Friday, 15 April 2011: Edition 37
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In this issue: |
Government sets out Budget for Growth and boosts Apprenticeships |
The Government has set out a radical plan to get the UK economy growing as part of the budget 2011 announcements. The Plan for Growth, published alongside the budget, sets out a package of measures to support private sector investment, enterprise and innovation. It is based around four overarching ambitions for the British economy, which includes creating a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe. |
Over three million learners gain skills and qualifications |
BIS would like to congratulate over three million learners who gained skills and achieved qualifications over the past year, and thank the colleges and providers who have enabled them to succeed. New statistics published on 31 March show that 3,291,200 learners achieved a Government-funded FE and Skills qualification in 2009/10, with 279,700 Apprenticeship starts in 2009/10, an increase of 16.6% compared to 2008/09.
Responding to the BIS Statistical First Release, Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Apprenticeships are at the heart of this Government's plan for growth. I'm pleased to see that thanks to our investment more young people and businesses than ever are benefitting from an expanded and improved apprenticeships programme, designed and delivered in partnership with employers. Our budget for growth will enable us to go still further, with additional investment of £180m to deliver more than 250,000 apprenticeships than under the previous government’s plans.”
Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning John Hayes said: “Today's statistics clearly show the increasing popularity of properly funded and effectively targeted vocational training. Having met an ambitious benchmark to expand the apprenticeships programme, we will do even more to deliver the skills that drive growth.” Click here for more information. |
Further education boosts economy by £75 billion |
Further education participants generate an additional £75bn for the economy over their lifetimes, with Apprenticeships generating around £40 for each pound of Government investment, new research shows. The study examined the economic value generated by Government funded post-19 qualifications – including Apprenticeships, NVQs and basic skills qualifications. The estimates were calculated using data from the cohort of learners that started qualifications in 2008 / 09. John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “Further Education is the unheralded triumph of our education system. This research illustrates just how important it is to this country - our economy, society and individuals’ lives.” For more information, please visit BIS news |
£50m Growth and Innovation Fund to boost investment in training |
Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable, and Minister for Skills, John Hayes, have launched a £50 million a year fund to help businesses develop the skills they need to drive growth. The Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) will deliver targeted help for employer groups to overcome barriers to growth within their sectors and industries. The funding could deliver new training to boost innovation and productivity, enable industries to set new professional standards, or support new or extended National Skills Academies. BIS will invest up to £50m per year in partnership with businesses, whose investment alongside Government could deliver a total of up £100m a year. Read the press notice here. |
Jobs boost for Green Deal - 1000 Apprenticeships get go ahead |
At least 1,000 Green Deal apprentices could receive Government funding towards their training, as part of plans to insulate the UK’s homes and businesses against rising energy prices and reduce carbon emissions. “Teaching practical skills is as essential to growing the green economy as complex scientific research. Without them we will be unable to take full advantage of the huge potential for economic growth the green economy offers. Apprenticeships offer the perfect training for creating the skilled workforce we need – providing the practical on the job training aligned to employers’ needs. Green Deal apprenticeships will play a critical role in its success.” Click here for further information: |
Government responds to skills conditionality consultation |
The Government response to the joint DWP/BIS consultation on skills conditionality was published on 29 March. Skills conditionality involves Jobcentre Plus referring claimants to a skills training provider, further education college or Next Step adviser, with potential benefit sanctions for non-participation. Thank you to all those who contributed their views during the consultation period. You can read the consultation response here and see the press notice here |
An update on Service Academies |
‘The Coalition: Our Programme for Government’ set out the intention for a range of Service Academies to help people who are unemployed but close to the labour market back to work. They will comprise up to six weeks of training, alongside work experience and a guaranteed interview with an employer. The training component will be offered through the mainstream skills system in England and as such will be accredited and subject to the usual quality checks. The aim is to provide support that is flexible and responsive to meet the skills needs of those seeking work and the requirements of employers. The academies will be brokered by Jobcentre Plus who will bring together FE Colleges, training providers and employers to provide a package of support that meets the local needs and labour market. For more information and to suggest a new name for the academies, please email us by clicking here. |
