The Sussex Council of Training Providers represents and supports Government funded training organisations operating in Sussex.
LATEST NEWS
3/2/12 - Round up of Education and Skills News for January
Click here for this useful summary of January news in our sector from Policy Watch.
3/2/12 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 41
Latest from YPLA. Click here.
2/2/12 - Geoff Russell's View Of The Months Ahead
See the SFA CEO's FE News Article about the current and future prospects for the sector. Click here.
2/2/12 - John Hayes Responds to NAO Report on Apprenticeships
The National Audit Office report called 'Assesment of Adult Apprenticeships' has been published and can be found here (executive summary available). The report concludes that 'Apprenticeships for adults offer a good return for the public money spent on them overall. However, BIS could improve value for money significantly by targeting resources on areas where the greatest economic returns can be achieved'. John Hayes response the report is here.
2/2/12 - SFA Update - Issue 93
Latest from SFA including: Funding Calculation 2011/12; Reminder: R06 ILR return due 6 February 2012; Communicating the Skills Investment Strategy; FE Data Management - Recording nested qualifications in the Individualised Learner Record; Next Step webchat goes live; FE Choices: Publication of Outputs; New equality reports; Statistical First Release. Click here.
1/2/12 - OFSTED News Issue 3
Latest from OFSTED. Click here.
1/2/12 - LSIS SE Teaching & Learning Fair
This event aims to highlight and celebrate effective teaching and learning and bring together senior managers, teachers and learning practitioners to discuss, share, explore and develop a whole organisation approach to effective teaching and learning. It takes place on the 24th February 9.30-3.00, at Croydon College. Cost £75. For more information and booking click here.
28/1/12 - Launch of Register of Training Organisations
Further to SFA Update 92 (see 25/1 item below) members are reminded to enter their details on the new register (that replaces ACTOR) by the 17th February. A support guide is now available here.
27/1/12 - Latest School League Tables Published
The secondary school league tables are out for GCSEs and A-levels - Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Click here to see the results by school and here for a one-page comment from 'Policy Watch'.
27/1/12 - OFSTED Likely to Replace 'Satisfactory' Grade
OFSTED is considering replacing the 'satisfactory' grade' with a new 'requires improvement' grade. The intention is to focus the minds of providers on improvement towards good and outstanding. Click here to see this FE News article from Matthew Coffey, OFSTED's National Director of Learning & Skills.
27/1/12 - Apprenticeship Certificates England (ACE) Launched
This week saw the launch of a new online system to support the statutory certification of Apprenticeships across England. The service is run by the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils who as the certifying authority for Apprenticeships in England, who will be responsible for issuing certificates upon the successful completion of each Apprenticeship. It is believed that the new centralised Apprenticeship Certificates England (ACE) system will save Apprenticeship training providers and issuing authorities valuable time, resource and investment and will allow them to track the progress of Apprenticeship candidates. For information on how the system works and how to register click here.
27/1/12 - FE Choices - Publication of Outputs
FE Choices (formerly Framework for Excellence) performance indicator scores for 2010/11 have been published by the SFA. This publication updates the information available on Success Rates, Learner Satisfaction and Employer Satisfaction and is part of the Further Education Public Information (FEPI) framework. Click here.
26/1/12 - SCTP Elects New Directors
At the SCTP AGM today SCTP members elected Brenda Cook (Northbrook College) and Mark Syrett (JTL) as new directors of SCTP. Thanks were expressed to outgoing directors Debbie Ross and Paul Kendall who both stood down at this election. - the latter after more than 10 years loyal service on the Board. The members meeting followed with sessions on Functional Skills in Apprenticeships from associate members Pearson and NCFE, an update from the SFA and much discussion about progress and planning regarding the Apprenticeships In Sussex promotional service and associated support from the National Apprenticeship Service. Next meeting 29th March 9.30-1.00.
26/1/12 - DfE Consultation on RPA
A consultation has been published by DfE seeking views on how elements of Raising the Participation Age will work in practice. Closing date 13th April 2012. Click here.
25/1/12 - SFA Update - Issue 92
Latest from the SFA including: Funding Guidance 2011/12 – Adult Skills Budget Funding Claims and Audit Returns; Discretionary Learner Support second in-year forecast – 2011/12; Consultation on a proposed college merger – Southwark College and Lewisham College; Communicating the Skills Investment Strategy; Take part in National Apprenticeship Week 6 – 12 February; Unit Delivery Trials 2011/12 – Additional briefing document available soon; Applications welcomed for training managers for WorldSkills 2013 – closing date 27 January! Click here.
20/1/12 - ESCC backs LEP Construction Sector ATA
East Sussex County Council is supporting an employer-led bid across the South East and New Anglia LEPs (representing the local authority areas of East Sussex, Kent, Medway, Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Suffolk and Norfolk) to develop a Construction sector Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA). This employer-led bid will submitted by East Sussex County Council’s (ESCC) Build East Sussex (BES) network of construction companies, and in collaboration with similar Build Networks in Essex and Norfolk. The Build Networks are run by the Local Authority’s major contractors and enables them to link with local construction-related businesses to enhance their existing supply chains and enable local businesses to look for work opportunities. Over 2200 companies have registered to the 3 aforementioned Networks online. For more information contained in an e-mail issued by ESCC click here and for a LEP paper about the ATA click here.
20/1/12 - Analysis of Latest Unemployment Figures
Headline figures and analysis in this Policy Watch summary. Click here.
18/1/12 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 40
The latest from YPLA including changes to the YPLA website; procurement advice; publication of school and academy success rates; 16-19 Bursary Fund End of Year MI return and more. Click here.
18/1/12 - SFA Update - Issue 91
Latest from SFA including: Geoff Russell to retire; Further Education Public Information framework – Employer Satisfaction Survey 2011/12; The Agency’s new Register of Training Organisations; Apprenticeship vacancies – Recording successful candidates; Apprenticeship vacancies – Vacancy closing dates; Learner Register Organisation Portal Enhancement; Applications welcomed for training managers/ experts for WorldSkills 2013; Adult Learners Week 2012 – Final opportunity for ESF award nominations; Equalities in Practice workshops. Click here. More information on the new Register Of Training Organisations can be found in the SFA Press Release here.
17/1/12 - National Apprenticeship Service CEO Retires
Two CEO's on their way out in one day! Simon Waugh has also announced that he is standing down at the end of March. Click here for more.
17/1/12 - Skills Funding Agency CEO Retires
The SFA has announced that Geoff Russell will retire this summer. For the full story click here.
17/1/12 - WorldSkills UK Competitions: Open For Entries
With less than two months to go,
the final countdown has begun to
enter the next cycle of WorldSkills
UK national competitions.
NAS/SFA are hoping to exceed previous
entry numbers following the
success of WorldSkills London 2011.
The closing date for entries for 2012
competitions is the 15th March 2012. Click here to visit WorldSkillsUK to
take a look at
this year’s competition offer and latest
news. For assistance with completing
your registration, please use the step-by-step-guide or call the WorldSkills
UK contact centre on 0800 612 0742.
This year, 55 WorldSkills UK national
competitions are being hosted by a
range of organisations across the UK.
Entrants can showcase a wide range
of skills from automobile technology
and caring to stonemasonry and
floristry.
The competitions are designed to
help people enhance their technical
and employability skills at the start
of their career, helping them progress
in the workplace. Look
through the competition pages to
see if there’s anything suitable for
you or your apprentices/learners it
could be the first step on the journey
to WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 and a
successful future for your organisation.
17/1/12 - LSIS South East Region January Update
Latest from LSIS for our region written by Pam Lumsden the SE Region Development Manager. Pam would particularly like to draw attention to the Teaching and Learning Fair which is taking place on the 24th February at Croydon College and the new Improvement Development Service (incorporating the former Sector Support Service – SSS) which now includes support for grade 3 providers. Click here for the update document.
14/1/12 - First 'Apprenticeships in Sussex' Event Takes Place
Last Thursday saw the first Apprenticeships In Sussex event since the service went live on 1/1/12. Graham Freeborn of Freedom Leisure Training represented the provider network at The Causeway School in Eastbourne, spreading the word about the apprenticeship provision offered by SCTP members and promoting the www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com website. Over 25 events at schools all over Sussex are now planned with 18 providers so far volunteering to help with the events. Apprenticeships in Sussex representatives will be in action this week at BACA (formerly Falmer High) and Midhurst Rother College.
14/1/12 - 'Celebrating Apprenticeship Progression' Event 9/2
In Sussex, there are around 50 organisations (FE colleges and independent training providers) training thousands of apprentices in disciplines as varied as engineering, childcare, business administration and accounting. For most, their formal training finishes at level 3 with an advanced apprenticeship. In fact, it is reckoned that no more than 11% of Sussex apprentices ever progresses to higher education which compares very poorly to students of other level 3 qualifications. But there are inspiring examples of those that do through studying foundation degrees, higher national certificates/diplomas or higher apprenticeships. Why is it that so few avail themselves of these opportunities. As part of Sussex Learning Network's contribution to National Apprenticeship Week, this event will showcase success and offer access to resources to help better advise apprentices on their options. SCTP members are able to exhibit at this event. For more information click here.
13/1/12 - Six Big Policy Challenges for 2012
This is a useful Policy Watch summary of what it sees as the major education policy challenges for 2102 namely: Standards, The School Curriculum, Youth Unemployment & Disengagement, Apprenticeships, The Adult Skills System, Higher Education. Click here.
13/1/12 - E Sussex Creating Opportunities Consultation
The Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) will come into effect from the summer of 2013, when young people will be required to stay on in education or training until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17. From 2015 all young people will be required to stay on in education or training until their 18th birthday. The East Sussex Creating Opportunities Strategy outlines how the local authority will work together with partners and providers over the next two years to ensure that by 2015 all young people are able to participate successfully. Schools, colleges, private training providers and other partners are invited to respond to the consultation by Friday 10 February. The final strategy will be published in early March 2012. For the strategy click here and the consultation questions click here.
12/1/12 - Paritas Employer Training Course Schedule Published
Paritas has published a schedule of training courses for employers that focuses on Equality & Diversity and Stress Reduction. SCTP members have been offered a special deal of 4 places for the price of 3. For more information on Paritas click here and for the course schedule click here.
12/1/12 - SFA Update - Issue 90
The latest from SFA including: The National Career Guidance Shows; Learner Information Suite V19.02 due for release soon; End-of-Year 2010/11 Employer Responsive Qualification Success Rate and Minimum Levels of Performance reports to be published; Knighthood for information authority Chair; Applications welcomed for Training Managers/ Experts for WorldSkills 2013; Data Self-Assessment Tool – future development sessions; Supporting independent training providers in collaborative contracting – online seminars. Click here.
11/1/12 - SCTP Foundation Learning Group Meets
12 SCTP FL Members gathered today at the AMEX Stadium, home of SCTP member, Albion in the Community. All matters FL were discussed from NEET reduction, funding, functional skills, recruitment and more. Members were joined by representatives from Brighton & Hove & East Sussex Local Authorities who were able with join with members in discussing and agreeing ways forward building on effective collaboration. Date of the next meeting is 18th April 10am-1pm - venue to be confirmed but likely to be at Sussex Downs College, Lewes.
7/1/12 - A Reminder of What Happened in December!
This useful 2-page Policy Watch summary will help us all to remember the key events and publications that happened in the sector before the Christmas break. Click here.
7/1/12 - SFA Update - Issue 89
The latest SFA news including: Further Education Public Information framework - dissemination and publication of outputs; Take part in National Apprenticeship Week; Apprenticeship vacancies – provider profiles; Apprenticeship vacancies – forthcoming developments. Click here.
7/1/12 - Social Care Showcase Event - Brighton Racecourse
The Showcase event, managed by Surrey Care Association and their partners takes place on the 15th March 2012 at Brighton Racecourse. This event is for owners, managers, senior staff and professionals working in and across the social care and health sector and may be of interest to members that operate in this sector. More information can be found here and the booking form here.
6/1/12 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 39
Latest from YPLA including: Education Funding Agency Information; Take Part in National Apprenticeship Week; Post-16 Provider Data; 2010/11 Success Rates and MLP; 16-19 Bursary Fund. Click here.
6/1/12 - Changes to Retail Qualifications from 2012
Those providers delivering Retail Apprenticeship frameworks will be interested to read this latest information from Skillsmart Retail. Click here.
5/1/12 - Spring Awards - Entries Are Now Open
Entries for the Spring Awards 2012 are now open across a range of categories. Closing date for entries is noon on the 6th February with the awards evening taking place on Thursday 29th March. More information is available from FE Sussex here.
3/1/12 - Happy New Year from SCTP!
23/12/11 - Coast to Capital LEP - Newsletter Issue 2
For the latest from the Local Enterprise Partnership covering West Sussex and beyond, click here.
23/12/11 - SFA Update - Issue 88
All the latest from the SFA including: Apprenticeship Training Agency Recognition Process; Error in 2010/11 Learner Responsive (LR05) Qualification Success Rate reports and Minimum Levels of Performance reports; Data Service office closure during the holiday period; YPLA 16-19 Funding Statement and capital funding 2012-13; The Agency’s Register of Training Organisations – Subcontracting; WorldSkills UK competitions: Open for entries; Office Closure: Brighton; The Ideas Bank – an LSIS national tool for scenario planning; Learner Views: Religion and belief equality. Click here.
22/12/11 - Interreg (France) - Training & Employment Event
If you are you involved in the development of vocational and professional training courses in
- Maritime - vocational training courses
- Care assistants and Health and Social Care workers
- Hospitality, Catering and Tourism
- Vocational courses relating to Green Infrastructure
or if you are interested in providing training opportunities to support access to employment for young people aged16 to 25 years and / or coaching and mentoring for people at risk of unemployment, then there is an opportunity to cross the Channel to compare working methods, share best practice or conduct joint training programs with the French? See details of a meeting to be held at Kent County Council in Maidstone on the 25th January 10am-1pm. Click here for the booking form.
