The Sussex Council of Training Providers represents and supports Government funded training organisations operating in Sussex.
LATEST NEWS
30/6/09 - New Apprenticeships In Sussex DVD - Now Available
SCTP and FE Sussex have collaborated to produce a new promotional DVD that showcases the positive experiences of Sussex apprentices and employers. The DVD has a range of options allowing it to be used in a tailored way for employers, specific occupations or a general overview of what apprenticeships are all about. The overview can be seen by clicking on the link on the right hand side of of this page. The DVD is being widely distributed to schools, Connexions PAs, employer groups, providers and partner orgnaisations. If anyone wants to receive a copy (or further copies) of the DVD please e-mail anna@fesussex.org.uk
26/6/09 - FE Sussex/SCTP - Foundation Learning Tier Briefing Event
The Learning and Skills Network are able to deliver a session for providers entitled 'Getting Started with FLT' on the morning of the 7th July 9.30-12.00 at LSC Sussex, Brighton. The session will obviously be of most interest to e2e providers and others that deliver provision at Entry Level and Level but may also be of interest to those apprenticeship providers who are looking to understand the content of the new FLT and how this might support progression to apprenticeships. Click here for the session content. Click here to book.
18/6/09 - Issue 2 of Schools Local Apprenticeship Update
FE Sussex/SCTP have just issued the second info update to schools which can be viewed here There was a positive response to the first issue. These info updates are designed to give schools careers co-ordinators the basic information about apprenticeships.
12/6/09 - Essential Data Workshops for SE e2e Providers
ALPSE have been working with the LSC on the development of a workshop to support providers with data issues around e2e. The event will be held on three separate occasions in June and July in the south east region, in Fareham, Woking and Reading. For more information click here
10/6/09 - SCTP members attend ALP Surrey Network Meeting
On Tuesday 9th June 6 SCTP members accepted the invitation of the Surrey provider network to attend one of their regular meetings. There was much to discuss with and learn from our Surrey colleagues and their LSC/NAS link staff. The invitation is expected to be reciprocated in the near future.
3/6/09 - John Denham reply to letter from Kent Provider Network
John Denham's letter of the 2nd June outlines the current official position re contracts and funding on Apprenticeships, Train to Gain and Entry to Employment. Thanks to KATO for the information. To see the letter click here
2/6/09 - LSC Further Education Capital Programme letter
Click here for the letter on FE capital sent out to all College Principals on 1 June by Geoff Russell - LSC Chief Executive.
1/6/09 - ALP South East Conference Details & Booking
The Association of Learning Providers for the South East (ALPSE) is hosting this annual conference (30/06/09) to inform training providers in the South East of important changes facing the sector. The day also offers delegates the opportunity to share good practice, attend workshops covering a variety of topics related to work-based learning, and network with other colleagues.
For more information and to book your place click here.22/5/09 - First Sussex Schools' Apprenticeship Update Issued
The first edition of an apprenticeship e-mail update service has been issued. This has been sent by FE Sussex/SCTP to all Careers Co-ordinators in schools, the PAs associated with those schools and senior staff in Connexions across Sussex. This monthly service is designed to inform schools in a straightforward, uncomplicated way about apprenticeships and to start building a relationship between the network and schools. It has been well received so far. To see the first issue click here.
22/5/09 - SCTP Safeguarding Training Announced
SCTP and FE Sussex are collaborating to provide a LSIS training session on the implications of Safeguarding regulations for WBL providers. The session takes place at Plumpton College after the members meeting on the 25th June 2.00-4.30pm. Places are free to full members and £30+VAT for associate members. For the programme click here. To book places e-mail pemitchell@btinternet.com
20/5/09 - Contracts & Funding Latest from LSC/NAS
Yesterday, LSC Chief Exec, Geoff Russell issued a letter to all contracted providers regarding funding allocations - this can be viewed here . This was closely followed by a clarification e-mail re apprenticeships from LSC Regional Apprenticeship Director Rachel McKellar which can se seen by clicking here.
