule preventing use of niqabs Muslim students from wearing face tity in order to maintain safeguard- gusting” and said she was being Prime Minister David Cameron — a veil which leaves a thin slot for veils. ing and security. “discriminated against”. had also stepped into the row late on the eyes — also meant hoodies, hats Birmingham Metropolitan College “The necessity to comply with Protestors angry at the policy were Thursday, September 12, apparently and caps were banned. revised its policy late on Thursday national regulations, examination set to visit the college on Friday, in favour of the ban. His spokesper- The policy at the college, which night, ahead of a protest at the col- board requirements and applicable September 13, but the demonstration son said: “The point I would make had more than 26,000 students just lege the following day and in light of legislation will remain an overrid- was called off at the 11th hour in on this is that we back schools being over two years ago before merging mounting criticism from the likes of ing priority in all circumstances, as light of the college back-down. able to set and enforce their own with the 12,500-student Stourbridge the NUS, local councillors and MPs. will the need to ensure that effective But college principal Dame school uniform policies.” College this summer, is that indi- Even Deputy Prime Minister Nick teaching and learning methodologies Christine Braddock had appeared to It came just hours after the Deputy viduals should be “easily identifiable Clegg appeared to be against the ban. are applied. be refusing to give in to pressure on Prime Minister said on his LBC 97.3 at all times”. A college spokesperson “We are concerned that recent “We have listened to the views of the policy in an interview with FE phone-in radio show: “I’m really said the policy was eight years old. media attention is detracting from our students and we are confident Week on Wednesday, September 11. quite uneasy about anyone being A Department for Education our core mission of providing high that this modification to our policies However, at that point she declined told what they have to wear and I spokesperson said: “Schools and quality learning,” said a college will meet the needs of all of our to comment on whether it would be certainly would need to understand colleges have the freedom to set their spokesperson. learners and stakeholders.” reviewed in light of objections and why. own uniform policies. We expect “As a consequence, we will modify The college hit had the headlines media coverage. “I think I’ve set the bar very high them to act reasonably in accom- our policies to allow individuals to when a prospective Muslim student “Birmingham Metropolitan Col- to justify something like that be- modating the needs of different wear specific items of personal cloth- was told of the policy preventing lege actively engages with our stake- cause one of the things that is great religions.” ing to reflect their cultural values. learners from wearing a niqab. holders and users of our buildings about our country is that we are See editorial on page 4 MAKE TRAINEESHIPS WORK FOR YOU WWW.CITYANDGUILDS.COM/TRAINEESHIPS 2 FE Week M onda y, Sep tembe r 16, 2 0 1 3 www.feweek.co.uk FE news in brief Edition 74 Tutor sacked after college Final round of pilot FE Week is the only newspaper dedicated to sex talk complaints news, analysis, jobs and fun in the FE sector. The government has announced the winning bids for the second and final round of the And tweet us your thoughts @feweek or employer ownership pilot (EoP) with funding Eleanor Radford with the hashtag #feweek of £238m. @EleanorRadford Business Secretary Vince Cable spoke to Editor: Nick Linford business leaders at the Industrial Strategy Deputy editor: Chris Henwood A college in the North East has sacked a female Conference “One Year On” at Warwick Uni- Senior reporter: Eleanor Radford tutor after she allegedly talked to her class about versity on Wednesday. Reporter: Rebecca Cooney sex acts, prostitution and fetishes. “The difference in these [EoP] schemes is Head designer: Nicky Phillips Northumberland College (pictured right) that we will channel funds through employ- Operations: Shane Mann principal Stuart Cutforth said the behaviour of ers rather than providers,” he said. Sales executive: Hannah Smith the tutor, who has not been named, came to his The winning tenders included Everton Administration: Victoria Boyle attention after the college received a letter of Football Club and the National Grid. Financials: Helen Neilly complaint in July. Contributors: Dr Deidre Hughes The woman, who was running an employ- tutor was suspended with immediate effect. Apprentice reshuffle Ruth Sparkes ment skills course in Bedlington, was immedi- “The Skills Funding Agency and Job Centre Anthony Benton ately suspended while the matter was investigat- Plus were also notified of the complaint im- Karen Woodward is to take the lead on John Allan ed by a member of the college executive team. mediately. apprenticeship activities at the National Ap- Dr Matt O’Leary The college, which achieved a good rating from “The issues highlighted within the letter of prenticeship Service following the departure Rob Wye Ofsted in March, said it dismissed the woman complaint were investigated thoroughly by a of David Way, FE Week understands. following a disciplinary hearing. member of the executive team and a discipli- She is currently divisional apprentice- For an annual subscription to FE Week for Unemployed Paul Cocallis had been sent on nary hearing held. ship director at the Skills Funding Agency’s just £75 visit www.feweek.co.uk and click the course by the job centre and told the Even- “The outcome of the hearing resulted in the apprenticeship division, and will also take on ‘subscribe’ at the top of the page. ing Chronicle local newspaper that he had been tutor no longer being employed at the college. responsibility for traineeship employer “horrified” by the tutor’s actions. “In short, every action possible was taken to engagement. He claimed that, during the three-week ensure that the complaint was dealt with in a Mr Way, who was executive director of If you are interested in placing a product course run by Northumberland College hosted thorough and efficient manner and our external the service, stepped down at the end of last or job advert in a future edition please click at Bedlington Community College, the tutor dis- agencies are satisfied with the outcome of the month after 38 years in the employment and on the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page cussed prostitution, fetishes and other graphic actions taken.” skills sector. on www.feweek.co.uk or contact: content. A Department for Business, Innovation and “It was disgusting really, other members of Skills spokesperson said: “The department Youth jobs on the slide E: [email protected] the class were not happy,” said the 25-year-old. takes safeguarding matters seriously. T: 020 81234 778 Mechanic Mr Cocallis added: “It got really “All publicly-funded providers are responsible The official unemployment rate for 16 to out of hand at times but you could not walk out for the safety and well-being of their learners 24-year-olds has risen slightly for a second Top Ofsted careers because then it would be reported back that you and for the professional conduct of their staff. month in a row to 21 per cent, according to the had not completed the course. You had no choice “In this case the college acted decisively in latest monthly figures. guidance tweets: but to stay and listen.” investigating this matter.” For May to July, it rose 0.5 percentage Mr Cutforth said: “The college received this The Institute for Learning declined to say if points (9,000) from February to April, said @nlakeland complaint on July 29 and put our complaints the tutor was a member. FE Week was unable to the Office for National Statistics, hitting the No surprises here though - 75% policy and procedures into place directly. The contact the tutor. 