21/12/11 - Jobcentre Plus - SE Newsletter - Issue 6
This update includes information on the Welfare Reform Bill, Get Britain Working (including the Youth Contract) and more. Click here.
21/12/11 - Hayes - New Measures To Improve Apprenticeships
Skills Minister John Hayes has announced a number of new measures to boost the quality of Apprenticeship provision during a debate on Monday at the House of Commons. This includes a 12 month minimum duration for 16-18 apprenticeships and more. Click here.
20/12/11 - Simon Waugh - The Higher Apprenticeship Impact
This FE News article from Simon Waugh, Chairman of the National Apprenticeship Service looks at the potential impact of Higher Apprenticeships and the Higher Apprenticeship Fund. Click here.
18/12/11 - SCTP Pre-Apprenticeship Report Published
Following on from input at the SCTP Members meeting last month, SCTP is now able to release the results of its Pre-Apprenticeship research work carried out with GFE South and LSIS. The full report uses 11 case studies from the London and the South East area to illustrate how providers are approaching the delivery and funding of Pre-Apprenticeship programmes including early feedback on the delivery of Access to Apprenticeships. For the full report click here.
18/12/11 - 'Maintaining Momentum' Conference Info Available
The Sussex Learning Network's conference on apprenticeship progression and Higher Apprenticeship development was held on the 7th December at the University of Sussex. For those that were not able to attend there are now summaries of materials and presentations on the Centre for Work and Learning website. Click here.
18/12/11 - SCTP Members Gather For Funding Seminar
Last Friday, 50 people from 32 member providers attended an SCTP Funding Seminar delivered by Nick Chomyk, SFA's National Funding Systems Managers. As the man who wrote the funding requirements he was able to provide members with many useful insights and clarifications. Thanks to Nick for giving up his time and to the University of Sussex for providing the venue.
17/12/11 - Guide to FE Loans
A guide to Further Education Loans for colleges, independent training organisations and employers is now available on the SFA website. The Guide includes information on eligibility criteria as well as information on which courses individuals will be able to access with a loan. Click here.
17/12/11 - Btc Featured in AELP's Connect Publication
Baldwin Training has been featured in a national publications as a result of their achievement in being the first work based learning provider to receive Healthy FE recognition from LSIS. Click here and see page 3. We are always happy to feature news on this page from SCTP members on their achievements and would encourage members to contact us.
17/12/11 - Register of Training Organisations Replaces ACTOR
ACTOR is to be renamed and will be called the Register of Training Organisations. The Register will list all colleges and training organisations that have passed the Agency’s due diligence process and who will therefore be eligible to either receive funding or be invited to submit a future tender for the provision of education and training services.
The pre-qualification process will be open between mid-January and mid-February 2012 and access can be found here. There will be other opportunities to register through 2012 and the SFA will notify colleges and training providers of these opportunities.
In 2011, those organisations that had either: (i) an Agency funding agreement; or (ii) had previously pre-qualified under the Qualified Provider Framework, had a 12 month exemption. It is important to note that from January 2012, there will be no exemptions and therefore, all colleges and training organisations are required to successfully pass the due diligence process in order to be eligible to receive any Agency funding for education and vocational training. More information will be available in the New Year.
17/12/11 - Government Publishes Participation Strategy for 16-24s
The Government has outlined its policy to engage 16-24 year olds in education, training and employment in its recent paper, ‘Building Engagement, Building Futures’. Click here for the full paper and an executive summary. Click here for a one-page Policy Watch summary.
15/12/11 - SFA Update - Issue 87
This issue includes: Amendments to the Funding Requirements 2011/12; The Register of Training Organisations - previously known as ACTOR; Uploading the Self-Assessment Report onto the Provider Gateway; Apprenticeship vacancies – low numbers of applications; Reminder: R05 Individualised Learner Record return due in the new year; The information authority publishes 2012/13 Individualised Learner Record specification; Error in Employer Responsive Timeliness Reports; Further Education Public Information Framework - Dissemination and publication of outputs; Teachers and Trainers who should not be employed – information from the Institute for Learning; A Guide to FE Loans for colleges and training organisations; Events to advance sexual orientation and gender identity equality. Click here.
15/12/11 - Employer Control Over Training Funding - 2 Views
The first view comes from Tony Lau-Walker, Principal of Eastleigh College who, in an article for FE News, explores (and supports) the Government's pilot for some level of employer funding for training and skills and how this might affect the training market. Click here. The second view comes from a Policy Watch article which speculates on how the new policy might work in practice. Click here.
13/12/11 - YPLA 16-19 Funding Statement 12-13 & Capital Funding
YPLA has published the above statement which can be accessed by clicking here.
13/12/11 - Latest On New Apprenticeship Certification System
The Alliance of SSCs, who will run the new certification service known as the Apprenticeship Certificates England (ACE), has now agreed the timetable for implementation which will see the current ‘paper based’ process for requesting completion certificates shut down and replaced with a new on-line system of claiming. The Alliance has issued a press release on ACE outlining the new system and requesting process and confirms the SSC/SSB implementation plans will also coincide with a newly designed Bronze, Silver and Gold Leaf Certificate that has been personally endorsed by John Hayes to reflect the achievement of a Intermediate, Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship. .Click here for the press release.
12/12/11 - Central Sussex College Principal To Retire
Russell Strutt has announced that he will retire at the end of this academic year. I'm sure that all SCTP members will wish him well and miss his positive and supportive approach. Full details can be viewed here.
10/12/11 - English & Maths In Apprenticeships - Clarification
AELP has sought and received very helpful clarification from the Joint Apprenticeship Unit at BIS/DfE that current SASE Guidance requirements (May 2011) will continue to apply for apprenticeships in England and that Level 1 in Functional Skills (or a GCSE for English and Maths) remains the minimum standard for completing an Intermediate Apprenticeship. There will however be a new expectation that providers will actively encourage the raising of Apprentices' standard of English and maths to Level 2. For more on this from AELP click here.
10/12/11 - AELP Involvement In Employer Funding Proposals
AELP reports that it has taken a great interest in the proposals to increase the level of ‘employer ownership’ as part of the national skills development strategy. Recent Government announcements, confirmed in last week’s “New challenges, new chances” publication, confirmed there would be a £50m fund for employers to bid for during 2012/13, with the likelihood of a further £200m fund being available to following year. AELP has confirmed that it will be part of a small group drawing up the specification for the bidding fund. AELP states that it welcomes any initiative which increases the level of employer investment in skills development – especially apprenticeships – particularly if it encourages employers to increase their investment by making full use of the network of quality assured providers that are already delivering a massive increase in the number of apprenticeship starts and completions. However, AELP is keen to avoid a situation where scarce taxpayers’ money is diverted away from the current successful growth of apprenticeships to simply subsidise employers for delivering training that is rightly their responsibility.
9/12/11 - LSIS Brief Guides
This page on the LSIS website has summaries of key policy documents that have been signposted on these pages such as 'New Challenges, New Chances' (see news item 2/12) and a skills perspective on the Autumn Statement. Click here.
9/12/11 - Learning Without Frontiers Festival
Providers might be interested in this free event at London Olympia on the 25th & 26th January that show cases the 'future of learning'. For more information and to register click here.
8/12/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 38
Latest from YPLA including: E-bulletin distribution and publication dates; Article 2 - Data returns for 16-19 provision; Article 3 - 16-19 Funding Formula Review; Minimum Levels of Performance (MLP) 2012/13; eMandate – Estates Management Database; Submission of Financial Management and Control Evaluation (FMCE) Return 2010/11; Submission of internal audit annual reports and financial statements/regularity audit management letters 2010/11. Click here.
8/12/11 - SFA Update - Issue 86
Latest from SFA including: Technical Note to accompany the reconciliation statement that all providers paid on profile by the Agency will receive on 13 December 2011; Use of 2.5 per cent of Adult Skills Budget for job outcomes in 2011/12; Minimum Levels of Performance 2012/13; Benchmarking and reporting tool eMandate – now available; Jobseeker’s Allowance Full-time Training Flexibility (J2779) Guidance – Changes to attendance rules under Skills Conditionality ; Learning Aim Database Hierarchy Freeze to support 2010/11 Learner Responsive Success Rates; Online Data Collection Maintenance Release 2 goes live; R04 and 2010/11 End-of-year Qualification Success Rates; Coming soon - 2010/11 Learner Responsive Qualification Success Rate reports and Minimum Levels of Performance reports; Follow the Skills Funding Agency on Twitter; Office moves: closure of West Malling office and opening of new office at Chatham. Click here.
3/12/11 - LSIS SE Region - December Update
Please see the latest update from Pam Lumsden the SE Regional Development Manager for LSIS. Click here.
3/12/11 - ERSA Unveils Ten Point Plan For Supply Chains
The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), the trade body for the welfare to work industry, has unveiled its Work Programme Supply Chain Ten Point Plan aimed at providing constructive support for supply chain relationships. Click here.
3/12/11 - Employer Engagement Report in Apprenticeships
DfE has published a report which explores what types of firm engage with the Apprenticeship programme and if there are characteristics that make them more or less likely to offer apprenticeships. Click here.
3/12/11 - OFSTED Publishes Outstanding Provider List
Ofsted has published a list of outstanding early years registered providers, maintained schools, independent schools, colleges and providers of work-based learning, adult education and children’s social care. There are links to the reports which will enable providers to get a sense of how outstanding grades were achieved. Click here.
3/12/11 - Summary of Recent Government Announcements
See this 2-page summary of news including announcements on new approaches to apprenticeships, new funding for employers for skills training, John Hayes vision of the future of learning and skills and Royal ascent for the Education Bill. Click here.
3/12/11 - Govt Awards £18.7M for 19,000 Higher Apprenticeships
The government has announced that £18.7m from its Higher Apprenticeship Fund will be provided to around 250 employers to deliver skills most critical to economic growth. More information is here.
2/12/11 - ESCC - Key Stage 4 Curriculum Report
This report from East Sussex County Council gives a fascinating insight into how schools are organising the curriculum from years 9 to 11 including vocational options and introduction of the EBacc performance measure - and how all this will impact on progression to post-16 learning. It includes case studies of 6 East Sussex schools. Click here.
2/12/11 - 'New Challenges, New Chances' Documents Published
The Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable and Skills Minister John Hayes launched the Government’s reform plan for skills, and the accompanying skills investment statement on 1 December 2011. The Further Education and Skills Reform Plan sets out the Government’s overall strategy for further education and skills for the remainder of this Parliament. The Skills Investment Statement sets out the adult further education and skills budget for the 2012-13 financial year confirming plans that were set out last autumn. The principles of fairness and shared responsibility underpin our investment in adult further education and skills. Click here for the documents. These are important policy documents that will help providers with their strategic planning. Summaries will be posted on the website as they become available.
2/12/11 - SFA Update - Issue 85
The latest from SFA including: R04 deadline – provider concerns; New challenges, new chances; Qualifications and Credit Framework: Non-regulated Provision; Enhanced Renewal Grant phase 2: Timescales for approval; Learner Information Suite V19.01 Maintenance Release 2 republished; A guide to submitting Individualised Learner Record data for 2011/12 now available; Joint Investment Programme 2011 – lead provider choice; Awarding organisations and the Personal Learning Record; Office Moves; WorldSkills Equipment Sale – new items added. Click here.
30/11/11 - Autumn Statement - Implications for Education & Skills
Yesterday the Chancellor delivered his Autumn statement. Much of the news for our sector had been trailed in advance but here is a useful Policy Watch summary of the main measures that relate to education and training. Also click here for a copy of a letter regarding the Autumn statement sent by BIS to the SE LEP. Finally the full statement can be accessed here.
29/11/11 - £61M Employer Investment Fund Announced
This is important new for Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). The announcement of the Employer Investment Fund (EIF) will see over £61 million distributed to 63 projects that will support employers working in partnership across the four nations to drive enterprise, create jobs and sustain growth through skills. The EIF fund will commence from April 2012 and replaces the core grant income that SSCs have received from Government for many years. Click here for the UKCES press release.
28/11/11 - More on Youth Contract Announcement
Further to the news item on the 25/11 below, click here for a Policy Watch summary of the Youth Contract proposals and here for the BIS press release.
28/11/11 - OFSTED Publishes Annual Report
Ofsted has published its Annual Report 2010/11, drawing on over 31,000 inspection visits across the schools, early years, children’s social care and learning and skills sectors in England. Launched by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Miriam Rosen, this in-depth analysis provides an unmatched insight into the quality of those services for children and learners, what is working well and what needs to improve. Click here to access the report and here for the AELP Press release and comment.
26/11/11 - Hayes Announces 2nd Phase of Growth Fund
The second phase of the £60m Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) was launched by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Skills Minister John Hayes in London today to boost business skills and growth. The fund will support businesses to develop skills solutions tailored to their own needs, transforming growth in their sector, region or supply chain. For a FE News Article click here and for information from BIS click here.
26/11/11 - SCTP Members Gather at Plumpton College
Over 30 members gathered at Plumpton College last Thursday for the bi-monthly SCTP meeting. Discussion focussed on the implementation of Functional Skills in apprenticeships, the collective promotion of apprenticeships offered by SCTP members by using the www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com brand and heard feedback from SCTP's research project into Pre-Apprenticeship provision. Members also heard the latest news from David Wales from SFA as well as information about how care leavers might access apprenticeships and the impact of Raising the Participation Age from speakers from ESCC and BHCC. Next meeting is 26th January also at Plumpton College.