15/5/09 - National Apprenticeship Service Prospectus Published
This document outlines the responsibilities and priorities to be delivered by the NAS. Click here to see the document.
14/5/09 - Latest exchange of letters on e2e funding between ALP SE and DCSF
ALP Se has been lobbying for clarity over the e2e funding situation. Click here to see ALP SE Chair Bob Hiskey's letter to DCSF. Click here to see the response from Secretary of State Sarah McCarthy-Fry.
14/5/09 - Prospectus for ATA/GTAs published
Click here for the prospectus published recently by NAS regarding the expansion of the Group Training Association delivery model and the introduction of new Apprenticeship Training Agencies. Fe Sussex and SCTP are looking at a possible response to this.
14/5/09 - Govt Training Offer For Those Unemployed For 6 Months
Latest statement on the LSC website about funding for the upskilling of the unemployed. Possible opportunity for collaboration between SCTP members here. For details click here
4/5/09 - Letter from NAS on Apprenticeship Flexibilities
A letter from Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, regarding Apprenticeship flexibilities. See letter here
1/5/09 - Letter from LSC Chief Exec re September Guarantee
Letter from Geoff Russell stating national position on funding for learners falling under the September Gauantee. See letter here
27/4/09 - Extra Funding To Guarantee Every Young Person A Place For Post-16 Learning - DCSF statement
A post-budget press notice from the DCSF website can be viewed here.
23/4/09 - Latest letter from ALP SE to DCSF re e2e funding 'crisis'
For the letter click here.
23/4/09 - SCTP Board consults members on contract allocations
The SCTP Board has contacted all members requesting feedback on issues arising from current contract negotiations - with a view to linking with ALP to lobby for improvements to contract offers.
15/4/09 - Statement from ALP Chief Exec re funding situation
Statement issued on the ALP Website about the position regarding Apprenticeship, E2E and Train To Gain funding and the submissions made by ALP on behalf of providers. Click here for the statement.
2/4/09 - Foster Report in to FE Capital Funding Published - LSC Response
Chris Banks (LSC Chair) responds to the report into recent difficulties relating to FE College capital funding. Click here to access the statement and the report.
2/4/09 - Managing Demand In Train 2 Gain and 25+ apprenticeships - LSC statement
Click here to see the latest statement on this on the LSC website.
30/3/09 - Understanding the package of support available to employers - letter from new LSC CEO, Geoff Russell
Very important information here including the funding of T2G and apprenticeships. Worth a read, click here
24/3/09 - LSC Region issues clarification on Train To Gain funding
The LSC has issued a clarification statement which can be read here
24/3/09 - LSC Region issues clarification over e2e funding
There have been concerns over the e2e funding position across the SE Region. The LSC has issued a clarification statement which can be read here
24/3/09 - Mark Haysom resigns as LSC CEO
For LSC press release click here
23/3/09 - ALP SE Conference Date Announced
ALP SE has announce a one day provider conference on the 30th June at Sandown Park Racecourse. This will then lead on to a World Skills Awards Event in the evening. A full programme and booking details will be available shortly.
15/3/09 - Consultation on the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE)
This document, issued by DIUS, is a first indication of how the specifications for apprenticeship frameworks might change in 2011. Not only does this give advanced warning of how the content and delivery of apprenticeships might change, but also the chance to comment and influence these developments. To see the document click here
12/3/09 - LSIS Quality Champions Programme
There are places available for the next 2 cohorts of this subsidised, ILM accredited development programme which is designed to 'identify, develop and accredit leaders in quality improvement across the further education system'. For more information click here
9/3/09 - Latest on Government Plans to Boost Public Sector Apprenticeships
The Government has announced 21,000 new apprenticeships in the NHS, education and local government. For more details click here
4/3/09 - Latest Apprenticeship Marketing Materials Available
We’d like to let providers know that the attached marketing materials are available for use. If you would like to order any you can email lsc@granbymarketing.com quoting the publication number on the back of each. For reference they are:
“How to apply online for vacancies” -LSC-P-NAT 090029
“Interested in learning while earning?” -LSC-P-NAT-090021
“The proven way to train your workforce” -LSC-P-NAT-090020
4/3/09 - NFER Report - Understanding NEETS
Useful 5-page analysis of the characteristics of those Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET). Click here
2/3/09 - Apprenticeship Week - Summary of Policy Developments
This edition of Edexcel's 'Policy Watch' summarises the current major apprenticeship policy developments on 2 sides of A4. Click here for the document.