960,000 mark. schools not giving impartial advice, apprenticeships rarely mentioned ... Q is what happens Barclays sticks by Elmfield Training now? @KoolHeadsCoach Chris Henwood aware of the conditions attached to Elm- the provider. Such a missed opportunity, I field’s notice. Future starts at Barclays will The agency’s spokesperson said: “The @Chris_Henwood could not agree more - be dependent on the agency’s assurance that notice of serious breach issued to Elmfield Ofsted boss Sir Michael hits out Elmfield has made satisfactory progress following its inadequate inspection outcome at schools over careers guidance The Skills Funding Agency has been “work- against their post inspection action plan.” will remain in place until a full Ofsted re- ing closely” with Barclays Bank over its She added: “The agency is committed to inspection has taken place. @Fleeto87 apprenticeship plans with Elmfield Training working with Barclays to ensure the continu- A condition of the notice is that Elmfield Reading Ofsted’s “damning after the provider was banned from taking on ation of this successful programme.” cannot start any new learners with either commentary” on careers advice new learners, FE Week can reveal. Ofsted found outcomes for Elmfield learn- new or existing employers or apply for in schools. Something needs to The multinational bank said last month ers were inadequate and the majority of its growth. change it wanted to double its apprentice intake to apprentices did not complete their frame- “This condition will only be lifted once the 2,000, despite contracted provider Elmfield work within the planned time. agency is assured that Elmfield is making @148notout having been banned from taking on new The inspection report came just months af- satisfactory progress against their post- The real cost of Gove’s learners. ter FE Week reported how Elmfield’s success inspection action plan.” education policy! The bank said it wanted to achieve its aim rates showed just 47.5 per cent of its 13,420 Meanwhile, the agency’s requirements of — targeting young people aged 16 to 24 not in leavers in the retail and wholesale sector, Elmfield under the notice were disclosed to @abijanesmith education, employment or training — within aged 25+, walked away with an apprentice- FE Week following a Freedom of Information Ofsted boss Sir Michael hits out two years. ship certificate in 2011/12. Act request. at schools over careers guidance. The announcement came after the agency’s Although Ofsted acknowledged the pro- The agency issued its notice to Elmfield Hardly surprising, schools want ban for Elmfield, under a notice of serious vider’s success rates were good in newer chief executive Simon Shaw on July 15. to retain learners, not lose them! breach, over its Ofsted grade four inspection areas of provision, accounting for around 20 He replaced former chief executive Ged result in July. per cent of its delivery and including bank- Syddall after his resignation in light of the A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our com- ing, some elements nevertheless required Ofsted blow, although it is understood he mitment is unchanged to apprenticeships. improvement. remains the provider’s majority shareholder. Learning & Skills Events, We are working closely with the agency and Elmfield said it accepted the education The notice said a grade three result was Consultancy and Training Ltd Elmfield to ensure we meet that commit- watchdog’s recommendations for improve- needed from Elmfield’s next Ofsted 161-165 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8JA ment.” ment and would, “focus on tackling the inspection. T: 020 8123 4778 Elmfield declined to comment, but an success factors identified initially in our self- It also set out seven key areas of concern E: [email protected] agency spokesperson said: “We have worked assessment report”. to be monitored at monthly case conferences closely with Barclays to ensure they are Barclays said at the time it would stand by arranged and chaired by the agency. @FEWeek Mond ay, Sep tembe r 16, 2 0 13 FE Week 3 Commissioner: only the brave need apply Eleanor Radford a-day job that includes travelling the length and tive Martin Doel; and, Ofsted’s national director The successful candidate will also have the breadth of the country. of FE and skills, Matthew Coffey. power to issue notices of concern to failing col- @EleanorRadford Skills Funding Agency chief executive Kim And last, but by no means least, will be the leges and close colleges that don’t improve. Thorneywork is the Alan Sugar of the bunch, deputy director of the Department for Business, “If a college is placed into administered col- These are the tough nuts you’ll have to crack if leading the pack as chair during preliminary Innovation and Skills Bobbie McClelland. lege or administered institution status the FE you want to be the new FE Commissioner, FE interviews and assessments. They’re due to take The menacing quintet was revealed on Tues- Commissioner’s role at this point is to conduct Week can reveal. place October 9 to 11 with final interviews on day, September 10, with the launch of fecommis- a structure and prospects appraisal,” said Mr The imposing interview panel is a fearsome October 28 and 29. sioner.com to recruit to the post. Hancock. line-up that includes sector chief executives and Ms Thorneywork will be flanked by the Edu- It is the second attempt at hiring for the role, “The FE Commissioner will aim to complete directors. cation Funding Agency’s chief executive, Peter after a failed attempt in May when no-one was the appraisal within three months.” They’re all that stands in the way of the £800 Lauener; Association of Colleges chief execu- appointed despite a number of interviews. The job specification says the ideal candidate Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “We should have experience developing forward- Qualifications cull are looking for a high-calibre individual to per- thinking strategies, leading and influencing form this critical role, with a proven track re- complex organisational change and the ability cord of successfully leading and driving change to maintain a positive approach in challenging in FE colleges, universities, academies, training