Investors in People Launches New Delivery Arrangements |
Employers working with Investors in People can look forward to more choice and flexibility than ever before, thanks to a new network of delivery partners launched on 1 April. The refreshed network means that customers get more choice of delivery partners, including three new centres and two which have been awarded new licences. Valerie Todd, Chair of the Investors in People Advisory Board at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills said: “Investors in People has enabled over 40,000 UK businesses of all sizes and sectors to build skills, boost productivity and improve performance. The UK Commission is committed to delivering the best possible service to employers seeking to make these gains through Investors in People. Our new network of partners is an important part of that, and there is no better time to get involved with Investors in People.” Please visit www.ukces.org.uk for more information. |
Developing the new Workplace Pledge |
The Government announced the creation of a new industry sector-led pledge to replace the current Skills Pledge in the Skills for Sustainable Growth strategy in November 2010. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) is currently seeking views on the development of the new pledge to ensure that it addresses the key skills issues affecting employers across different business sectors. To respond, please click here to download the questionnaire from the UKCES website: |
Time to Train regulations not extended to SMEs |
Further to our Press Notice of 16 February, the Government has now decided not to extend the right to request time to train to employees of small or mediums sized organisations for the foreseeable future. The right will continue to be available to employees in large organisations with 250 or more employees. This decision – detailed in the Plan for Growth and in Business Minister Mark Prisk’s speech to the Federation of Small Businesses – confirms Government’s strong commitment to its skills agenda. But it also acknowledges the importance ministers attach to reducing the regulatory burden on business particularly small and medium sized enterprises, especially as we focus on growing our economy. The position will be kept under review. Any future decision on the policy will take account of evidence about levels of employer and employee investment in skills. |
From September 2012 EMA will be replaced by a new £180m new bursary scheme to help the most vulnerable 16-19 year-olds |
The Government has announced a new £180 million bursary scheme to help the most vulnerable 16-19 year-olds continue in full-time education. The scheme will start in September 2011 and the money will be distributed by colleges. The scheme is made up of two parts: the most vulnerable 16-19 year-olds will be given guaranteed bursaries of £1,200 a year and schools and colleges will also have the discretion to award bursaries to support any student who faces genuine financial barriers to participation such as costs of transport, food or equipment. Transitional arrangements will help those who are part-way through their studies and are currently receiving the EMA. A Q&A is available on the DfE website. |
£20m management training fund will help small businesses grow |
Skills Minister John Hayes has called on senior leaders in SMEs to take advantage of funding that will support leadership and management training to help them grow their businesses. A match funded grant of up to £1,000 can be spent on leadership training and coaching that helps grow the business, improving productivity and competitiveness. The new Leadership and Management Advisory Service will also offer a free skills diagnostic from a skills adviser which can identify any leadership and management development required by the nominated leader. Read the Press Notice here Further information for businesses is available on the Business Link website |
Forthcoming Events |
Adult Learners’ Week (14-20 May)
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Connect with BIS |
Stay up to date with what is happening at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills BIS Departmental Newsletter: BIS FE & Skills Newsletter: http://www.bis.gov.uk/site/connect/newsletters/fe-skills BIS Vocational Qualifications Newsletter: |
News in Brief
SFA Statement on Minimum Contract Levels
The Skills Funding Agency has published a statement about the Minimum Contract Level (MCL) policy. It sets out the types of providers who will be exempt from the MCL and next steps for providers affected by the policy. You can read the statement here:
VQ Day 2011 announced: Wednesday 22 June 2011
For the fourth year, students, teachers and employers will come together on VQ Day to celebrate vocational learning. To get involved, visit VQ-Day and download an action pack. Don't forget to add your name to the roll call and download the nomination form for this year's VQ Learner of the Year Awards - good luck!
Government Review of Tier 4 Student Visas for FE
Vince Cable and David Willetts have written to colleges setting out proposals for the reform of the Tier 4 Student Visa. This will help them plan their future international recruitment activities with greater certainty about the visa regime. Click here to read the letter.