26/11/11 - LSIS Opportunity - Making the Most of QCF
LSIS is looking for providers to lead their 'Making the Most of QCF' programme. If you feel that your organisation cab demonstrate best practice in this area and is willing to receive funding for leading CPD activities, please contact Diana Muallem.
26/11/11 - Spring Awards 2012 Announced
Entries for the Spring Awards open on Monday 28th November in a range of categories. For more information from FE Sussex click here.
25/11/11 - £1bn Scheme To Help Young Jobless
The Government has announced a new 'youth contract programme' which will see wage subsidies worth £2,275 offered to employers to take on 160,000 18- to 24-year-olds over the next three years. Click here for more information from the BBC.
24/11/11 - YPLA e-Bulletin - Issue 37
Click here for the latest from YPLA including latest on bursaries and data collection.
24/11/11 - SFA Update - Issue 84
Latest from SFA including: R04 – avoid the rush, and get your Individualised Learner Record return in early; Submitting an Apprenticeship vacancy – quality guidelines; Employer poaching on Apprenticeship vacancies; WorldSkills Equipment Sale – Further items added and exclusivity period extended to 4 December; Competitions and Awards office move; Skills competitions information sessions; Equality Act workshops. Click here.
23/11/11 - Sussex & Surrey SE ILT Learning Network Meeting
This network, run by JISC, is designed to support providers in developing their understanding and use of e-learning. The next meeting is at Guildford College on the 8th December, 10.00am-3.00pm. For more information click here.
19/11/11 - PM Backs Pilot for Employers to Buy Skills Training
Further to the items below here is more on the Governments plans to fund employers to purchase apprenticeships. A £250M pilot running for 2 years starting from 2012/13. Click here.
19/11/11 - NAS Apprenticeships Week Meeting - 9th December
NAS South Central (that covers W Sussex and Brighton & Hove) has arranged a half day partners planning workshop for February's National Apprenticeship week. Click here for details and here for booking.
19/11/11 - John Hayes speech to the AoC Conference
Can be found here.
19/11/11 - A New FE, Geoff Russell's speech at the AoC
Geoff Russell, Chief Executive of the SFA outlined, amongst other things his four predictions for the future of the FE sector. See these and the full details of his speech here. Also see a video of Geoff Russell speaking about his employer procurement idea here and the college/independent provider crossover here.
18/11/11 - New Apprenticeship Certification System Update
AELP and AoC have met with the Alliance of SSCs to take forward plans for final development and launch of a new online system to certificate apprentices across England, replacing the current paper-based method early next year. The new Apprenticeship Certificates England (ACE) system has been created using a similar system developed and run successfully by the Alliance in Scotland which has provided a strong and successful model for the new ACE system to be built on. The Alliance is in the process of organising a couple of trial and test sessions for AELP and AoC members in December that will showcase the system in the final stages of development and highlight the bespoke online training programme and support materials that will be available for all providers prior to and during implementation. The system itself is due to be officially launched in January by John Hayes MP, with the first group of certificating authorities going live at that time.
18/11/11 - Full Transcript of Vince Cable's AOC speech
Further to the item below (16/11) a full transcript of Vince Cable's speech this week to the AoC conference can be found here.
17/11/11 - SFA Update - Issue 83
Latest from SFA including: Adult Skills Budget: Third Sector Training Organisations and 19-24 NEETs; ILR Funding Claims and Audit Returns 2010/11; Update - Discretionary Learner Support First Mid Year Forecast – 2011/12; Registering Employers on Apprenticeship vacancies – new process; Learner Satisfaction Survey 2011/12; Providers paid on Actuals for 10/11 for their 19+ Adult Skills Budget and baseline calculations for 12/13 allocations; ACTOR Update; Find out more about the value of skills competitions; WorldSkills Equipment Sale; Awarding organisations and the Personal Learning Record. Click here.
16/11/11 - Youth Unemployment Rises to 1.2 Million
This is up 67,000 but includes 286,000 young people in full time education and looking for part time work. The total is the highest for 19 years. The headline unemployment total (all ages) was also up to 2.62M. For full details click here.
16/11/11 - Cable Announces Incentives for Apprenticeship Starts
Vince Cable today announced new measures to reduce bureaucracy and give cash incentives to small employers to encourage apprenticeship recruitment. For full details click here.
16/11/11 - New But Familiar Face Joins LSIS
LSIS has announced the appointment of Chris Cherry to its senior management team as Executive Director of Strategy and Business development. Many Sussex providers will remember Chris from his time a few years ago with Sussex LSC. Click here for more information.
14/11/11 - University Technology Colleges & FE Colleges
This article focuses on FE colleges but gives useful background to the competitive/collaborative relationships that might emerge at the number of UTCs grow. Click here.
12/11/11 - LSIS E-Safety & E-Responsibility Training Day
This LSIS event takes place on the 5th December in London. The aim of the event is to increase the awareness of E-Safety and E-Responsibility and the importance of organisations introducing a more learner and staff centred approach to staying E-Safe. For more information and booking click here.
12/11/11 - Coast to Capital LEP Receives £15M
The Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership whose boundaries include West Sussex and Brighton & Hove has received £15M from the Government's Growing Places Fund. The list of recipients published today reveals the award of this unringfenced money to be used to determine local priorities and allocate funding accordingly across the LEP area. Click here for more.
12/11/11 - LSIS 14-19 Curriculum Project Case Studies Published
A wide range of good practice is featured in a number of case studies from across the country. This includes three projects partnered by SCTP with Rewards, Northbrook College and Swim UK all of which looked at various aspects of apprenticeship progression - from school, Foundation Learning and 6th Form respectively. Other projects were also led by SCTP members Sussex Downs College and Sussex Coast College Hastings. Click here to see the case studies and here for an overview of the projects.
12/11/11 - AELP Publishes Paper on Apprenticeships
AELP's paper entitled 'What Are Apprenticeships (for)' is designed to contribute to several debates currently underway about the operation of apprenticeships and ongoing Government support for them. It gives a sharp- end assessment of apprenticeships from the providers that deliver them. Click here for the report.
12/11/11 - JCP Southern England Newsletter - Issue 5
Click here for the latest from JCP including: Welfare Reform Bill; Universal Credit Delivery; Work Programme; Work Experience; Youth Employment Support; Innovation Fund Update; ESF Update - Preferred bidders announced; Access to Work changes; DWP Appointee changes; Lone Parent Obligations; • Enhanced support for new and existing ESA claimants from 31 October 2011; Race to get online.
12/11/11 - Apprenticeships In London - More Employers Needed
Probably not just a London issue but a report published by the London Employment & Skills Observatory gives an interesting overview of the progress made and barriers that exist regarding expanding apprenticeship numbers in the capital. Click here.
11/11/11 - SLN Conference on Vocational Progression to HE
SLN is offering a free conference aimed at apprenticeship providers amongst others called 'Maintaining Momentum for Vocational Progression in the New HE Environment'. This will look at a Sussex strategy for delivering Higher Apprenticeships and how workplace learners progress into HE. The conference is on the 7th December, 9.30-1.00 (including lunch) at the University of Sussex, Falmer. For more information and to book click here.
11/11/11 - YPLA e-Bulletin 36
Click here for the latest from YPLA including details of the new Education Funding Agency (EFA).
10/11/11 - SFA Update - Issue 82
Click here for the latest from SFA including: Submission of 2010/11 ER13 Individualised Learner Record return required; Employer Contributions collection 2010/11; Discretionary Learner Support First Mid Year Forecast – 2011/12; Train to Gain Contribution to Wage Costs – reminder; WorldSkills Equipment Sale; Unique Learner Numbers – ‘Search first, before you create’; National Apprenticeship Week; National Apprenticeship Service marketing update; 2010/11 Accounts Direction Handbook addendum; Reform of the teachers' pension scheme.
9/11/11 - Functional Skills in Apprenticeships - confirmation?
Click here for the latest Functional Skills newsletter from Guroo which claims that the Skills Minister has confirmed that Functional Skills will replace Key Skills in apprenticeships by September 2012. This appears to be supported by a letter from the Minister to a provider - a copy of which is provided in the newsletter. Meanwhile AELP continues to lobby - not against functional Skills but for Functional Skills that are suitable in a work-based learning context.
9/11/11 - Apprenticeship Progression Tracking Report
Further to our news item from the 2/11/11 the University of Greenwich report in to the progression of Apprentices into HE is now on line and can be found here.
8/11/11 - Lewes District Council Joins Coast To Capital LEP
Ministerial approval has been given for Lewes District Council (LDC) to join the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. LDC is one of a small number of authorities in the country that are in more than one LEP. LDC will remain with South East LEP as well as Coast to Capital but the move acknowledges that the economic interests of many businesses in Lewes District lie to the north and west of the LDC boundary. Click here for more information.
4/11/11 - Apprenticeships-in-Sussex Bid Successful
SCTP and its member providers have been successful in a collaborative LSIS bid to develop the www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com website and take it 'on the road' to schools and 6th forms. The project (hosted by Rewards TRC) will allow SCTP members to cover all schools and 6th form events in Sussex through sharing branding and costs and making sure that a wide range of apprenticeship provision is promoted at a time when Connexions services are diminishing. More information will be available at the next members meeting.
4/11/11 - LSIS Regional Projects Dissemination Event 22/11/11
An LSIS event has been announced that will provide feedback on a range of LSIS development projects that have been taking part in the region. This will include input from SCTP regarding the work we have been doing (in association with City College and GFE South) on effective Pre-Apprenticeship and Access to Apprenticeship practice. There will also be input from other providers and provider networks on a whole range of interesting subjects relating to identified regional priorities. The dissemination day is scheduled for the 22nd November 10.00am-2.30pm. Venue arrangements are still to be finalised but the event will be somewhere in Brighton & Hove. Further information and booking can be accessed here .
3/11/11 - LSIS MCL Peer Support Fund
LSIS has a range of support activities targeted at smaller training providers who are required to work in new partnership or contracting arrangements to meet the Skills Funding Agency’s minimum contract level. We now wish to add to this by using the expertise within the sector. We are therefore inviting applications from training providers (or partnerships or consortia of training providers) for grants of up to £3,000 to: provide support to other organisations who are establishing new partnership or contracting arrangements; share practice on how to add value by working in partnership. For the fund guidance click here, for the application form click here. If SCTP can assist in this please make contact. Please note deadline is 7th November.
3/11/11 - SFA Update - Issue 81
The latest from SFA includes important funding information and is important reading for adult skills providers. The update includes: Performance Management of Adult Skills Budget for providers paid on profile, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13; Exceptional Additional Learning Support Claims for 2010/11; European Social Fund Procurement ; RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations; WorldSkills Equipment Sale; Supporting independent training providers in collaborative contracting (online seminars). Click here.
3/11/11 - Minister to Address Brighton Conference on IAG
In the wake of radical changes to the careers profession, Skills Minister John Hayes will address the annual conference of the Institute of Career Guidance on 3-4 November in Brighton. IAG professional are keen to hear what the minister has to say as responsibility for IAG in schools moves from local authorities to the schools themselves. Click here for more information.
2/11/11 - SFA Undergoing Review
As part of the Government's commitment to undertake a regular evaluation of its key delivery bodies John Hayes, Skills Minister, has today announced a review of the Skills Funding Agency and the statutory post of Chief Executive of Skills Funding. The review is consistent with the Cabinet Office Public Bodies Review Programme, and is expected to get underway shortly. The outcome of the review will be announced in due course.
2/11/11 - Why are Functional Skills Concerning WBL Providers?
AELP has carried it's investigations further as to whether providers are ready to implement Functional Skills (FS) and their concerns if they were to go ahead and do so. Latest information gleaned from AELP members lists members concerns about FS as follows:
- 87% felt classroom-taught, non-contextualized exams that require external marking that may take weeks to conclude would not be attractive to employers, whilst 91% felt the current FS assessment practices would be off-putting to Apprentices.
- 86% said learners who fail their Functional Skills exam more than once will become disillusioned at the prospect of retakes and risk failing the whole Apprenticeship as a result.
- 86% of organisations felt that the high failure rates being experienced for Functional Skills would have adverse implications across the infrastructure of Apprentices, employers and providers.
- 90% or respondents felt that Functional Skills are not viable at current funding rates.
The full report is available here. AELP continues to lobby Government to ensure that Functional Skills are fit for purpose in WBL by the time they are compulsory from October 2012.
2/11/11 - More Advanced Apprentices Progressing to HE
A new study by the University of Greenwich has found that one in eight young people with an Advanced Level Apprenticeship has gone into Higher Education an increase on figures from previous studies. For more click here.
29/10/11 - SCTP Welcomes ASA Interactive
ASA Interactive has joined SCTP as an associate member. Focusing on the use of e-learning in the WBL sector ASA's speciality is 'working with work-based training providers and helping them cut the cost of their training whilst reaching and signing off more candidates with better resources'. Find out more, including ASA's free e-learning strategy pack for WBL providers by clicking here. We look forward to seeing ASA's Scott Gavin at the next members meeting.
29/10/11 - AELP Response to OFSTED CIF Consultation
As previously mentioned in 'Latest News' OFSTED is currently consulting on changes to the Common Inspection Framework for the inspection of further education and skills – details of this consultation can be accessed here. AELP is drafting a response on behalf of its member providers. As a member, SCTP can channel your comments through to AELP. See AELP's draft response by clicking here and submit any comments by clicking here by the 4th November.
28/10/11 - Mixed Response to Rise in Apprenticeship Numbers
The latest Statistical First Release on apprenticeship numbers (click here) has prompted both praise and criticism in this interesting article from FE News - click here.
28/10/11 - YPLA e-Bulletin 35
The latest from YPLA including information on the bursary fund and FL funding for work placements. Click here.