circumstances. The post is offered on a two-year comes under FAB fire organisations or similar types of institution.” fixed term contract, with an expected commit- The FE Commissioner will review the im- ment of around 80 to 120 days each year. provement plans of troubled colleges within a Visit www.fecommissioner.com before the An agency spokesperson told FE Week: “We two-week timescale and brief ministers on the closing date of September 22 for more details Chris Henwood asked awarding organisations, colleges and competency of principals and governors. and to apply. @Chris_Henwood training providers to submit evidence for any qualifications they believed should be retained. A cull of more than 1,800 adult qualifications “Where we have removed public funding for that had little or no uptake has come under fire qualifications with no or low enrolments, we from Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) have ensured no gaps in provision for employ- chief executive Jill Lanning. ers and learners.” The Skills Funding Agency has axed funding She added that the agency would review for a host of awards, from entry level to level funding decisions if there was evidence of four, as part of its New Streamlined Funding demand. System for Adult Skills from the start of last And, thanks to a Freedom of Information month. request to the agency, FE week can reveal that Barclays sticks by Elmfield Training Among the 1,884 qualifications hit for no 70 per cent of the qualifications cut were axed uptake were City & Guilds’ level one award in because they had no uptake in the 22 months creative techniques in jewellery — personal- from August 2011, while the remainder were ised key fob and the Royal Society for Public culled for little demand. Health’s level two award in health promotion. Meanwhile, City & Guilds won amnesty for However, a further 197 qualifications that had 74 of its qualifications, but lost 345. Its direc- faced the chop were saved. tor of policy, research and regulation, Judith They included the Mineral Products Qualifi- Norrington, said: “It’s understandable that the cations Council’s level four diploma in supervi- government is keen to focus funding on the sion of underground coal, shale or fireclay qualifications that people are taking. mining operations and City & Guilds’ level “Clearly, there is a need to simplify the com- three diploma for professional dog stylists. plex framework system wherever possible — in Nevertheless, Mrs Lanning remained critical fact the Qualifications and Credit Framework of the cull. [QCF] system itself led to awarding bodies “We recognise the agency may need to focus producing so many qualifications. and prioritise the limited public funding avail- “Our main concern is whether the needs able for adult learning, but we do not believe of employers and learners have driven the that the approach used to remove funding from changes to funding. It’s particularly vital that individual qualifications with low and no enrol- employers are involved to ensure the funding ments is an effective way to do this,” she said. is directed to the right areas and meets their “Many cases of funding are being withdrawn needs.” from only one or two of the awarding bodies of- Meanwhile, OCR saw two of its qualifica- fering each of the qualifications under scrutiny. tions saved, including its level two certificate in “We are naturally concerned about the preparing to work in creative media. It lost 192. impact of this approach on our members, in- A spokesperson for the awarding body cluding where funding was removed from one said: “The fact that there are so many unused of a suite of linked qualifications offered by an qualifications is a hangover from an old regime awarding organisation.” and illustrates perfectly the need to get rid of In February FE Week reported how more the QCF. than 2,400 qualifications could disappear, but “What is really important is that we all de- in July Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said velop new qualifications for new and emerging that 1,884 qualifications would be scrapped fol- needs. It is not about the actual number of qual- lowing a “thorough” review. ifications, but the right kind of qualifications.” 4 FE Week M onday , Sept ember 16, 20 1 3 www.feweek.co.uk Editor’s comment Safe AND inclusive It was inevitable that Birmingham Metropolitan College would bow to the weight of public pressure. Clearly, ensuring a safe environment for all learners, employees and visitors is of paramount importance. And the college policy at Birmingham Met was never intended to offend or discriminate. Whatever your opinion is about whether this is right or wrong, the college has Careers plan after wrath of Wilshaw now listened and seems to have found a way to Chris Henwood able to them”. tion of Employment and Learning Providers, The Ofsted report came out on September 10 said: “The Ofsted report should lead to schools balance the need for a @Chris_Henwood — the day after Sir Michael praised schools for and colleges being more transparent in terms of safe environment with the “radical advances” in inspections. the careers advice offered and more welcoming freedom to wear a veil. The government has announced an action plan He said: “Our findings show that too few to input from training providers and employ- to tackle poor careers advice after Ofsted boss schools are doing enough to ensure all their stu- ers.” I sympathise with the Sir Michael Wilshaw attacked schools saying dents receive comprehensive advice about the David Igoe, chief executive of the Sixth Form college’s position and “too few are doing enough” on the service. breadth of career opportunities available.” Colleges’ Association, said his members “rely He hit out with the education watchdog’s The criticism comes nine months after the on local schools providing information and congratulate its principal, much-awaited report — Going in the right direc- Education Select Committee warned of a “dete- guidance on all the opportunities available and Dame Christine Braddock, tion? Careers guidance in schools from Septem- rioration” in schools’ careers guidance. … too often we felt that this statutory duty was on being brave enough to ber 2012 — offering a damning commentary on Committee chair said Graham Stuart said: neglected or just blatantly ignored.” careers guidance in schools. “This [Ofsted] report makes an irresistible case Brian Lightman, general secretary of the As- modify the policy. The report showed that 75 per cent of the 60 for change and I very much hope ministers are sociation of School and College Leaders, wanted I wish the students schools visited were not implementing their listening.” “high-quality, face-to-face guidance provided by duty to provide impartial careers advice. Tristram Hunt, Labour’s Junior Shadow qualified professionals is available in all parts of and staff both a safe and Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said Education Minister, said: “The government’s the country”. inclusive start to the year. schools, which have been responsible for provid- reforms have brutally