SIP Policy Update March 2016

Welcome to the latest Policy Update from the Science Industry Partnership (SIP), keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the world of skills, training and education.

SIP Member Summary on the Budget 2016: skills and education

Chancellor George Osborne has set out the Conservative Government’s 2016 budget; while the Chancellor only very briefly mentioned the Apprenticeship Levy in his Commons speech on television, the more detailed full budget report announced that employers will receive a 10 per cent top-up to their monthly levy contributions.

Each central government department, including BIS, has published their plan for how they will deliver the government’s priorities and manifesto commitments.

BIS publishes Guidance for trailblazers

This new publication explains how to develop new apprenticeships in England, from bidding to develop a standard to preparing for the standard to be used.

Addressing the House of Commons ahead of this week’s National Apprenticeship Week, Minister Nick Boles celebrated apprentices as one of the great successes of the decade.

David Hill, Director of Apprenticeships, BIS provided an update on latest policy thinking around skills at the most recent SIP Board meeting at the end of February

This new Government fact sheet outlines the measures that will be included in the Enterprise Bill

The Science Industry Partnership is submitting written evidence in response to the inquiry launched by The Sub-Committee on Education, Skills and the Economy.

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Shadow CEO of the Institute for Apprenticeships appointed

Rachel Sandby-Thomas CB has been appointed to the role of Shadow CEO of the Institute for Apprenticeships at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

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Removal of a number of Apprenticeship frameworks in the move towards standards

Today, more than 1,300 employers are involved in industry- led trailblazers groups, developing new employer-led apprenticeship standards, which will eventually replace the current apprenticeship frameworks as confirmed in English Apprenticeships: Our 2020 Vision

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Graduate recruitment slows down as apprenticeships take off

Growth in graduate recruitment has slowed while the number of apprenticeship vacancies has shot up, new research suggests.

UKCES appoints new CEO

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has appointed Ian Kinder as its new Chief Executive.

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Education Secretary selects new Ofqual Chief Regulator

The Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan has written to the Education Select Committee recommending Sally Collier as the preferred candidate for the post of Ofqual Chief Regulator.

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For more information on SIP membership contact kate.hutchins@cogentskills.com