28/10/11 - SFA Update - Issue 80
The latest from SFA. This issue includes: Enhanced Renewal Grant - New Cost Model; Learner Information Suite V19.01 maintenance release goes live; Online Data Collection maintenance release to go live; Apprenticeship vacancies quality checks; Quality Assurance Agency: Review of Higher Education in Further Education Colleges in England - Consultation; Team UK 2011 Welcome Back Reception. Click here.
26/10/11 - Consultation on Removing WRL at Key Stage 4
In line with the changes that are being made to work experience for post-16 students, government is seeking to remove the statutory duty to provide every young person at Key Stage 4 (14-16 year olds) with work-related learning (WRL) and has launched a consultation accordingly. However, schools will still be free to determine whether and how work-related learning for young people at Key Stage 4 is provided. Click here for the consultation.
26/10/11 - Allocation of Growth & Innovation Fund Announced
The allocation of £11 million of government matched funding, awarded following the first round of bids to the Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) has been announced. Click here. The fund has been designed to enable employers to deliver more effective skills solutions through more apprenticeships, new professional standards and closer partnerships with education and training providers. Work is now being undertaken on the development of future rounds of GIF, which will deliver up to £50m of government investment per year. An announcement will be made later this year regarding investment for 2012.
25/10/11 - SFA Streamlined Funding System Report
Originally announced on this page on the 12th October, click here for a one-page summary of the main points of SFA's 'Simplified Further Education and Skills Funding System and Methodology' and here for a 'Policy Watch' summary.
25/10/11 - New On-Line Lifelong Learning Accounts Service
With Lifelong Learning Accounts going live earlier this month the Government has launched an on-line facility made available at Directgov to people aged over 18 who are unemployed and wish to tap in to services that include
• A skills diagnostic tool to identify interests, strengths and needs
• A local training and job search tool
• A CV builder
• An eligibility checker to identify any government funds available to support the user's learning
• A protected area for storing personal information such as CVs, skills tests and job and course searches.
The Government is aiming to sign up 1 million account holders by the end of 2012 and hope the accounts will also enable training providers to respond to what learners need and help careers advisers provide targeted advice and support.
Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes
has compiled a short video outlining further benefits on the accounts that can be accessed via the BIS YouTube channel and viewed here.
25/10/11 - SFA Update Issue 79
The latest from SFA including: FE Public Information Framework and Learner Satisfaction Survey 2011/12; Online Data Collections System - Preparing Your Data for R03; 2011/12 Individual Learner Record Returns Imminent – R03 and R04; Provider Data Submission for Month 3 – Performance Management; Revised matrix Standard; Outstanding Results for Team UK; WorldSkills UK National Competitions – Now Open; Unit Delivery Trials 2010/11 – Independent Training Organisations; Learner Information Suite V19.01 and Online Data Collection System Maintenance Releases; 2011/12 Data Self-Assessment Toolkit Series 12 - Coming Soon; Secure Sending of Candidate Information from Apprenticeship vacancies; Doing Careers Differently. Click here.
25/10/11 - Edge Comments on University Technical Colleges
This FE News article by Jan Hodges, Chief Executive of the Edge Foundation, gives a useful account on what UTCs are and gives details of the first 18 to be approved. Click here.
21/10/11 - SCTP Welcomes The Childcare Company
SCTP is pleased to welcome its latest new member, The Childcare Company. Launched in May 2008, The Childcare Company offers childcare training (including apprenticeships and Train to Gain) using online learning programmes and support and advice services and works with large nursery chains, private training providers, local authorities and government funding bodies all over the country. Linda Hollick is our contact and we look forward to meeting her at the next members meeting. For more information go to www.thechildcarecompany.com
20/10/11 - Baldwin Training Achieves LSIS 'Healthy FE' Mark
Congratulations to SCTP member, Baldwin Training Centre on being the first WBL organisation in the country to be awarded the Healthy FE mark by LSIS. To gain the mark Btc has demonstrated that it 'actively engages its staff and learners in the promotion of health and well-being leading to increased performance and achievement'. Btc has completed lots of exciting activities (such as a 16 mile sponsored walk from Hastings to Eastbourne which raised £600 for teenage cancer sufferers) which are having an impact on the health and well being of staff and this is now being extended to learners. Director, Lynette Baldwin said 'Healthy FE is not something that up until now has been thought to be relevant to WBL but we were part of a pilot and we are now working with LSIS to look at ways in which it can be more widely adopted. There is also a very clear link between this and safeguarding which is certainly relevant to all providers'.
20/10/11 - More On Sector Based Work Academies
Following up on the news item from the 15th October here is a one-page Policy Watch summary of the new academies which mentions how skills providers can be involved in training young people on benefits.
20/10/11 - Careers Guidance in Schools - A Developing Picture
As the market for careers education services develops and the responsibility for provision of IAG in schools transfers to schools themselves here are two perspectives. The first is a report by the University of Derby entitled 'Careers Work With Young People: Collapse or Transition' which analyses the current information available about the changes that are taking place in careers work following recent government policy initiatives and public-sector austerity measures, click here (there is a useful 2-page executive summary within the report). Also on this subject click here for a short article by Ian Barratt, chief executive of the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) titled 'The Careers Guidance Postcode Lottery'.
18/10/11 - Revised Matrix Standard Launched
Skills Minister John Hayes has unveiled a revised and upgraded Matrix Standard that will promote delivery of information, advice and guidance to millions of people through the new National Careers Service for England launching next April. This updated version of 2002's original Matrix Standard includes new criteria to strengthen the requirement for high quality IAG with greater emphasis on staff competence and continuous improvement, as well as the use of new technology. The Matrix Standard is managed on behalf of BIS by EMQC Ltd and is accessible to a wide variety of organisations including schools, colleges, independent training providers and private sector companies who deliver information, advice and guidance. More information can be viewed here.
18/10/11 - DFE Consultation - Study Programmes for 16-19s
DfE has issued a Study Programmes for 16-19 year olds Consultation. This will be of interest to all not least because of its reinforcement of Government plans to back Professor Wolf’s recommendation that all under 19 year olds who do not have GCSE A* - C in English and/or maths should be required as part of the programme to take a course which either leads directly to these qualifications, or which provide significant progress towards it. Foundation Learning providers will be particularly interested in its suggestion to move away from a centrally defined model in favour of providers designing their own programmes of delivery, with what appears flexibility to tailor to the needs of specific learner including study to improve English and/or maths and work experience. Click here for the consultation document and here for a one-page summary.
15/10/11 - New Sector Work Academies Launched
The Government has launched a number of Work Academies offering training and a guaranteed job interview to up to 150,000 young people over the next few months and 250,000 over the next two years. Click here for more.
15/10/11 - Work Programme Providers Crucial In Stemming Youth Unemployment
As youth unemployment hits a record high of 991,000, the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), the trade body for the welfare to work industry, has announced its partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to develop solutions to tackle youth unemployment. This includes a call from ERSA for 'Work Programme providers to support apprenticeships as part of welfare to work provision. At preset only 12% of apprentices are former benefit claimants. Providers have the potential to play a far greater role in facilitating Information and careers guidance services to children before they reach school-leaving age'. For more on this click here.
15/10/11 - LSIS Leadership Training for ITPs
LSIS has provided details of its leadership training programme for independent training providers starting in the new year. Details of the programme for first line managers is here, middle managers here with a further information sheet here.
14/10/11 - Research Study Results Cause Concern for WBL
An AoC study by research agency, Loudhouse, into post-GCSE education choices by young people has found that only 7% of pupils are able to name 'apprenticeships' as a post-GCSE option - for more information on this and other outcomes of the research click here. Another study, this time by the City & Guilds Centre for Skills Development has looked at young people's and parents views of vocational education and careers guidance. This suggests that awareness of vocational qualifications is high but parents are more confident advising their children on them; it also found that parents and teachers did not tend to challenge young people's perceptions of vocational education and as result many on general education courses had not considered vocational options. Click here for the report.
14/10/11 - National Citizen Service Providers Announced
For more about this new programme for young people and who the pilot providers will be click here.
14/10/11 - Latest from OFSTED
Firstly, a reminder that there is an OFSTED consultation on the Common Inspection Framework for 2012. Time for providers to have their say before the 24th November - click here. A summary of the proposals is here. OFSTED has also published provision statistics for the outcome of inspections for the quarter April-June 2011 here - the main headlines arising from these figures can be seen here. Finally OFSTED has published its 2011-15 Involvement Strategy which sets out how they will encourage and promote the involvement of the people who use the services they inspect click here for the strategy and here for a summary.
14/10/11 - Drop in Teenage Enrolments Worries College Leaders
Nearly half of FE colleges have seen a drop in the numbers of 16-19-year-olds enrolling for courses this September, according to a study by the Association of Colleges (AoC), published today. College leaders blamed the end of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for new students, competition from other colleges and cuts to transport for the decline. Click here for the full FE News article.
13/10/11 - Outcome of Unit Delivery Trials
AELP's report and provider guide resulting from their work on trialling unit delivery has been published and can be accessed here. The guide, including case studies, is designed to support providers in the utilisation of funding and the management of employer investment for the delivery of QCF units.
13/10/11 - 9 out of 10 Providers Prefer Key Skills - AELP
AELP has conducted a survey of its members regarding key skills anf functional skills delivery. AELP says that 'the significant finding that 94% of the total sample are delivering Key Skills to all or some apprentices at September 2011 suggests a remarkably low level of confidence in the deliverability of Functional Skills in apprenticeships that from October 2012 will be the only method of assessment available to learners as part of their programme. Many members also said that they had commenced Functional Skills earlier this year but were now reverting back to Key Skills because learners and employers were becoming disillusioned with the additional teaching requirements and failure rates that not only threatened the completion of the learner’s framework but posed a significant risk to the provider’s Minimum Levels of Performance (MLP) rate. John Hayes has reassured AELP that the introduction of functional skills will be looked at closely before implementation in apprenticeships. His letter to AELP is here.
12/10/11 - LSIS MCL Support
LSIS has issues details of their Minimum Contract Level (MCL) Support Programme. This aims to offer support to providers that are in new contracting arrangements (click here for info) and to providers that are coming into the scope of MCL as a result of extensions having been granted (click here). Alternatively contact Helen Hume at LSIS.
12/10/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 34
In this latest update there are articles on data, filling gaps in provision and the 16-19 funding consultation. Click here.
12/10/11 - A New Streamlined Funding System for Adult Skills
The latest funding proposals from the SFA who state that 'after working closely with the further education sector, we are now in a position to set out our plans for the simplification of the adult skills funding system. We will continue to work with the sector to realise the benefits that simplification will bring'. The emphasis appears to be on simplification. Important reading for all SFA funded providers - click here.
12/10/11 - SFA Update Issue 78
This issue covers: A New Streamlined Funding System for Adult Skills; New Challenges, New Chances; Equality and Diversity Partnership Project Fund: Deadline extension; 2011/12 Qualification and Credit Framework Unit Delivery Trials in the Single Adult Skills Budget; Next Step at the BBC; Deadlines for 2010/11 ER13 and LR05 Individualised Learner Record returns; The Personal Learning Record – the simple way to record learner achievement. Click here.
12/10/11 - SCTP Foundation Learning Sub-Group Meets
Today, 8 providers met with the 3 Sussex Local Authorities at NACRO in Brighton to explore issues such as recruitment, IAG, NEET reduction, bursary funding and links with apprenticeships. Many of the issues raised will be taken forward to a meeting with the Regional Director of the YPLA next week. Date of next meeting is 11th January 2012, 10.00-12.30.
11/10/11 - World Skills - Team UK Achieves Record Success
Team UK won five gold, two silver and six bronze medals in skills ranging from cooking, bricklaying and plumbing and visual merchandising, welding and car painting at the global WorldSkills London 2011 held at ExCel London. The results, which are the highest ever achieved by the UK, placed the country at 5th in the world rankings. For more details click here.
11/10/11 - Eastbourne's Big Week of Work
Running from the 7-11 November this event is 'a free, flexible recruitment event designed to meet the needs of both employers and jobseekers....that will include a programme of workshops throughout the week to support people through the recruitment processes, including CV and application form writing, and interview performance. It is designed to maximise and accelerate recruitment transactions and achieve cost effective, simplified recruitment for employers and potential employees'. For more information click here.
10/10/11 - Elite Hair Academy Joins SCTP
SCTP would like to welcome its latest new member the Hastings-based Elite Hair Academy. EHA offers Intermediate and Advanced Hairdressing apprenticeships. Linda Smith is the SCTP contact and we look forward to welcoming her to a members meeting very soon. For more information see www.elitehairacademy.co.uk
9/10/11 - Apprentices Can Join NUS
The National Union of Students has recently launched a National Apprenticeship Society within their NUS card structure. The idea was to create a body that would lend status and recognition to an important and growing number of young learners, providing them with a profile, a voice and similar benefits to those enjoyed by other groups of learners. As well as direct discounts there is access to an advice line. There is a charge of £11 per learner - we believe providers can register their apprentices and then pass this charge to their apprentices. For more information click here or contact Mark Lambert here.
8/10/11 - YPLA Launch 16-19 Funding Formula Review
Today the YPLA and Department for Education have launched a 12 week consultation on the 16-19 Funding Formula Review. The review aims to introduce a simpler and more transparent methodology and support our goal of reducing the burden for providers and making funding readily understood by learners as well. The closing date for the consultation is 4th January 2012. Click here for more information from YPLA and here for a 2-page review of the document.
8/10/11 - Brighton & Hove Launch Revised Skills Plan
Brighton & Hove has launched a revised City Employment & Skills Plan which will be of interest to all providers operating in the city especially as one of the key areas for development is apprenticeships as well attracting higher value employment to the city. Click here for a news article and links to the plan.