undermined careers David Hughes, chief executive of the National ing their 14 to 16-year-olds with careers guid- services for 14 to 16-year-olds. Institute of Adult Continuing Education, said Nick Linford, editor ance since 2012, would in future be issued with “This is a matter of social justice and eco- employers should have a role in schools’ careers clearer advice on their responsibilities. nomic competitiveness — young people need guidance. He said he also wanted more employers the support to make the right choices and the “Including employers … will go some way to Correction involved in response to the Ofsted report and youth unemployment rates are a sad testament inspiring those wanting to take a more voca- also a report this year by the National Careers to that.” tional route,” he said. Council which called for a “culture change” in Association of Colleges president Michele Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 careers guidance. Sutton said: “We are letting young people down Group, suggested colleges step in to help schools, While Sir Geoff Hall may well have stepped “I want all schools to do as the best do — in- if we don’t provide them with absolute clarity because they “offer excellent advice and guid- spiring young people, providing work experi- on the full range of providers, including sixth ance services”. down from his post as interim chief ence and putting them in touch with employ- form colleges and colleges, and to the widest Meanwhile, Karen O’Donoghue, president executive of the Education and Training ers,” said Mr Hancock. range of options open to them, which includes of the Career Development Institute, called for Foundation, he has not left his job as chair The National Careers Service is also set to further and higher education, traineeships and guidance to be delivered by Qualifications and of the Information Authority (IA). “be improved to give young people a greater apprenticeships.” Credit Framework level six-registered profes- It was incorrectly reported in the last understanding of the full range of options avail- Stewart Segal, chief executive of the Associa- sionals. edition of FE Week that Sir Geoff no longer See the FE Week website for an interview with Ofsted inspector Karen Adriaanse, author of held the IA post. Read an expert piece on page 7 Going in the right direction? Careers guidance in schools from September 2012 by National Careers Council chair Dr Deirdre Hughes FE Week would like to apologise for any distress caused by this inaccuracy and Comment confirm that the former principal and chief executive of New College Nottingham Apprentice hopefuls face Two in every three colleges Have you got something to say remains in post having been appointed in GCSE barrier using zero-hour contracts, about FE or one of our stories? January 2011. research suggests The error did not appear in FE Week Oh, to have the choice of turning prospective Email us with Comments in the coverage online of Sir Geoff’s resignation apprentices away. The problem with zero-hour contracts is subject line at [email protected] or from the foundation. If at initial assessment they are really not that the flexibility is all for the benefit of the leave a comment on our website www. up to it then we would suggest another route, employer. feweek.co.uk Have you spotted something wrong but around 30 per cent of our apprentices They are a way of stripping staff of the with this edition of FE Week? do not have a transferable English or maths key benefits to which they are entitled. Or1, 6y1o-u16 c5a Gnr weernitwe itcoh u Hs iagth F REo Wade,e k , qualification and we deliver functional skills FE should be doing more to keep hold of the London SE10 8JA. to them. skills and knowledge of its staff by offering If so, feel free to tell us about it, I would also suggest that Functional Skills more secure futures and making the sector a Full contact details should be provided including the page number and story are a much better fit than GCSEs in many desirable place to work as a result. and can be withheld by FE Week headline, and explain what the problem working environments, but that more sector upon request. is. Email us at [email protected] with specific Functional Skills would be more Jane Scott Paul, chief executive, Association Corrections in the subject line. useful. Beverley Slynn of Accounting Technicians Cambridge TRAINEESHIPS CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMBRIDGE TRAINEESHIPS IS EASY WITH OCR Cambridge Traineeships have been tried and tested through a dedicated pilot and can be provided as off-the-shelf programmes, or programmes specifi cally designed to suit individual needs. The range has been set up to suit all learner types, with the option of Cambridge Progression qualifi cations in English and maths if learners aren’t ready for Functional Skills. Plus there’s the option of including vocational qualifi cations if your learners want to specialise in a particular sector. There are four categories of off-the-shelf Cambridge Traineeships to choose from: · Progression to Work (includes Cambridge Progression) · Functional Work Ready (includes Functional Skills) · Progression to Work Plus (includes Cambridge Progression and a vocational qualifi cation) · Functional Work Ready Plus (includes Functional Skills and a vocational qualifi cation) To see the range of programmes within each of these categories, view the interactive Package Finder at ocr.org.uk/cambridgetraineeships Or, if you’d like to speak with us about programmes specifi cally designed to suit individual needs, please call us on 02476 851509 or email vocational.qualifi [email protected] @ocrexams linkedin.com/ company/ocr 6 FE Week M o n day, S eptem ber 16 , 2013 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week on location Hull 14 to 16-year-olds leading the way to college Chris Henwood @Chris_Henwood Seven colleges in England are for the first time taking on young teenagers. Hull College Group is one of those. One hundred 14 to 16-year-olds in Hull are among the country’s first within the age group to study full-time at college. Hull College Group launched its new college on Friday, giving the youngsters the chance to study vocational specialisms over a two-year period alongside GCSE English, maths and science. Professor Alison Wolf CBE, who recommended that providers should be allowed to enrol students at 14, helped launch the college. Group chief executive Gary Warke said: “We are pleased to welcome our first cohort of students to the 14 to 16 college. “It’s an historic moment for Hull College Group and one that signifies a momentous moment in education.” Hull College was rated as outstanding by Ofsted in February. It is one of seven to directly enrol 14 and From left: Professor Alison Wolf, Gary Warke and students Jessica Linford and Mario Sequeira, both 14 Photos by Colin Wallwork for FE Week 15-year-olds. The others are Halesowen College, in the Midlands; Middlesbrough further training. College; Leeds City College; Newcastle College From 18, students can continue on to higher Group; Accrington and Rossendale College, in education