25/2/09 - W Sussex County Council Commits to recruit up to 200 apprentices
Good news that the Public Sector is starting to take a strategic approach to apprenticeship recruitment. For the press release click here
20/2/09 - First Issue of the ALP SE Bulletin
This bulletin has been sent to all SCTP members and contains news, LSC updates and information about events that will be of interest to providers across the South East. To view the bulletin click here
19/2/09 - ALP SE News Bulletin
The Bulletin contains News, LSC updates and information about events that will be of interest to providers across the South East. Click
19/2/09 - Train To Gain News Issue 9
Latest from the LSC on Train To Gain. Click here
17/2/09 - Free Theatre Tickets For Young People
Some lighter news for a change! Over half a million free tickets will be given away to young people under the age of 26 over the next two years. Its an Arts Council initiative called 'A Night Less Ordinary'. Click here for details. Tell your learners!
16/2/09 - National Apprenticeship Seminars for Employers
As part of the National Apprenticeship campaign a number of road shows that are being hosted with Sir Alan Sugar, Ed Balls MP and John Denham MP. Providers are being asked to to encourage employers that they are working with to attend these events. For the document briefing providers click here and for the employer registration document click here
16/2/09 - ALP SE takes up Apprenticeship Redundancies Issue
Bob Hiskey Chair of ALP SE has wrtitten to DIUS about this issue. To see the response from Lord Tony Young click here
13/2/09 - Apprenticeship Bill Published
The Government has published the Appenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill (ASCL Bill) which will put Appenticeships on a statutory basis, establish the entitlement to an Apprenticeship place for every suitably qualified young person who wants one and seeks to ensure good quality. For the press release click here and for the full bill click here
9/2/09 - Awards launched to find learndirect achievers
This week learndirect is urging individuals and businesses from all over the country to celebrate the 2.5 million learndirect learners across the UK by nominating a local learner or training provider for a learndirect Achievement Award. For more information click here
6/2/09 - Alan Sugar TV Ads - 'Apprentices Make Things Happen'
These started to be screened last week. The advert can be veiwed here
6/2/09 - KPMG World Class Skills Training Events in Sussex
The World Class Skills programme provides guidance, support and training to help you ensure that your organisation can successfully meet its goals for employer responsive provision. Local events are as follows:
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Making Customer Relationship Management systems work for you – 19 March, Crawley
For more information on these and other events click here
29/1/09 - QCA Events on the Foundation Learning Tier
Regional events are being held to brief providers on the FLT including one at Brighton Racecourse on the 31/1/09. Click here for details.
28/1/09 - Brighton & Hove City Wide Apprenticeship Event Confirmed
The above event that is taking place as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Detailed informatio is available here Please note that members have the opportunity to host a stand - if you wish to do this then please make this clear when booking. This event provides a great opportunity to link providers with employers and to collaboratively develop the first city-wide strategy for Apprenticeships in Brighton & Hove. The event needs to have a high impact so it has been suggested that SCTP members actively encourage at least one employer to attend with them to ensure an appropriate mix of providers and employers.
27/1/09 - Area Wide Prospectus Training
The importance of the Area Wide Prospectus in the development of the 14-19 education and training has become increasingly clear. It is vital that members are visible on the Prospectus and that providers' information is complete, accurate and available to potential learners and those that advise them. FE Sussex/SCTP have worked with VT Enterprise to arrange a training session on the operation of the Area Prospectus. This training will be delivered by Paul MacMahon of S-Cool and take place at City College Brighton and Hove on the 20th February. A programme is available here. Please e-mail to book your places by clicking here.