7/10/11 - LSIS On Line Collaborative Contracting Events
LSIS is running a series of online events for providers/partnerships designed to cover the issues facing partnerships and providers involved in Minimum Level Contracting in 2011-12 or planning for 2012-13. Sessions will feature provider case-studies and an expert panel, including the Skills Funding Agency, providers, sector membership bodies and LSIS advisers and will cover areas like collaborative self-assessment, sub-contracting and quality. For details please click here.
6/10/11 - SCTP Anniversary Featured in AELP's Countdown
This week AELP's weekly publication for its members 'Countdown' carried an article which in effect announces SCTP's 25th Anniversary to the whole sector across the whole country! The text of the article can be viewed here while the full edition of Countdown has been sent to all members (with AELP's permission).
5/10/11 - SFA Update - Issue 77
The latest from SFA including: Equality and Diversity Partnership Project Fund; Month 2 Payments and Individualised Learner Record returns; 2011/12 Online Data Collections system goes live; Exceptional Additional Learning Support - 2010/11 Claims; Joint Audit Code of Practice; Train to Gain Contribution to Wage Costs; Individualised Learner Record: S139a Learning Difficulty Assessment; Strengthening the co-location of Next Step in Jobcentres; Exceptional Additional Learning Support - 2011/12 Approval; Supporting smaller independent training providers in collaborative contracting (online seminars). Click here.
1/10/11 - AELP Welcomes HE Changes
This article from FE News summarises AELP's (national provider network) view of the issues and opportunities for training providers regarding the development of Vocational HE. Click here.
1/10/11 - World Skills Competition Takes Place This Week
Many will already be aware of this event taking place in London this week. I'm sure we all wish our competitors well. For more information click here.
30/9/11 - SCTP Celebrates 25 years of Provider Support
Yesterday saw the 25th Anniversary SCTP Members Meeting at the AMEX Stadium, Falmer. Over 55 people from 40 different providers were joined by guest speakers Graham Hoyle (AELP) and Pam Lumsden (LSIS) for a packed meeting which also marked the relaunch of SCTP's www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com website that promotes all the local apprenticeship provision of its members. An anniversary lunch followed an address from Chair Connie Mahony that celebrated the ability of members (now numbering 64) to collaborate through SCTP for the benefit of their businesses and their customers.
30/9/11 - Geoff Russell on SFA Research Outcomes
The SFA Chief Executive, Geoff Russell has published an article in FE News on the importance of good communication. He relates this to the results of the SFA provider survey and summarises the key findings on how providers view working with SFA. Click here for the article.
29/9/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 33
Latest from YPLA. Click here.
29/9/11 - SFA Update - Issue 76
The latest from SFA includes: College and Training Organisation Survey; 2011/12 Subcontracting; Lifelong Learning Account now live; DBIS and DfE consultations; Minimum Levels of Performance 2012/13; QCF Unit Delivery Trials 2010/11 Final Evaluation Report; London ESF Awards – Reminder and more...click here.
28/9/11 - AELP/AOC Make Representations on Functional Skills
AELP, AoC and the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) have written to John Hayes to clarify the future policy direction regarding Functional Skills implementation - which is now 1 year away. There still remain many concerns as outlined in the letter which can be accessed here.
28/9/11 - New Information on Apprenticeship Completion Claims
The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils has published guidelines for providers on the most straightforward and acceptable ways for apprentices to authorise providers to claim completion certificates on their behalf. Click here.
28/9/11 - AELP at LIB Dem Conference Fringe - Highlights
AELP made it clear at a conference training and education fringe meeting the schools are not succeeding in preparing young people for work. For a summary of the event from 'Children and Young People Now' click here.
23/9/11 - Key Sussex Contacts for SFA/NAS
With all the recent boundary changes in the operational structures of SFA and NAS, SCTP has gained clarification regarding our key contacts with both organisations. This is more complex now as East Sussex is in a different area to Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. So, for East Sussex the SFA contact is Hannah Caldwell and the local NAS person is Mike Hensman; for B&H and W Sussex the SFA lead is David Wales and the local NAS contact is Gavin Graham.
22/9/11 - Hastings Borough Council 'Own Grown' Launch Event
Hastings Borough Council is holding an official launch of its 'Own Grown' Apprenticeship Initiative. The initiative has been set up to increase the number and type of apprenticeships on offer locally in and around Hastings. The launch will take place on Thursday 29th September, 3pm at Let's Do Business, The Hastings Centre, The Ridge, Hastings. For further details click here.
22/9/11 - SFA Update - Issue 75
This issue includes the following items: the 2011/12 Learner Reference Number change process launched; New Challenges, New Chances; Adult Basic Skills Programme Weighting Factors; Learner Information Suite V19.01 goes live; Providers advised not to use proxy learning aims for 2011/12; Show your support for WorldSkills London 2011 on Facebook and Twitter; WorldSkills UK Competition Awards; National Training Awards Winners of the Year Ceremony; PDSAT Series 12 for 2011/12; Framework for Excellence; FE Public Information Framework. Click here.
22/9/11 - 16-18 Apprenticeship Funding Secure
NAS and SFA reconfirmed this week to AELP that all confirmed Apprenticeship openings with employers for 16-18 year olds would be funded. Graham Hoyle AELP's CEO commented, “It is important that all approved Apprenticeship providers understand that the funding agencies are fully prepared to take all the action needed to secure every Apprenticeship opportunity for young people between the ages of 16-18, even where this necessitates time consuming transfers of funding. No provider should need to look over their shoulder, worrying about funding availability in these circumstances. 16-18 Apprenticeship places will be funded'.
21/9/11 - South East Education & Employability Conference
Details of the above have been released this week. The conference takes place at the AMEX Stadium, Falmer on the 8th December and focuses on policy and practice of employability delivery. More information is available here.
20/9/11 - SCTP Members Meet JCP and Work Programme Primes
25 SCTP members gathered today at Avanta's offices in Brighton for a SCTP-organised speed meeting event. Members were able to meet in quick succession Jobcentre Plus Relationship Managers and senior staff from Avanta and G4S the prime providers for the Work Programme covering Sussex. With 75 meetings taking place during the day new contacts were made and new business opportunities were identified to bring skills provision and programmes for the unemployed closer together.
20/9/11 - Adults Don't Count? Maths Conference
CfBT is holding a Maths Conference at the AMEX Stadium, Falmer on the 17th November 9.30-3.30. The conference feeds back on CfBT's LSIS project which
aimed 'to find out if we could create positive suggestions with maths learners using ideas from hypnosis and combine these with innovative maths pedagogy in order to improve attainment. We have a very interesting result!'
To book places at £75 (if booked before 31/10) contact Erin Prior on 01273 704530 or click here.
19/9/11 - Focus on Work Programme Sub-Contracting
ERSA, the Employment Related Services Association, the national representative body for the Welfare to Work Sector, is looking to streamline and improve contract terms between Work Programme primes and sub-contractors through it's new Supply Chain Forum. Click here to find out more.
16/9/11 - LSIS Publishes 'New Freedoms:New Focus'
LSIS has published this new document which according to CEO Rob Wye 'offers an analysis to the sector of the world we are in, the state of the sector, the key challenges going forward, and how we should continue to work together across the sector to drive improvement in response to those challenges'. Click here. A further document titled Strategic Intentions 'takes those challenges and sets out under five strategic platforms the intentions of LSIS in terms of the areas for support and services we will offer over the next few years'. Click here. An FE News summary is here.
15/9/11 - SFA Update - Issue 74
Latest SFA Update with news on Learner Information Suite V19.01 – latest beta published; ACTOR update; Advance notice: College and provider contacts in the Agency; Access to Apprenticeships; 2011/12: QCF offer to support individuals who are unemployed and need help to enter work; Support your local Team UK members; Careers Service telephone alignment and more. Click here.
15/9/11 - YPLA e-bulletin issue 32
The latest from YPLA including YPLA restructuring, data returns, bursaries, work placements in FL and more. Click here.
15/9/11 - OFSTED Consultation on Changes to Inspection
OFSTED has published a consultation on changes to the arrangements for inspecting FE & Skills providers from September 2012. They are looking for responses relating to: reducing the number of judgements, removing limiting grades; a revised method for inspecting subject areas and paid for inspections. A far more risk-based approach is expected focusing on providers that are 'stuck' and failing to improve. There is also the possibility of unannounced inspections. For access to the consultation and the OFSTED press release click here.
15/9/11 - Sector Skills Councils Commissioning
SSCs are being asked by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) to submit expressions of interest by 14th October to win or retain what was previously grant funded income as part of a more demand driven system. This will see National Occupational Standards being reviewed when necessary rather than on a 3 to 5 year cycle. Underlying the new approach is the need to drive cost efficiences with the likely result that fewer contracts will be offered. To see the tendering document and FAQs click here and see tenders issued on the 2nd September.
15/9/11 - AELP Points Providers Towards Community Needs
In it's weekly Countdown publication (Issue 535) AELP has urged providers to look at the broadest definition of 'community needs' as the focus for it's portfolio of services. It states that SFA is increasingly looking for evidence that providers are using their contracts to respond to the needs of their local communities whether this be learners, employers, the unemployed or NEETs. According to the article SFA will insist that the process of community dialogue and needs identification is 'visibly in place in order to justify ongoing funding support'.
14/9/11 - 'Make It Count' Week
learndirect’s Make It Count Week, takes place on the 12 – 18 September 2011. learndirect has joined forces with the likes of the National Apprenticeship Service, totaljobs and Centrepoint to get people to sign up to learning in the next year. Make It Count Week aims to shine a spotlight on a key issue in Britain today – the importance of having the right skills and qualifications to get ahead in work and life. For more information click here.
9/9/11 - West Sussex Coast Business Event
Members may be interested in getting involved at this employer engagement event at Fontwell Park on the 13th October brokered by the Arun Business Partnership. For information click here.
9/9/11 - Job Centre Plus News Update 4
Latest news from Job Centre Plus South East Region including updates on Welfare Reform, Get Britain Working and ESF. Click here.
9/9/11 - New Skills Support For Jobless
New measures were unveiled today by John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning (BIS) and Chris Grayling, Minister for Employment (DWP) to gives jobseekers more help identifying needs and learning new skills that will help them back to work. Jobseekers will be given access to careers advice, starting with a pilot programme that will significantly boost the number of careers advisers providing services in Jobcentres and help shape the new National Careers Service, which starts in April 2012. For more information click here.
9/9/11 - SFA Update - Issue 73
Latest from SFA including: Skills Pledge, the LSIS workforce data collection survey - Additional Information, WorldSkills Premiere Experience, Full of Life campaign. Click here.
7/9/11 - Business Surveys Update
East Sussex County Council has published the results of it's 2011 Business Survey with information included relating to skills, training and apprenticeships. To see the report click here. Also, the British Chamber of Commerce, working with Sussex Enterprise is conducting its Quarterly Economic Survey. To find out more and to take part click here.
7/9/11 - Government Slashes Red Tape for Large Employers
Click here for a FE News article regarding a speech made this week by John Hayes, Skills Minister, regarding a range of measures to reduce bureaucracy for employers with direct contracts. In the article the CBI is quoted as calling for the reduction in red tape to be extended to 'SMEs and the providers they work with'.
6/9/11 - NAS Briefing On Latest Marketing Campaign
Click here for a short Powerpoint presentation covering NAS apprenticeship marketing activities that start this week.
6/9/11 - Consultation on W Sussex Youth Services
A public consultation is now underway about the changes West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is proposing to make to the services it provides for young people and communities. The Youth Support and Development Service has to make changes to the way it delivers services to young people following changes in legislation and funding. They also need to develop how WSCC can work together with local communities to provide the services they need. This is an opportunity to say what you think of the proposals. For the consultation click here.
1/9/11 - LSIS Project Opportunity - Call For Expert Providers
LSIS is looking for SFA funded providers with expertise in Improving Apprenticeships, Getting people into work and/or Specific sector subject area/Apprenticeship frameworks. If you are interested in co-ordinating and working collaboratively with a group of providers in a development project in one of these areas enabling you all to further improve your provision you can submit an application by 22nd September. You would be leading a group with a minimum of six other providers to work on your chosen topic to develop effective practice that could be shared across the FE and skills sector. LSIS will be funding a number of providers to lead development projects to run from autumn 2011 through to July 2012. Click here for more information.
1/9/11 - SFA Update - Issue 72
Click here for information on the Next Step Telephone Helpline, Financial Management and Control Evaluation Return 2010/11, WorldSkills Premiere Experience, QCF offer for the unemployed, Future changes to attendance rules under Skills Conditionality, Reminder for all providers in receipt of youth and/or Adult Discretionary Learner Support in 2010/11, WorldSkills London 2011 Skills Equipment Fund, Revision to the National Apprenticeship Service Statement on Quality of Apprenticeship Delivery Models, Data Collection systems - OLDC update.
1/9/11 - AELP Calls For More Promotion of Apprenticeships
In a press release issued this week AELP has urged the Government to put more resource into raising employer awareness about apprenticeships. Click here for the press release.
1/9/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 31
All the latest from YPLA including figures on provider contract allocations. Click here.
1/9/11 - NAS on Quality of Apprenticeship Delivery Models
Click here for the National Apprenticeship Service statement on apprenticeship quality and delivery models. This especially relates to short term delivery models used in some circumstances.
1/9/11 - FE News Article on the Balance of Power in the Sector
This interesting article from FE News sets out a vision of how providers, employers and Government might work together in the new era of greater flexibility, responsibility and risk that is opening up in the skills sector. The article is of particular interest as it is written by Tony Lau-Walker who is not only
Chief Executive of Eastleigh College but also a newly-appointed Commissioner at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and a LSIS Council Member. Click here for the article.