either with Hull College or at Lancashire; and, Hadlow College, in Kent. university or they can leave education and enter into employment. Mr Warke said: “Our previous experience has “It’s an historic cemented Hull College Group as a pioneer of 14 to 16 education. This includes sponsorship of moment for Hull the Hull Studio School and Sirius Academy. “Both are representative of the success Hull College Group and College Group has with this age group and what can be achieved with an exciting, varied one that signifies curriculum and excellent teaching staff. “We wish our new students all the best.” a momentous The criteria for direct recruitment of 14 to 15-year-olds include an outstanding, good or moment in requires improvement rating from Ofsted. Colleges who do take on 14 and 15-year olds education” will also be required to provide a dedicated area for them within the college estate, as well as separate leadership. Hull’s class sizes are smaller and students Colleges will also be subject to an Ofsted will be taught by specialist vocational tutors inspection under the schools’ framework within who are industry trained, said a college two years of their 14 to 16 centre opening. spokesperson. The Education Funding Agency declined to Student support in the form of personal indicate how many students were likely to be tutors, learning mentors, support for students enrolled overall this year, but a spokesperson with disabilities and a full range of enrichment said: “We are pleased that these seven colleges activities will play an integral part in the will be acting as early pathfinders and will be development of students. working closely with them to learn early lessons Pathways are also in place to ensure students and share good practice.” have various progression opportunities, added He added: “The funding they receive will be the spokesperson. From 16, students can study based on the actual numbers they recruit.”It is full-time vocational courses, full-time A-level understood that more colleges are planning to courses, apprenticeships, employment and offer 14 and 15 provision in 2014/15. @FEWeek M Monodnad ya, yS, eSpetp etmembebr e r1 61,6 2, 02 1 0 313 FE Week 7 FE Week experts Planning to change a careers culture The National Careers Council called for for England is a major step forward. local communities. a ‘culture change’ in careers guidance in This is the first time the government has had The Minister’s Inspiration Vision sets a the summer and made seven recommenda- such an action plan. challenge for more businesses to step up tions to improve the service. Dr Deirdre It is heartening that the government has and work more closely with education, extend- Hughes says she’s happy with the govern- acknowledged careers provision needs to be ing the delivery of the best that exists and ment’s new action plan on the issue. radically improved, responding to repeated more. calls from people working in schools, colleges Partnerships at a local and national level For too long, careers provision has been a and local communities. have been commonplace for some time, but Cinderella service. Many people have their As with all plans, the real work lies ahead the new emphasis is to make an exceptional own anecdotes about the careers advice they to support schools, colleges and universities partnership the new norm. personally received. to provide impartial and independent careers Clearly more people, especially young people, Now is the time to think more earnestly guidance. need access to career insights to the world of about how to improve careers provision, Ofsted’s findings are unsurprising given work, but it is essential that this is combined moving beyond anecdotes to evidence of posi- major structural changes in the delivery with proper access to impartial and independ- tive impact, including good and interesting system are ongoing in this transitional period ent careers guidance. policies and practices in our local communi- for schools. The National Careers Service (NCS) has to ties. There is an urgent need to take collective But we now have a new focus and direc- strengthen its links further with employers. action. tion of travel — improving careers provision, There is significant potential with its part- I welcome the Skills Minister Matthew regarded by government and its partners as a ners to harness existing and new resources to Hancock’s call for ‘a culture change in careers social and economic priority. reach out and connect with young people (and guidance’ which requires government, educa- In England, a revision of guidance to schools parents) in local communities. tion, employers, training providers and career and colleges and improvements in destination Getting people closer to ‘the line of sight development professionals all to play their measures are a step forward. to work’ and/or suitable opportunities is a Careers Council (NCC), the implementation of full part. Also, innovative developments such as the common goal that involves a multiplicity of NCS ‘practical steps’ now begins. As teachers and lecturers have so often said, UK Commission for Employment and Skills’ players. The culture change is underway. The NCC young people need clearer pathways into the (UKCES) LMI [Labour Market Information] We know investment in addressing the youth will continue to work with government, the workplace through schooling, tertiary educa- for All initiative will improve access to labour employment challenge now comes in many UKCES and other interested parties to look tion and training. market intelligence. different forms, including Local Enterprise ahead and find practical solutions that help Having careers support to help with navigat- But significantly more work needs to Partnerships (LEPs), who are beginning to support and improve careers support services ing options and making well-informed deci- be done between education, employers and work more closely with the NCS and National for young people and adults. sions based on labour market realities career development professionals. I would Apprenticeship Service. is essential. also like to see more emphasis on engaging With the government’s formal endorsement Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE, chair of the National The government’s new Careers Action Plan with the voices of young people and parents in of all seven recommendations of the National Careers Council and UKCES commissioner Gaps in careers guidance an opportunity for FE Ofsted’s careers guidance report pulled their own audiences. And what can colleges do? no punches in its criticism of schools. BCA decided that it needed to reach out to Most colleges already offer good quality Nor did it come as a surprise to many young people in ways that made it as accessible advice and guidance to their students and in the FE sector. But now that it has as possible. prospective students. Why not open this service arrived, so has the time to act — and to up to anyone who needs it? capitalise, says Ruth Sparkes. Colleges could work with their local papers “They could even (like BCA did) and offer another very valuable Careers guidance in