26/1/09 - Details of National Apprenticeship Marketing Campaign
Click here for details of the forthcoming regional and national LSC Apprenticeship Marketing campaign. The campaign starts on 2nd February with TV adverts featuring Sir Alan Sugar. Click here for the activity schedule for marketing activity that is planned to take place from January to Jul 09, including Apprenticeship week, 23rd to 27th Feb.
22/1/09 Train To Gain Development Group
This group used to be Train to Gain Providers Network and met several times during the last academic year. All involved judged it to be a very useful and proactive forum. It provided an opportunity for the sharing of good practice and attendance at Train to Gain quality improvement delivery activities.
We are pleased to inform you that working in collaboration, FE Sussex and SCTP have obtained limited funds from the LSC to enable the group to meet over the next sixth months and the first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 28th January from 1400 – 1600 at the LSC in Brighton. It is intended that this meeting will centre on TQS and provide information on how you will have to prepare your organisation to obtain this quality standard. To reserve your place please e-mail Anna Barry anna@fesussex.org.uk as soon as possible.
20/1/09 Draft SE Apprenticeship Marketing Campaign
Information just released on plans at national and regional level for the promotion of apprenticeships, the National Apprenticeship Service and the National Appenticeship Vacancy Matching Service, National Apprenticeship Week and the National Apprenticeship Awards. For more info and to find out what Alan Sugar and Tim Campbell will be up to click here
19/1/08 Apprenticeship Champion and Provider Action Group
FE Sussex/SCTP have appointed an Apprenticeship Champion, Tim Sorensen. Tim has experience in Education Business Partnership work as a result of working for Sussex Careers for many years. This plus his own commercial background make him well positioned to work with providers and employers to boost apprenticeship participation. A news release summarising Tim's role is can be accessed here. One of Tim's first tasks is to establish a Provider Action Group. This group will work with Tim and Caroline Dumbell (working on Public Sector Apprenticeships) to develop ideas and strategies for increasing apprenticeship recruitment and then work together on implementation. Terms of Reference for the group are here. The group will meet on a monthly basis - first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 11th February 10-12 at LSC Sussex in Brighton. To nominate a representative for the Provider Action Group please e-mail Tim Sorensen on timsorensen7@hotmail.com
19/1/08 - Brighton & Hove City Council Apprenticeship Event
Advance notice of a potential date for your diary. Brighton & Hove City Council, in partnership with SCTP, FE Sussex and Brighton and Hove Learning Partnership, is holding a pan-city Apprenticeship event on the 24th February at The Dome in Brighton. The event, taking place as part of National Apprenticeships Week, is to promote apprenticeships to employers (including the council itself). A key focus of the event is to involve providers that might be able to help in driving up apprenticeship numbers in the City. More details re timings, content and how to book will be posted on this page when available.
9/1/09 - Government funding for extra 35,000 apprentices
See this DIUS new release by clicking here
8/1/09 - LSC SE Regional Learning & Skills Award Details
Information has now been released concerning the above awards which represent a great opportunity for apprentices, employers and training providers to be recognised for their progress and achievements. Jo Free at FE Sussex/SCTP is available to answer questions on the awards and has written a brief explanation of the application process to help you. This can be accessed by clicking here. Good luck with your entries.
7/1/09 FE Sussex/SCTP Appoints Apprenticeship Champion
Tim Sorensen has been appointed to work with FE Sussex/SCTP members on increasining apprenticeship numbers via employers and through increasing progression onto apprenticeships by existing learners. Tim will be contacting providers very soon.
7/1/09 - Identifying and Managing Underperformance - Latest LSC Guidance
The latest information from the LSC - a must read for all providers. Click here for the document.
7/1/09 - 25 Providers Attend Local Authority Collaboration Event
FE Sussex and SCTP held a CPD event aimed at opening up avenues for mutually beneficial collaboration between training providers, schools and local authorities. Input from Aidan Pettit (LSC), Nina Holyer (Heathercroft Training) and Tony Smith (East Sussex County Council) provided a stimulating event covering Diplomas, Machinery of Government changes, apprenticeship entitlement and the raising of the participation age. The event was held at the North East Area Professional Centre in Crawley.