30/8/11 - Pearson WBL Joins SCTP
After attending the last SCTP members meeting as a guest I'm pleased to say that Pearson Work Based Learning in the shape of Rachel Forster and Sue Richardson has become an associate member of SCTP. Pearson will be familiar to many of you and Pearson WBL is the new brand name that encompasses Edexcel and BTEC qualifications as well as a wide range of Pearson resources and technology solutions. Find out more at www.pearsonwbl.com
30/8/11 - New WBL Resource on LSIS Excellence Gateway
Click here for the latest resources and self assessment tool for work based learning providers relating to staffing, strategy, learners, employers, barriers and review.
26/8/11 - SFA Update Issue 71
This update includes: ACTOR update; Reduction in ILR Data in the Employer Responsive dataset; Learner Information Suite V19.01 update; WorldSkills London 2011 Skills Equipment Fund; The information authority launches online Individualised Learner Record learning tools; Apprenticeship Vacancies; WorldSkills UK Competition Awards; The Learning and Skills Improvement Service workforce data collection survey; Research into Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality in Adult Learning; 2010/11 Period 12 Employer Responsive Qualification Success Rate reports published. Click here.
20/8/11 - DBIS Consultation: New Challenges, New Chances
This consultation, with the sub heading 'Next Steps in Implementing the Further education Reform Programme' will be of interest to members. The consultation document can be accessed here . A 2-page Policy Watch summary of the document can be accessed here and a LSIS Brief Guide here.
19/8/11 - Avanta Joins SCTP
Another new full member, Avanta attended our recent SCTP members meeting and are taking part in the meet the provider event on the 20th September. We are delighted to welcome Avanta and our SCTP contacts, Adam Bain and Regional Manager for Sussex and Surrey, Chris Paterson. Avanta is best known in Sussex as one of two Work Programme prime providers operating in our area but is also involved in apprenticeship delivery. Find out more at www.avanta.uk.com.
19/8/11 - Go Train Joins SCTP
A warm welcome to Go Train as the latest full members of SCTP. Dan Fuller and Steve Thacker will be the people that you'll see at members meetings with Dan being no stranger to SCTP having formerly attended on behalf of Shaw Trust. Go Train runs business focussed courses for the Welfare to Work and Work-Based learning sectors specialising in Business and Admin, Customer Service, Retail, ICT, Team Leading, Management and Financial Services along with employability, soft skills, and foundation learning - operating out of 10 venues throughout the South East.” More information will be available soon via their website at www.go-train.co.uk.
18/8/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 30
Click here for the latest edition. This includes new information on how to request additional bursary funds.
18/8/11 - SFA Update - Issue 70
This issue contains information on: Sixth Form Colleges; Youth and Adult discretionary Learner Support MI 2010/11; Individualised Learner Record Funding Claims and Audit 2010/11; Government Further Education consultation launched; Higher Apprenticeship Fund; Not in Education, Employment or Training 19-24 Apprenticeships; Joint Investment Programme procurement; WorldSkills London 2011 Skills Equipment Fund; Audit of Learner Responsive funding claim; Support Team UK; Follow the Skills Funding Agency on Twitter. Click here.
18/8/11 - 'Critics Flesh Out Flaws With EMA Replacement'
Another short article via FE News following a report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee which looked at the effectiveness of measures to remove and replace the Education Maintenance Allowance. Click here.
18/8/11 - 'Time To Sharpen Apprenticeship Focus'
An interesting short article from Trevor Luker, MD of Pearson on the positioning of apprenticeships as an option as the A level results are published today. Click here.
17/8/11 - Strategic Leadership in WBL - New Support Materials
New support materials on strategic leadership of work based learning, which have been commissioned by LSIS, are now available here via the AELP website. AELP stated that 'the materials will help provider boards and board members to become fully aware of their responsibilities and carry out their roles effectively, in today’s world of reform and challenge to the skills system. In the current economic climate effective leadership at senior level is critical to the success of training providers and other organisations in the skills landscape'.
17/8/11 - LEPS Given Helping Hand To Boost Growth
Local enterprise partnerships were given extra help today when they received a share of the £5 million start up fund to get up and running. See press release for more information - click here.
13/8/11 - Providers given more freedom to deliver skills for employment and growth
Skills Minister John Hayes today announced greater freedoms for colleges and other providers to deliver fully subsidised training to help people on benefits enter employment. Click here for the article which although mainly referring to colleges covers all providers. As a result the Adult Skills Budget Funding requirements have been revised - click here as have the 2011/12 Learner Eligibility and Contribution Rules click here. Finally the SFA now has a dedicated web-page for provision for the unemployed programmes which can be found here.
12/8/11 - SFA Update - Issue 69
This update covers the following: Learner Eligibility and Contribution Rules and Adult Skills Budget Funding Requirements; Apprenticeship Vacancies – SASE Compliant Frameworks; Access to Apprenticeships pathway; Individualised Learner Record 2012/13: Change Process Consultation; Apprenticeship Vacancies – vacancy manager top tips; European Social Fund Publicity Toolkit; European Social Fund Awards - London; Nominate past Team UK members for the 2011 Alumni Award. Click here.
11/8/11 - SFA Update - Issue 68
This update covers the following: Adult Safeguarded Funding and Expenditure Statement for Local Authorities for the contracting year 2010/11; Funding Guidance for 2011/12 – publication Friday 29 July; Additional Funding Allocations for 2011/12; Higher Apprenticeship Fund - Briefing Event; Detailed list of 2012/13 Individualised Learner Record change requests published; Qualifications and Credit Framework Update; Provision for the Unemployed - revised web pages; Learning Aim Reference Application Release 1 goes live; Skills Conditionality Toolkit. Click here.
5/8/11 - 3 Good Reasons To Attend the Next SCTP Meeting!
The next SCTP members meeting on the 29th September will be of special interest for 3 reasons. It will be held at the new AMEX Stadium at Falmer, our guest speaker will be Graham Hoyle, Chair of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers and it will be a celebration of SCTP's 25th anniversary since it started representing training providers in 1986. There will be an anniversary buffet lunch after the meeting. The meeting runs from 9.30am-1.00pm with the lunch between 1.00 and 2.00pm. Further details will follow. Put the date in your diary now!
4/8/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 29
The latest from YPLA including the 2011-12 funding guidance click here and information for independent providers wishing to obtain YPLA contracts click here. For the full e-bulletin click here.
2/8/11 - Lookfantastic Training Announces New Collaboration
Lookfantastic Training Ltd has issued a press release confirming arrangements for a new collaboration with 4 other SCTP members. The statement reads as follows:
'Lookfantastic Training Limited are delighted to announce that as of August 1st we will be working together with BHTA Ltd, The EDF Ltd, SwimUK and Sigta. This is as a result of the MCL changes and is on the back of Lookfantastic’s recent successful Ofsted Inspection. Keith Conniford, Managing Director of Lookfantastic Training said, ‘We are so pleased to be working together with these companies and their staff. Their businesses combine many years of experience, dedication and commitment within the world of Government sponsored training provision and it is a mark of the respect that we have for each other and our respective businesses that have bought together the skill and progressive thinking of this group’.
1/8/11 - Rewards and Indigo Skills Announce Merger
SCTP would like to offer its best wishes to these two member organisations who have agreed to merge and combine their activities. We wish them well in their new venture. A statement issued by the two companies can be accessed here.
1/8/11 - 2011/12 Apprenticeship Funding Requirements Published
Recently issued and essential reading for apprenticeship providers. Click here.
28/7/11 - SCTP Members Gather For Bi-Monthly Meeting
Over 25 members gathered at Plumpton College today. They heard from David Wales from SFA/NAS, Adam Bain from Work Programme lead provider Avanta and heard feedback from 3 apprenticeship progression projects involving members in developing best practice in apprentice promotion and learner progression. The next meeting is on the morning of 29th September.
27/7/11 - SFA Update - Issue 67
Latest update includes information on: Higher Apprenticeship Fund; Qualification Credit Framework Unit Funding Trials 2010/11; Sector-based work academies national roll-out; Transferring learners to new contract arrangements; Adult Safeguarded Learning provision to be available through the Next Step Service from September 2011; Apprenticeships and SASE – Questions and Answers update; SASE Compliant Frameworks Published. Click here.
26/7/11 - Skills Providers Needed By Jobcentre Plus
Darra Singh the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus has written to AELP and AoC to urge to encourage providers to link with their local Jobcentre Plus offices with a view to supporting the needs of the unemployed with skills training, work experience and more. Graham Hoyle, AELP's CEO believes that this 'represents a really important opportunity for many AELP members to break out of their Apprenticeship straightjacket and expand their range of offerings – and access to increased Government funding – by moving vigorously into the unemployed market, using all their employer facing know-how to help get the unemployed into sustainable jobs'. To see Mr Singh's letter click here.
26/7/11 - Growth & Innovation Fund Outcomes Announced
Business secretary Vince Cable has announced the outcome of the first round of applications to the £50m Growth and Innovation Fund. Proposals to deliver world class training in seven leading industries have been selected for further development. The following projects will draw on joint funding from employers and the Skills Funding Agency: business planning will now get under way for a new National Skills Academy for Health, which will be led by the Skills for Health Sector Skills Council; plans are being developed for existing National Skills Academies to be expanded, with the National Skills Academy for Nuclear embracing nuclear manufacturing and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills expanding into the jewellery, design and heritage industries; and specific projects with joint employer and public funding are being initiated to boost specialist skills in the fitness and playwork industries. For more information click here.
25/7/11 - Trade Skills 4 U Joins SCTP
A warm welcome to Donna Latimer and her colleagues at Trading Skills 4 U. Based in Crawley the company specialises in courses in renewable energy, electrical and plumbing and of course apprenticeships in these areas. For more information go to www.tradeskills4u.co.uk We look forward to welcoming Donna and her colleagues to the members meeting later this week.
25/7/11 - SFA ESF Provision Update
SFA has published the names of the organisations awarded contracts to deliver Skills Support for the Unemployed and Skills Support for Redundancy following the tendering exercise which took place in spring 2011 and can be found on the Skills Funding Agency website here under ‘Completed ACTOR procurements’. Further details about successful South East providers, including a description of the provision on offer and provider and Agency contact details, can be found on the South East Co-Financing Organisation website here. Finally, details about future Skills Funding Agency ESF procurement can be located on the Skills Funding Agency website here under, ‘Upcoming ACTOR procurements’. This includes a briefing note for the current tendering exercise for 19-24 Apprenticeship provision for NEETs.
25/7/11 - £25M Fund for Higher Apprenticeships
Prime Minister David Cameron has announced details of a £25m fund that will support up to 10,000 Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships, giving firms in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, information technology and engineering the hi-tech skills they need to grow. For more background information click here and for the fund prospectus click here Applications need to be submitted through the Bravo website - click here.
21/7/11 - Sector Responds to EMA Report
A report released earlier this week by the House of Commons, Education Select Committee, on participation by 16–19 year olds in education and training, warns the delays to the new bursaries are making it difficult for young people to work out exactly what funding might be available to them. Click here for the article on this.
20/7/11 - Providers Attend SCTP FL Sub Group with LAs
Yesterday 8 SCTP FL member providers attended the first FL Sub Group meeting with ESCC, BHCC and WSCC. There was a wide ranging discussion covering funding flexibilities, bursaries, recruitment and ESF programmes for those NEET. The general consensus was that the discussion and actions agreed were very useful and that the format will continue. The next meeting is scheduled for 12th October, 10.00-12.30, NACRO, Brighton.
20/7/11 - SFA Update - Issue 66
This issue contains information on 2011/12 Declaration of Subcontractors form; Subcontracting Management, SFA Our Annual Report; ESF Awards for sustainable development and gender equality; WorldSkills London 2011 Skills Equipment Fund; Audit of Employer Responsive (Apprenticeships/Train to Gain) and European Social Fund data 2010-11; Lifelong Learning Account - coming soon; Energy and Utility Skills qualifications within the Qualifications and Credit Framework; NQF provision extended to 31 December 2011; Minimum Contract Level Support (online events); The Data Service releases Learner Information Suite 19.01 Beta V1.04. Click here.
20/7/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 28
All the latest from YPLA. Click here.
20/7/11 - SFA Confirm Units Available For the Unemployed
The SFA has now confirmed the QCF units that will be funded for the unemployed as part of the new flexibilities under the single Adult Skills Budget. Providers will be able to deliver QCF units to the unemployed who are on ‘active benefits’ (Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance Work-Related Activity Group). Nearly 11,300 units on the QCF and within the rules of combination of qualifications have been confirmed for funding. It is intended that the units will support learners who are seeking to gain initial skills and knowledge to enter employment, or to enable them to up-skill, cross-skill or retrain to end a period of unemployment. The publicly fundable, approved units can be found here.
20/7/11 - SFA/NAS Changes to Structure & Operations
Changes to structure and operations have been made at the SFA and NAS in recent weeks and information released on how this will impact across some English regions. A 10 page update also confirms the senior appointments in the new Agency structure and can be viewed here.
19/7/11 - NAS Update for SCTP
The National Apprenticeship Service always provides an update for members (either in person or via powerpoint slides) for the SCTP members meeting. The NAS slides for the July update can be accessed here.
16/7/11 - Job Centre Plus - Southern Update Number 3
Latest update from Jobcentre Plus. Click here.