schools has come in for offer advice from service to young people. a rough ride this year from the Education You could contact your local schools and Select Committee and the Mobility Commis- a caravan outside offer your services, or if that’s a non-starter… sion — and now Ofsted is sticking the boot in. Colleges don’t have to fight to get into second- Its boss, Sir Michal Wilshaw, is not at all schools’ gates — ary schools, they can use Twitter (BCA used happy with the careers advice that schools are the #AskVicki hashtag); they can use empty there’s much that dishing out. shops in their local high street, they can offer I suspect that for most colleges this hasn’t drop-in sessions on their campuses to coincide can be done” come as a surprise. with schools’ home time, or Saturday morn- However, the Ofsted report is a fantastic ings. They could even offer advice from a opportunity for colleges to show their met- caravan outside schools’ gates — there’s much tle and raise awareness about what fantastic The college decided to set up a careers shop that can be done. advice and guidance services they offer — and (literally) in the town’s shopping centre and it All of this is about offering young people perhaps increase recruitment numbers at the wheeled out resident careers expert Victoria good quality, impartial careers advice. But, why same time. Sellens via Twitter; via a Q&A in the local should you? Just days after GCSE results day last month, paper; via a national blog; and, of course she My first answer to that is because it’s a good children’s charity Barnardo’s released a report manned the careers shop (and just so you know, thing to do, and, because you can – you have the with similar concerns. she’s has had a nice holiday since). resources. As we know, A-level and GCSE results days ‘I was very nervous about it all,’ she said. My second answer is because you will come are a period of intense anxiety and often dis- ‘I am a Twitter and blogging newbie, but it in to contact with students who may never tress for young people. turned out to be an ideal way of connecting have thought about your institution, who may They’re making what feels life-changing de- with young people, especially using social me- never have even heard about it or even realised cisions about their futures, especially if their dia. It is the ideal platform to offer the guidance fer level two catch-up in English and maths.’ that coming to you was an option. You stand a exam grades weren’t as good as they’d hoped. they need in a friendly and informal setting.’ Ahem… Now, I know the excitement and very good chance of increasing your student There is a national shortage of expert advice Now, I suspect those diehards out there are trauma of results’ days are over for another numbers by doing something good. and Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) saying: ‘Harrumph – it’s not FE’s job to pick up year, but young people need advice and guid- decided to tackle this head-on. It’s a lead that where schools have failed. We don’t get funded ance all year round. Ruth Sparkes, managing director of marketing I think other colleges can look at and adapt to for that … blah blah. Next we’ll be having to of- So, what’s to be done? and education, media and PR agency EMPRA 8 FE Week M o n day, S eptem ber 16 , 2013 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week experts The wrong answer Apprenticeship rush for the GCSE ‘needs to be avoided’ obsession Government proposals on apprenticeships include one in which funding goes through employers. It’s a principle John Allan Young teenagers face an extended period agrees with, but he thinks the options on in education with the raising of the the table still aren’t right. participation age. It’s a grand idea, but it might not be the wisest, says Anthony The Federation of Small Businesses believes Benton. the best approach for apprenticeships would be a more demand-led system that August saw a big change in the statutory ensures training is tailored to suit the needs of education system, the “participation age” businesses. rose from 16 to 17. The FSB has long said that the best way to Young people must now remain in full-time make the system more effective is for govern- education or approved training and continue to ment funding to be routed through employers study English and maths (GCSEs if in school or rather than being paid directly to training GCSEs/Functional Skills if in training). providers. In essence, you could think this is a good The current apprenticeships system has idea, but is it? Some nations keep young people been subjected to constant change which has in education and training longer and some of undermined its brand and led to confusion. these have better outcomes, but is it really tack- While the current system is not ideal, it is ling the real challenges we face as a nation? vital not to rush into an imperfect solution. Indeed, detailed thought must be given to ways in which apprenticeship candidates, employers “We have created a and training providers will be affected by any changes. cultural situation The FSB has said government must take its where many time with any reforms. It must think through years of intensive full-time education without the implementation in order to get it right learners are being able to get above a grade D in their GCSE first time and create a system that will last for exams? decades to come. uninterested in Hoping to make up for that failure through RPA is too little too late. ship ends prematurely, and payment on results “Proposals may these basic skills” It is the wrong answer to the wrong ques- could compound the financial pain felt by busi- tion and to make matters worse by the time potentially lead nesses in these circumstances. most young people get to this “failed stage” Routing funding through employers should As with many government initiatives they probably hate maths and loath English, to a sudden and offer many long term benefits. It would raising the participation age (RPA) is a blunt probably having sat their GCSE exams several make employers more involved in vocational instrument — it has side effects and unwanted times and being convinced by the establish- significant increase education, and lead to providers being more consequences. ment that they are thick. businesslike and cost conscious. in costs which small One justification for RPA is that too many Tragically, we are seeing also that some sec- We believe government must continue to young people leave education without the level ondary schools are refusing to take back pupils be as generous as it currently is in its contri- and micro businesses of basic skills that employers say they want. who have done badly in GCSE results, reducing bution towards apprenticeships, while also Cynically, a more basic underlying reason participation opportunity and reinforcing that fully-funding the training element of appren- cannot absorb” could be to slow the increase of so-called sense of failure in the classic establishment ticeships for 16 to 19-year-olds. This group in NEETs (young people not in education, employ- academic