Cable and Hayes launch Skills Strategy and Investment Strategy

Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable and Skills Minister John Hayes have launched the Government’s strategy for skills, "Skills for Sustainable Growth", and its parallel publication, "Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth".

The strategy sets out the Government’s vision for reform of the Further Education and skills system in order to improve the skills of the workforce, the performance of the economy and engagement in learning.

Investing in Sustainable Growth sets out how Government seeks to achieve its objectives through investing strategically in FE and skills over this Spending Review period. Savings will have to be made, but the Government understands the importance of continuing high levels of participation and performance.

The major strategies were launched at the annual Association of Colleges conference in Birmingham.

Webpage (containing the documents)

Press notice

Hayes outlines crucial role of colleges

In his role as joint Minister for DfE and BIS, John Hayes confirmed the crucial role of FE and Sixth Form Colleges in meeting the ambition of raising the participation age to 18 by 2015.

Also speaking at the AoC Conference, Mr Hayes set out the intention to fully fund provision for basic skills, training for young adults and skills to help unemployed people get and stay in sustainable work - while giving access to loans for those 24 and over, at level 3 and higher.

He highlighted the increased freedoms for colleges in determining the curriculum offer and the mix of provision along with a vastly simpler funding system – and pledged to remove further unnecessary regulations.

Read the full speech

Becta launches ICT Services Framework for schools and FE

Becta has announced 25 new, high quality suppliers to help FE colleges, providers and schools save time and money on their ICT systems in a fully EU-compliant manner. The suppliers are fully capable of meeting the required technical and service requirements and of understanding the sectors’ needs. The framework runs until November 2014.

The Framework is divided into two Lots:

• Lot 1 (22 suppliers) - ICT infrastructure and mobile/bundled connectivity services, enabling customers to buy services individually or in combination.
• Lot 2 (18 suppliers) - ICT Service Integrators – for customers requiring a supplier to pull together a supply chain for their core ICT requirements and integrate with legacy systems.

With Becta to close in March 2011, the Department for Education will host the framework. Specific guidance will be published here shortly.

UK Squad for Worldskills 2011 announced

Squad UK, the team of young people hoping to represent the nation at next year’s international skills competition, WorldSkills London 2011, has been announced by Skills Minister John Hayes.

The Squad members, all aged 18-24, were chosen by UK Skills after taking part in tough selection competitions. The skills represented range from Electrical Installation, Mobile Robotics and Web Design to Cooking, Hairdressing and Landscape Gardening.

"The young people competing in Squad UK are living proof of the standards of excellence found in our vocational learning programmes and are fine examples of the talented, dedicated and committed apprentices we have in this country," said Mr Hayes.

To see the members of Squad UK visit www.worldskillssquaduk.org

To find out more about WorldSkills London 2011 visit www.worldskillslondon2011.com

Get involved in Apprenticeship Week, 7-11 February 2011

It may be 5 weeks to Christmas, but it’s only 12 weeks to go to Apprenticeship Week 2011. Colleges, providers, employers and partners are encouraged to get involved to highlight the skills and talents of Apprentices, and celebrate the value of Apprenticeships.

http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2011.aspx

John Hayes calls for a new arts and crafts movement

Skills Minister John Hayes believes that it is time to debate the way practical skills are taught, learnt and valued, and wants to hear your opinions.

In a speech at the RSA recently he signalled a new vision for craft and vocational skills. He also spoke of the need to acknowledge the importance of practical skills and announced an ambition to create a new and prestigious award for Craft.

Join the discussion on starting a new arts and crafts movement and add your comments.

http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Oct/FE-skills-apprenticeship-debate

Online basics for adults

Basic ICT skills are increasingly expected today, whether at work or to stay in touch, to study or to use online services. But many adults lack the skills or confidence. Online basics is a free, easy-to-use course developed with support from BIS to get people started. There are five modules covering mouse and keyboard skills, email, internet searching and online safety.

Online basics is hosted by UK online centres on the myguide platform. It’s available online or, with support, at UK online centres.

FE providers can build it into provision, or refer their learners to UK online centres. It is available as a unit on the QCF, and City and Guilds offers an Award in Online basics, with other Awarding Bodies set to follow suit.

Visit www.onlinebasics.co.uk for details.