15/7/11 - SCTP Welcomes New Member BKSB
A warm welcome to new SCTP Associate member BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder). Many members will be familiar with BKSB and their products and brining BKSB into our provider community will enable us to make the most of their expertise in initial assessment products and more. Discounts for members are also promised - more details will follow on the External Services page of this site. We look forward to introducing Business Development Manager, Andrew Craske at future members meetings. In the meantime you can find out more about BKSB at www.bksb.co.uk
15/7/11 - 'Open Public Services' White Paper Published
David Cameron has unveiled his blueprint for public services in England. In his speech, he called for "more freedom, more choice and more local control". Companies, charities and community groups will be allowed to bid to run everything from health, welfare and education services. Click here.
14/7/11 - SFA Update - Issue 65
This week's update includes: Making Prisons Work – Skills for Rehabilitation Report; Approved College and Training Organisation Register update - including a list of providers registered, the trailing the upcoming Apprenticeships for 19-24 year olds who are (NEET) tendering exercise and the 15/7 freeze date; Learner Responsive Success Rates and Audit; QCF FAQs; Rolling learners over to next academic year – importance of start dates and more. Click here.
14/7/11 - DWP Innovation Fund Launched
An Innovation Fund worth approx £30 million over 3 years for social investment projects, was announced by Government earlier this year as part of a package of measures to help address youth unemployment. This week the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, launched the Innovation Fund initial application process, which has to be completed by 5 August 2011. He said the purpose of the fund was to improve the employment prospects for disadvantaged young people.Click here for more.
13/7/11 - How Will The Learning & Skills Sector Look in 2020?
See this FE News article by LSIS CEO, Rob Wye, about research commissioned by LSIS looking at the future development of the FE Sector. Click here.
13/7/11 - OFSTED Publishes Annual Report & Accounts
Not just the accounts but also a review of OFSTED's activity during the year which might be of use. Click here.
12/7/11 - Statistics Published on Skills Sector
The Data Service has published a 'statistical first release' with useful information on participation and achievement for various parts of the skills sector such as post-16, schools census data , alternative provision, special educational needs . This information can be useful in understanding the sector and as supportive information in bid submissions etc.
9/7/11 - NUS Concern Over Lack of EMA Replacement
The National Union of Students is concerned that new arrangements for student support will be insufficiient to meet students needs and could cause problems for providers. See FE News article here.
7/7/11 - SFA Update - Issue 64
Latest from SFA including Guidance Note 8; 2011/12 Subcontracting – Declaration of Subcontractors form; Team UK for WorldSkills London 2011 announced; Minimum Contract Level Support (online events); Reminder: National Training Awards 2011 – sponsorship packages. Click here.
6/7/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 27
Latest news from the YPLA including more on bursaries and FL funding flexibilities. Click here.
6/7/11 - SCTP Event - QCF Implementation & Support 21/7
This event is taking place at Plumpton College on the 21st July 10am-3pm. It is another chance to meet with other providers and work on QCF implementation issues and look at opportunities to make the most of the QCF offer. The event is mainly delivered by sector experts from other out of area providers. The full programme can be accessed here, and booking can be accessed here.
6/7/11 - Research on Apprenticeship Pay & Conditions Published
This article summarises the findings of an Income Data Services survey commissioned by Unionlearn that gives some interesting figures on apprenticeship pay, conditions and participation. Click here.
6/7/11 - OFSTED - Learning and Skills June Newsletter
This update provides stakeholders with information and guidance about OFSTED inspection work in learning and skills. Click here.
6/7/11 - HE White Paper - Policy Watch Analysis
This 2 page summary of the HE White Paper draws out the main points. Perhaps of most importance to providers is a move to a more open, market-led system where delivery by a wider range of providers will be possible. Click here.
5/7/11 - SFA Issues Guidance Note 8
Essential reading for all SFA funded providers this guidance note covers performance management arrangements, discretionary learner support, outcome incentive payments and an apprenticeship update. Click here.
1/7/11 - DfE Publishes Evaluation of Foundation Learning
Click here to read the outcomes of this national evaluation. The main objectives of the evaluation were to review the delivery and implementation of FL to date, to assess its impact, and to understand how FL is being implemented locally, providing an assessment of views of FL amongst learners, practitioners and employers, and gathering evidence on the outcomes for young people undertaking FL. At 107 pages this is a lengthy read but within this the 10-page executive summary is essential reading for FL providers.
1/7/11 - Training Providers Exceed Apprenticeship Goal
Skills minister John Hayes has heralded the substantial exceeding of the government’s ambition of an additional 50,000 apprenticeships in 2010-11 as ‘an historic achievement by learners, employers and training providers’. The minister said that growth had been achieved at every level and for all age groups. The BIS press release on the apprenticeship announcement can be read here
30/6/11 - SFA Update - Issue 63
Click here. Featured in this update is: 2011/12 Subcontracting arrangements – amended guidance; Letter from Vince Cable; Approved College and Training Organisation Register Update; National Training Awards 2011 – sponsorship packages; Team UK Announcement; Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence; 16-19 Bursary Fund Allocations; 2010/11 Learner Responsive Qualification Success Rates methodology due to be published; Support for the Unemployed 2011/12: Qualification and Credit Framework Unit Delivery; Specification for Apprenticeship Standards in England Compliant Frameworks published; SummitSkills National Qualifications Framework qualifications.
29/6/11 - Government Publishes HE White Paper
Yesterday the Government published its long-awaited HE White Paper. Providers will recognise some of theses - giving students more power as customers as they pay more for their degrees in a more open market system that gives access to new providers. For the full white paper (79 pages) click here (within the document there is a 10-page executive summary) or for a brief summary on the DBIS website click here.
29/6/11 - YPLA Issues Guidance on New 16-19 Bursary Fund
The Government announced the new bursary scheme to help the most vulnerable 16-19 year olds in full-time education. The scheme is made up of two parts: a payment of £1,200 to a small group of the most vulnerable and a discretionary fund for schools, colleges and training providers to distribute. Click here to see the relevant page on the YPLA website.
28/6/11 - Policy Watch on 3 Key Speeches
This useful 2-page summary looks at recent speeches on education policy by John Hayes and Michael Gove. Click here.
28/6/11 - UCU Position on IfL Fees
The University and College Union (UCU), last week voted overwhelmingly to reject plans that would have left them with a £38 annual bill for membership of the Institute for Learning (IfL), and now face a vote on whether to boycott the organisation altogether. For more information on the UCU posiition on an issue that impacts on all providers please click here.
25/6/11 - New figures show a surge in Apprenticeships starts
New figures released by BIS show encouraging progress in Apprenticeship start numbers across all age groups. Click here for the full story.
25/6/11 - Highlights from the ALP Conference 21/22 June
Click on this links below to see video interviews with speakers from last week's ALP conference:
SFA's Geoff Russell discusses the new competitive market environment
YPLA CEO Peter Lauener on challenges and progress
NAS chairman Simon Waugh: Apprenticeship framework update
AELP CEO Graham Hoyle: 2011 conference wrap-up
LSIS CEO Rob Wye tackles FE's challenges
Lord Baker on University and Technical Colleges
Skills Minister John Hayes shares FE vision
Employment Minister Chris Grayling: How you can support the Work Programme
AELP's Paul Warner reflects on sector's enthusiasm
24/6/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 26
Click here for the latest from YPLA.
23/6/11 - SFA Update - Issue 62
This includes: Single Individualised Learner Record collection for 2011/12; 2011/12 Subcontracting arrangements; Updated 2011/12 Funding Statements; Funding Rate Changes for 2011/12; Learner Support Discretionary Funding Guidance and Requirements 2011/12 - for adult learners; Re-run of 2010/11 Funding Calculation; Changes to Residential Support funding; Access to Apprenticeships; 2011/12 Learning Aims Funding Data; Changes to 2011/12 Provider Funding Reports; Individualised Learner Record 2011/12 collections timetable published by the information authority; Use of proxy aims in Employer Responsive Provision for 2010/11; Apprenticeship vacancies – recruitment system; Minimum Contract Level Support (online events). Click here.
23/6/11 - Access To Apprenticeships Latest
NAS has issued an update on the new Access To Apprenticeship programme. Click here.
22/6/11 - Today is VQ Day!
VQ Day is a national celebration of vocational qualifications for students, teachers and employers. It shines a light on and recognises the millions of talented and skilled people throughout the UK who are awarded VQs. VQ Day was launched in 2008 to raise the status of practical and vocational learning and celebrate vocational achievement. To find out more click here.
22/6/11 - Sector Based Work Academies
From August 2011 sector-based work academies (previously known as Service Academies) will be launched across the English regions and will give unemployed people on active benefits the opportunity to spend up to six weeks undertaking training and work experience, followed by a guaranteed job interview. The training element of the sector-based academy offer will be delivered by SFA providers who are advised to engage with their local JCP districts to ensure pre-employment offerings are planned in the relevant sectors. The programme will enable training providers in specific occupational areas to deliver units of the QCF that will assist local job seekers in to work or in some cases act as a stepping stone to apprenticeships. The programme is voluntary until a claimant has agreed to participate, at which point the programme becomes mandatory. It is also important to note that sector-based work academies will be funded from existing funding allocations - these are not a new programme or funding stream as such, but an alternative packaging of a training offer to be tied up with work experience and job placement. Any SFA provider may therefore link up with any JCP office and any employer in order to bring this form of working to fruition, though it should be noted that only around 50,000 places have been provided for by JCP/DWP in terms of childcare/travel payment facilities, etc. Participants will remain on JSA for the duration of the programme and will be exempted from any 16-hour rule obligations during this period. For further information on the new sector-based academies the SFA has published a factsheet that can be found here.
22/6/11 - IAG National Briefing Document
This is a copy of a briefing jointly developed and endorsed by ASCL, ACEG, ICG and Careers England which summarises the current and future status of CEIAG in schools. This contains information that will interest providers regarding the duties to be placed on schools in providing IAG including apprenticeships. Click here.
22/6/11 - Jobcentre Plus - Southern Newsletter - Issue 2
Latest update from JCP for our area includes useful information for providers. Click here.
22/6/11 - ALP Changes Name to AELP
ALP has changed its name to the Association of Employment & Learning Providers to reflect the diverse nature of its growing membership and to underline the importance of integrating employment and skills provision. For more see this FE News article here. For a response from the sector click here.
22/6/11 - Policy Watch Analysis of Latest Employment Figures
This useful 2-page article interprets the latest employment figures and put the them in context for the world of education and training. Click here.
22/6/11 - Functional Skills Newsletter From Guroo
Many members may find this information regarding key skills and functional skills and links to awarding body websites useful. Click here.
19/6/11 - Cheynes Training Joins SCTP
SCTP is pleased to welcome Cheynes Training as the latest new SCTP member. This takes the SCTP membership to 59 organisations. Cheynes Training is a national hairdressing apprenticeship provider that has a significant operation in Sussex. We look forward to meeting Melanie Mitchell and William Howarth at the next members meeting. To find out more about Cheynes Training go to www.cheynestraining.com.
19/6/11 - Work Programme May Need Modifications to Contracts
In Friday’s Financial Times there was a statement from Iain Duncan Smith of potentially huge significance to providers of the Work Programme. While recognising that too many changes to either the providers delivering the programme or the terms on which they are paid, would make for bad headlines Duncan Smith indicated he is in favour of “constant renewal” to make sure it works. Click here for this article from Indus Delta.
19/6/11 - Evaluation of ATA/GTA Pilots Published
Apprenticeship providers will be interested in a report published by the NAS on the Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) and Group Training Association (GTA) pilots that ended their development phase in March 2011. An independent qualitative evaluation of the pilots has been carried out by York Consulting LLP who interviewed those responsible for the pilots along with a sample of associated host employers, training providers and apprentices. They also interviewed a number of stakeholders including ALP and AoC. Click here for the full report and the executive summary.
17/6/11 - SCTP Members Forum Meets
Seven SCTP members turned up to meet with Paul Mitchell, SCTP's Executive Director last Friday. The meeting, which as usual had an open agenda was hosted by Worthing College and enabled the sharing of a wide range of information and opinion on ATAs, GTAs, SASE, the Apprenticeship Vacancy system, Functional Skills, IAG in schools and the general operating environment facing providers. The next forum will be in the Autumn.
17/6/11 - SFA Update - Issue 61
Click here for the latest issue which includes: eMandate Programme Update; Accounts Direction Handbook and Financial Planning Handbook; Change of name - sector-based work academies (formerly known as Service Academies); Electronic Records; WorldSkills London 2011 Skills Equipment Fund; Shared Services and Collaboration Grant
16/6/11 - SE NAS Marketing and Apprenticeship Vacancies News
Click here for the June edition.
12/6/11 - SCTP Members at City Futures
SCTP co-ordinated the involvement of a number of SCTP members to have a shared apprenticeship stand at the City Futures Jobs Fair in Brighton last week. Feedback suggests that the event was very positive for the members involved and enabled SCTP to show a united front in promoting member services.
12/6/11 - SCTP Employment Law Seminar
12 members of staff from 9 different SCTP members attended the SCTP Employment Law Seminar in Uckfield last week. Thanks to Sussex law firm Rix & Kay who delivered the seminar. Feedback so far has been very positive.
12/6/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 25
Latest from YPLA - click here.
12/6/11 - YPLA Letter Confirms Foundation Learning Flexibilities
The attached letter from YPLA to Graham Hoyle at ALP National confirms recently announced flexibilities within Foundation Learning. Click here. Also the YPLA has published changes to SLN values for specific aims in 2011/12
funding which can be found here.
12/6/11 - SFA Update - Issue 60
This update covers State Aid; UK online tender; Outcome of Performance Management at Quarter 3 2011; 2011/12 Subcontracting arrangements; Data Sharing for Jobcentre Plus customers; Summit Skills Qualifications Update; Leadership and Management Advisory Service; Final reminder - Team UK selection competition; Business Improvement Techniques; Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England; Frameworks Update; Minimum Contract Level Support (online events). Click here.