route. particular can be seen as far riskier to take on ment or training) currently running at around We need a nationally-recognised qualifica- for a small firm as they lack experience and a million. tion system, but it needs to be two things to be Unfortunately, proposals laid out by govern- skills of older apprentices. When the government talks about adequate successful. It must run seamlessly across all ment in the current consultation take a simpli- Establishing government funding through English and maths, of course they mean a levels without ambiguity and be constant over fied view of apprenticeships. Furthermore, the business puts the employer in charge and grade C or above in GCSE, a so-called gold time. in their current form they appear to breach we believe that over time this will make them standard. Successive governments have fed And although these qualifications can then some of the key points we consider imperative more engaged. The FSB believes they will have confusion in this area by periodically introduc- be a marker for schools, pupils and teachers, to make this system work for small and micro much more success at getting the training they ing new qualifications and messing around they must not be allowed to exclude or domi- businesses. want, rather than what a training provider can with exams year-on-year for generations. nate other markers, for example employment Current proposals seem to suggest govern- deliver cheaply. I would argue that many people in education, success rates and broader school culture-driven ment aims for the employer to pay the full costs To sum up, the FSB is a keen supporter of politics and the media are obsessed by GCSEs. outcomes such as behaviour, values and at- in advance of government payback. the principle of routing apprenticeship funding After all, these things that we don’t really un- titude. The reality is many small businesses cannot via employers. However, combining this change derstand are what schools are judged on more It is clear the biggest issue is the failure in afford to pay the full cost of the training up- with a requirement to prefund providers than anything else. And that obsession and the learning of English and maths during school front, even though some of it will be recovered. and potentially increasing costs will reduce coarse use of GCSE exam results as the success years. We have created a cultural situation This would damage cash-flow and put small employer’s engagement in the apprenticeship measure of a school means that many other where many learners are uninterested in these firms off engaging in the system. programme. facets are pushed into the margins. basic skills. This is what we have to address We are also concerned that current proposals We urge government to take its time with So, one of the stated objectives of the rather than just add on another year. may potentially lead to a sudden and signifi- this proposal and ensure the best possible increase in participation age is to improve You can lead a horse to water, but if it isn’t cant increase in costs which small and micro outcome, not just for the apprentice but for the the levels of English and maths before young thirsty, it won’t participate. businesses cannot absorb. small business too. people move into employment. Moreover, we are concerned about the pro- A laudable ambition, but what about the Anthony Benton, chief operations officer, posals for payment on results. Small businesses John Allan, national chairman of the question of why so many get to the end of Employment and Skills Group are already left out of pocket if an apprentice- Federation of Small Businesses @FEWeek Mond ay, Sep temb er 16, 2 0 13 FE Week 9 FE Week experts Qualifying the FE teacher argument offer an alternative perspective. Mr Pryce calling into question this agenda and determine what professionalism means … is Mr Pryce’s position is largely based on a with it the progress made over the last decade what an independent, mature FE sector should laissez-faire philosophy, which believes that in raising the professional profile and status of want’. by opening teacher professionalism — and the profession. Every FE teacher would no doubt welcome qualifications — up to the free market, things One of the most perplexing statements he the freedom to determine what it means to be a will take care of themselves and the ‘market’ makes is: ‘I find it hard to see how a teaching professional, but surely this is dependent on a will naturally ensure high levels of profession- profession owned by teachers wouldn’t be able reduction of some of the systemic constraints alism. to persuade employers of their value’. that currently limit their ability to express The fact that he thinks the removal of statu- It’s difficult to decide what is most perplex- such ‘freedom’. tory qualifications is likely to have a positive ing about this statement. Is it the assertion that Contrary to what he would have us believe, it impact on the quality of teaching and learning de-regulation is somehow tantamount to giving is not teacher qualifications that should be seen suggests a lack of understanding of the sym- teachers more ownership of their profession, as a constraint, but performance management biotic relationship between teacher education or the assumption that teachers actually oper- systems that require FE teachers to spend so and classroom practice. ate in a bubble of professional autonomy? much of their time manipulating and manag- He talks about wanting ‘professional teach- ing data than the very job they entered the ers because they need less supervision’, but “Every FE teacher profession to do. fails to recognise that a key platform to the Mr Pryce’s free-market vision will do little creation of ‘professional teachers’ comes from would no doubt to help a sector that craves greater stability to them having undertaken a teacher education continue to attract the very best teachers. Government legislation is doing away programme in the first place. welcome the freedom The move to de-regulation and leaving FE with the requirement that FE lecturers In a 2012 survey by the Institute for Learn- teacher qualifications to the whim of market need centrally-defined teaching qualifica- ing of more than 5,000 members, 90 per cent of to determine what forces is only likely to result in an increase in tions. Dr Matt O’Leary makes the case respondents emphasised the need to retain a the transitory nature and casualization of the it means to be a against the move. minimum qualification requirement, arguing workforce, ultimately resulting in the continua- that it added to the status and standing of the tion of this perpetual cycle of uncertainty and professional” Ia n Pryce, principal of Bedford College, has profession, and to the status and standing of instability, which, let’s face it, is no good for argued that the de-regulation of teacher vocational, adult and further education overall. teachers, learners or employers. qualifications should be seen as a positive step It is quite ironic then that at a time when vo- Whichever of the two, this comment is either in the