22/12/08 - The SE Plan - 'Driving Up Demand For Apprenticeships
LSC SE has published its plan for growing apprenticeships over the next 3 years. It's well written and a very useful read. There is a chance to feed into the plan by responding by 16th Jan 09. Click here for the document.
19/12/08 - £158m Fund To Combat Redundancy Risk
Opportunities here for providers to bid for funds to help workers who are at risk of redundancy or those that have recently been made redundant. The aim is to help people to stay in work via, for example enhanced IAG and pre-employment programmes. For full information click here
On a similar note DIUS have published a document that celebrates how providers can make a difference to people and businesses in an economic downturn. Click here for a copy of the 'FE Works' document that features the best practice of colleges and independent providers.
18/12/08 - New National Apprenticeship Stats
2007-8 participation and outcome stats have been published by DIUS. Headlines include an overall apprenticeship completion rate of 63.7%, a massive increase in adult apprenticeships and a growth in 19-25 apprenticeships. There is also evidence that the economic downturn is starting to impact on apprenticeship start figures. See more by clicking here
16/12/08 - National Apprenticeship Week Announced
The Learning and Skills Council will be running a national Apprenticeship Week from 23 to 27 February 2009. This is a great opportunity for providers to link their own marketing with the national push and with Alan Sugar adding high profile involvement hopefully a real impact can be made. Look out for more information on the Apprenticeships website nearer the time at:
15/12/08 - Apprenticeship Expansion Programme Launch
This programme is new and looks to employers (with their own contracts or working with a provider) to 'over train' to feed apprentices to their supply chain. Funding is available to pay for doing this. Click here for more details.
12/12/08 - Launch of the National Training Awards 2009
The National Training Awards are the most prestigious awards for training in the UK. They identify and celebrate organisations and individuals that have achieved really outstanding business and personal success through investment in training. Find out more and dowload an application form from www.nationaltrainingwards.com
10/12/08 - Latest Train To Gain News
Latest from national LSC. Click here
9/12/08 - Employers and Public Sector to Create 10,000 Apprenticeship Places
Latest press release from national LSC - click here
8/12/08 - LSIS Quality Champions Programme
This programme enables providers to develop a key member of staff to lead on quality improvement within the organisation. Participants get free learning and there is only a modest registration fee of £250. The learning can be accredited through the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Find out more at www.qualitychampions.org.uk
1/12/08 - FE Sussex/SCTP Provider Survey on School Links
FE Sussex/SCTP are looking to ensure that WBL pathways are represented at schools parents/careers/options evenings. In order to facilitate this we need to find out the current level of contact that training providers have with schools. Providers are urged to support this work by downloading and completing the survey below.
1/12/08 - Capital Skills Prospectus Launched
Capital funding for colleges and for the first time, independent providers
Click here to go to the document
1/12/08 - LSC Grant Letter and Statement of Prioities Published
Get the inside track on the LSC's funding priorities for 2009/10
Click here to go to the document
27/11/08 - SCTP website goes live
SCTP is delighted to announce that this site is now operational. Please take some time to look around the site and please feedback any comments. Further development work on our web presence is taking place with ALP SE.
National Vacancy Matching Service
National Vacancy Matching Service goes live to the public 5th January. Providers will be able to use the new system from mid December while new applications through the Sussex Clearing House will cease on the 8th December. Training sessions on the new VMS are taking place in Woking from 17th November - 2nd December. Please contact LSC Sussex to book a place. See a copy of the plan for the transition between Apprenticeships In Sussex to VMS by clicking here.
Please note that from January www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com will still function as an apprenticeships search site but not as a clearing house.
ALP calls for 4 level Apprenticeship Programme.
ALP has produced a discussion paper that suggests that Apprenticeship programmes, Train to Gain, parts of E2E and the Foundation Learning Tier are brought together in a new suite of Apprenticeship options. See the paper at www.learningproviders.org.uk