development of teacher professionalism cational pedagogy is at the forefront of the FE incredibly naïve or so far removed from reality Dr Matt O’Leary, principal lecturer in post- and a ‘golden opportunity for FE teaching staff agenda nationally, and with it the importance that it suggests a lack of awareness of what it compulsory education, Centre for Research and to demonstrate their true worth’. I would like to of teacher education in shaping excellent voca- means to be a teacher in FE in 2013. Development in Lifelong Education, University respond to some of his claims and in so doing tional tutors, there are voices such as those of Mr Pryce goes on to say that ‘freedom to of Wolverhampton 10 FE Week M o n day, S eptem ber 16 , 2013 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week special report on location Traineeships the Welsh way Eleanor Radford business developer at Itec. @EleanorRadford In fact, leading Welsh training provider ACT, based in Cardiff, found the engagement With traineeships getting off the ground stage so worthwhile, it split it into two tiers in England, FE Week reporter Eleanor — phase one and phase two. Radford visited Welsh training provider “There are some learners who do not fit Itec to learn more about the scheme the standard mould, which is why we imple- across the border where it has been run- mented the phased engagement provision,” ning since August 2011. said Katy Wolar, senior centre manager at ACT. Among the hustle and bustle of Newport “The good thing about traineeships is be- city centre is Itec’s training centre. ing able to have the flexibility and freedom With phones ringing constantly, hairdry- to deliver the programme as you see neces- ers blowing and hammers banging, it’s diffi- sary, and to cater for the variable needs of cult not to get a buzz when you walk through the learners,” she added. the doors of the three-storey building. The Welsh government’s funding model With six delivery centres across the south sees providers funded per hour, per head, east of Wales filled with around 1,000 16 to and there is no time-based cap, unlike 18-year-olds completing their traineeships, England’s traineeships where the Education Itec is one of the principality’s largest — and Funding Agency stops paying out after 540 seemingly busiest — training providers. hours per trainee. Here, construction learners make joints A further difference is the level of funding for bird tables, childcare trainees work on providers get while the learner is on place- their NVQs, while retail hopefuls fill out job ment. applications. Receptionist Sophie Pilot completed “Traineeships have an admin and customer service level one FE Week reporter Eleanor Radford interviewing receptionist Sophie Pilot, 20, who got a job with training provider Itec after completing a traineeship with them traineeship last year and was then offered a worked better than full-time job with Itec. “I was so pleased,” said the 20-year-old, any of the other from Griffithstown, eight miles north of Newport. programmes that “It worked mainly in building my confi- dence, and now I have a job I love.” Faith O’Brien, Itec operations director, have come along said: “In my experience traineeships have worked better than any of the other pro- before it” grammes that have come along before it. We feel a lot of our learners are pre-FE and traineeships act as a feeder into FE.” In England, providers see no change Sophie and Itec offer a vision of trainee- in the level of funding, but in Wales, ships as a success story, so can anything said Mr Williams, “funding rates be learned from the Welsh experience and are reflective of the associated exported to England? costs a provider is likely to experi- Some outline of the system in Wales is ence when supporting a learner.” needed first. He continued: “This means the Across the border, traineeships have an funding we receive when a learner is “engagement” entry point, which normally on placement or work experience is lasts around three months and where no one twelfth that we receive when the qualifications are required. learner is in centre.” Construction trainee Jack Crocker-Jones, 17, learning how to make a bird table It also acts as a qualifier to the level one And funding affects learners differently stage, which can last six to nine months. too, with Welsh trainees getting an allow- gressed into employment, further or higher portunity for young people who are motivat- Meanwhile, those wanting to go straight ance of between £30 and £50 while working level learning. ed by work to develop the breadth of skills, onto level one — without having taken the on placement. Mr Williams said the money The review concluded that targets were qualifications and experience they need to “engagement” route — are assessed by pro- was often a “deal-breaker” for learners. hampered by a lack of work experience and be attractive to employers.” viders for suitability rather than face strict Meanwhile, trainees in England get no such employment opportunities, and more able He also defended the level of payments qualification requirements. official payment. learners were penalised because only those to learners, saying: “Our evidence suggests By contrast, 16 to 19-year-olds in England, However, the Welsh system only caters for up to level one need could apply. that this allowance does encourage learners where there is no such earlier entry point, 16 to 18-year-olds, including anybody in the Regardless, the system is seen by the to progress from the engagement to level must already have some level two qualifi- age group not in education, employment or Welsh government as successful. one.” cations when they enter at level one. And training, but traineeships extend up to the “Traineeships is a flexible programme He added: “The traineeship is still a rela- English traineeships should last no more age of 24 in England. which requires the development of an tively new programme. than six months. So is the Welsh model one that England individual plan of learning to meet the “Having given the programme time to ‘bed “The engagement stage works well for us should be looking to replicate? needs of each young person,” said in’ we now want to work closely with provid- as it lets the learner get ready for the place- A Welsh government-commissioned Ken Skates, Welsh Skills and Technology ers to improve performance and ensure ment stage and it allows us to get to know traineeships review in January said that in Deputy Minister. we get the best outcomes we can for young them and their abilities,” said Joel Williams, 2011/12 just 63 per cent of candidates pro- “The programme provides an excellent op- people.”

See more

The list of books you might like

Upgrade Premium
Most books are stored in the elastic cloud where traffic is expensive. For this reason, we have a limit on daily download.
DMCA & Copyright: Dear all, most of the website is community built, users are uploading hundred of books everyday, which makes really hard for us to identify copyrighted material, please contact us if you want any material removed.
Copyright @ PDFdrive.to, 2022 | We love our users