12/6/11 - LSIS SE Region Newsletter - June 2011
Latest news on provider support available from LSIS in the South East. Click here. Also see latest information on LSIS Leadership modules for first line and middle managers here.
11/6/11 - Latest on Institute for Learning Fees
Latest information is here on the charges to be made by the IfL and the requirements for membership by provider staff.
11/6/11 - Launch of Work Programme
The Government's new Work Programme was launched on the 9th June. A summary is available here via an FE News article and also various other articles in leading publications here . Interesting information on which organisations that form work programme supply chains in the various delivery areas can be accessed here.
11/6/11 - Policy Watch on Department Business Plans
A latest news item below for the 31/5 gave links to the updated DfE and DBIS annual business plans. These are useful in signalling long term policy developments in education and training. Click here for a Policy Watch article that summarises the main points.
4/6/11 - DfE Information on Bursary Scheme & Student Support
Information on 16-19 student support and the 16-18 Bursary scheme that replaces EMA can be found on the DfE website by clicking here . Further announcements are expected before the end of June. FAQs on the scheme can be found here .
3/6/11 - CEGNET Voices Concerns Over Impartial IAG In Schools
The Careers Education & Guidance Network have issued this article in it's May newsletter that summarises their concerns about the Education Bill and the developing situation regarding access to IAG for young people in schools. Click here.
2/6/11 - SFA Update - Issue 59
This issue includes: ACTOR Update, QCF Update, Changes to Adult Learner Support, Next Step Course Directory, The Construction National Skills Academy Trademark Licence signed, Learning and Skills Improvement Service events, Draft 2011/12 LIS Calculation Interface Specification published, 2010/11 Period 9 Employer Responsive Qualification Success Rate reports published, Team UK Selection Event. Click here.
1/6/11 - Latest from our LEPs
The Coast to Capital LEP that includes W Sussex has published its latest newsletter which can be viewed here while the Kent, E Sussex and Essex LEP has published its latest board update - click here.
31/5/11 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 24
Click here for the latest from the YPLA.
31/5/11 - DfE and BIS Updated Business Plans
Government departments are required to update their business plans on an annual basis. Here are the two plans most relevant to SCTP members. The plans are fairly broad (and quite lengthy) but give an idea of the braod direction of travel. Often the best way to avoid being surprised by the latest new policy measure is to get ahead of the game and flick through plans like this so you are aware of the broad policy drivers that are coming from these departments. For the BIS plan click here and the DfE plan click here.
31/5/11 - ACTOR System - Ministers Pledge Clarity For Providers
DWP and BIS ministers have pledged to add more clarity to the ACTOR system used by training providers to record their experience and expertise in supporting the unemployed. Click here for article.
27/5/11 - SCTP Members Gather For Bi-monthly Meeting
Over 40 people were present for SCTP's May meeting at Plumpton College last Thursday. Members heard from SFA, NAS, Jobcentre Plus as well as feedback of good practice from Sussex Downs College from their collaborative work with providers on Equality and Diversity. Members also heard the results of the SCTP Members Survey which showed that all members were either satisfied or very satisfied with the SCTP service and also gave useful feedback on how to develop member services still further. The next members meeting is on the 28th July at Plumpton College (9.30-1.00) and Graham Hoyle CEO of ALP is expected to attend.
27/5/11 - SFA Update - Issue 58
Click here. Items covered are: College and Training Organisation Survey reminder; Requirements for Funding - Family Programmes Guidance 2011/12; Adult Learner Support changes; Regional Events - Skills Provision for the Unemployed: Maximising efficiency and effectiveness for the benefit of learners; Specification for Apprenticeship Standards in England frameworks update; Skills Competitions; Equality and Diversity Partnership Projects: dissemination events; Learning and Skills Improvement Service Minimum Contract Level Support - Online Events; Publication of 2011/12 Learning Aims Funding Data.
27/5/11 - Qualification Success Rates Published
Providers may need to know that period 9 QSRs for Apprenticeships and Train to Gain are now available on the provider gateway.
27/5/11 - Skills Provision For The Unemployed - Regional Events
ALP, AoC, SFA and JCP are running 9 regional events between 28th June and 14th July to help explore how the Single Adult Skills Budget can be used to work with the unemployed through supported skills training to help them to move into work and sustainable employment. For more information click here.
27/5/11 - SFA Learner Eligibility & Contribution Rules 2011-12
This document details which individuals can be funded by the Skills Funding
Agency and the level of government subsidy that they can receive in order to
help pay for the costs of learning. It replaces previous guidance issued jointly
with the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) in 2010/11 and by the
Learning and Skills Council (LSC) prior to that. Click here.
26/5/11 - Universal Connexions Service Cut in E Sussex
Please click here for a statement from E Sussex County Council about the future arrangements for the Connexions service in the county.
23/5/11 - Government's 'Supporting Youth Employment' Paper
Following on the news item below on the 15/5/11, here is some more information on the Government's measures to support youth employment. Firstly the paper itself is here and at 18 pages its not too punishing a read. There is a also a Policy Watch comment here with some useful analysis. The paper pulls together a raft of measures, some that we know about and some new ones that are relevant to providers especially the increasing links with DWP programmes and the new Access to Apprenticeship programme. More details on that soon.
19/5/11 - SFA Update - Issue 57
This updates contains information on providers' revised SFA allocations after quarter 2, Learner Eligibility & Contribution Rules, LSIS ON-line MCL briefings, various data updates and more....Click here
19/5/11 - SASE and Completion Certificate Update
20 more SASE compliant frameworks received funding approval last week and have been added to the implementation spreadsheet that can be found here. This makes a total of 83 now available. SSC/SSOs have now been given the go ahead to notify providers of new arrangements for apprenticeship certification (at the rate of £25 per certificate) - so contact your SSC/SSO for information.
19/5/11 - BIS Publishes LEP Boundary Information
This lists the local authority areas falling under each Local Enterprise Partnership area and can be found here. Two LEPs cover Sussex. The Coast to Capital LEP includes West Sussex and Brighton and Hove - click here for their website and E Sussex is part of the Kent, Greater Essex and E Sussex LEP - click here for their website. SCTP continues to work with other relevant training provider networks on joint representation to the LEPs and will link with the board members for education. The jury remains out on how much impact LEPs will have - we'll keep you informed of progress.
19/5/11 - SCTP Employment Law Seminar 7th June
SCTP's Employment Law Seminar for members will take place on Tuesday 7th June 9.30am-12.00noon run by local law firm Rix & Kay at their training facility in Uckfield. The session will cover a wide range of issues such as retirement, Equality & Diversity Act, employment contracts etc and will be tailored to the needs of delegates. Price £50 to full members, £75 to associate members. To book places e-mail paulmitchell@sctp.org.uk
19/5/11 - CBI Publishes Education & Skills Survey
The CBI has published 'Building For Growth' . 556 employers were surveyed employing 2.2 million people. The key findings were that 705 of employers want to see employability skills taught in schools as a top priority; 56% wanted more action to reduce red tape around publically funded training; 40% of employers of employers are providing remedial training to schools leavers in basic skills. To see the report click here.
17/5/11 - SFA Update - Issues 55 & 56
For issue 55 click here - this includes information on the FfE Learner Survey (deadline for returns is 27th May) and Apprenticeship Week 2012. For issue 56 click here - this includes Lead Arrangements for general Further Education Colleges and Sixth Form Colleges, SFA/NAS Executive Director Appointments, ACL Fund, Sale of Ufi/Learndirect, HE Student Finance package 2012/13, Skills in the Pre-Work Programme Jobcentre Plus Offer, Data Self-Assessment Toolkit, SASE Compliant Frameworks, Apprenticeship flexibilities and clarification on funding priorities.
15/5/11 - E Sussex Increasing Participation & IAG Conference
East Sussex County Council is holding this conference on the 15th June. The conference aims to celebrate and raise awareness of successful strategies to increase participation in learning and provide details of the new statutory requirements for Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance. For more information on the agenda click here and for booking click here.
15/5/11 - SFA - SE Skills Service Management Report - April 2011
This is a useful summary of Government skills policies for the lifetime of this parliament although not much that is new. Click here.
15/5/11 - ALP Statement on Access to Apprenticeships
ALP has issued a statement on the Government's response to their call for a new pre-apprenticeship programme. Click here.
15/5/11 - Clegg & Cameron - Youth Unemployment Measures
Click here to see BBC reports on the joint statement to boost apprenticeships and work experience.
15/5/11 - Eastbourne 100 in a 100 Apprenticeship Campaign
Stephen Lloyd, Eastbourne's MP is championing the campaign to recruit more apprentices. Many SCTP members are involved. The launch event is taking place on May 20th. To see a recent e-mail issued by Mr Lloyd issued via Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce click here.
13/5/11 - Government Publishes Response to the Wolf Report
Click here to access this response here for a summary from Policy Watch and here for an FE News article with reaction from various sector organisations. The Government has accepted the report in full.
12/5/11 - SE NAS Marketing and Apprenticeship Vacancies News
Click here for the May edition.
12/5/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 23
Click here. Article 1 on the lead arrangements for FE colleges and 6th form colleges might be especially useful for members in those types of organisations.
11/5/11 - YPLA Briefing Event Announced
The YPLA is holding a briefing event on the 6th June in Guildford which will be of particular interest to FL providers. For more information click here. To book contact christina.thomas@ypla.gov.uk by the 20th May.
10/5/11 - Graham Hoyle Speaks About Single Line Budget
Following on from our news item from 27/4/11 below which reported on ALP's Single Line Budget event, click here to see a video of Graham Hoyle (ALP CEO) explaining why this will change the training market for independent providers and colleges alike - recommended viewing! SCTP members will also be interested to know that Graham has provisionally agreed to speak at the members meeting on the 28th July.
9/5/11 - SFA Update Issue 54
For issue 54 click here.
9/5/11 - Launch of £2.25M Adult & Community Learning Fund
NIACE is calling on organisations from across England to bid for their share of a new £2.25m Adult and Community Learning Fund. The funding pot aims to support innovative adult and community learning opportunities to encourage, in particular, informal participation and help disadvantaged groups. To more information click here for an article from FE News which links to further information, prospectus and application forms.
9/5/11 - UKCES Publish Review of Employment and Skills
This review identifies where and how joint working between the employment and skills systems provide an opportunity to maximise the outcomes for individuals and employers. Click here.
9/5/11 - ALP Review and National Conference
ALP has announced details of its national conference on the 21/22 June. Click here for information. ALP has also published an annual review of its activities for 2010 which can be viewed here.
9/5/11 - SASE and Apprenticeship Certification Updates
There have been a number of queries about the implementation SASE compliant frameworks. A reminder that the only way to to find out when a new framework has been confirmed by the NAS as being SASE compliant and thus available for funding is by using the apprenticeship framework implementation planner by clicking here. FAQs are here.
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils are to be the new certifying authority for apprenticeships. The latest arrangements for apprenticeship certification are summarised on the apprenticeship website - click here.
28/4/11 - TQS Funding Withdrawn
Funding for the Training Quality Standard has been withdrawn with immediate effect. In light of this, SFA is apparently working with certification bodies to wind down the accreditation process. This will a concern or frustration to many providers who have invested much time and effort in achieving this standard. Click here to see the statement on the TQS website.
28/4/11 - Changes to system for apprenticeship certification
This update from ALP gives further information on delays and changes to the certification system. Click here for details.
28/4/11 - Careers England warns of IAG service collapse
A report prepared for Careers England points to a danger of significant gaps in IAG services now that schools are expected to procure their own external IAG provision. Click here for the report (see Policy Commentary 15).
28/4/11 - Business Link Update
Here is the first in a series of new updates from Business Link summarising the changes to the service. Click here.
27/4/11 - Report on ALP Single Line Flexibilities Event
This event was held on the 18th April and attended for SCTP by director, Jo Bridger who has kindly provided this report for members. Click here.
21/4/11 - Update on Apprenticeship Certification from NAS
This update on the new arrangements for apprenticeship certification has been issued by the NAS via ALP. Click here.
21/4/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 22
Not too much here of direct interest for members apart from latest EMA take up figures. Click here.
21/4/11 - SFA Update - Issue 53
Latest update from SFA. Click here.
20/4/11 - SCTP Representatives Meet Caroline Lucas MP
SCTP representatives met with Caroline Lucas MP at her surgery last Friday to make sure that she was aware of the issues facing young people and providers such as youth unemployment, rising NEET numbers, EMA withdrawal, FL complexities and the impact on the reduction in the Connexions service. Caroline was sympathetic and was keen to link with ALP to support the lobbying of ministers on these issues.
19/4/11 - NCFE - April e-News for Training Providers
Latest from SCTP Associate Member, NCFE. Includes information on apprenticeship (including completion certificates), Functional Skills and more. Click here.
18/4/11 - John Hayes' Statement on National Careers Service
The Minister of State for Education, John Hayes has outlined the current thinking and progress towards what will now be called a the National Careers Service. For a summary of the statement click here.
14/4/11 - SFA Update - Issue 52
Click here. Whole range of information here - well worth skimming through for the bits that are important for your organisation.
14/4/11 - SE NAS Marketing and Apprenticeship Vacancies News
Click here for the April edition.
14/4/11 - ACTOR Update
ALP has also issued comment and advice for providers on the use of ACTOR. Click here.
14/4/11 - Further Clarification on Financial Learner Support
ALP has also issued further comment on the details on the post-EMA arrangements for learners. Click here for information
14/4/11 - School IAG Clause in Education Bill
ALP's latest edition of 'Countdown' reassures providers that they are maintaining the pressure on ministers to ensure that the requirement in the Bill for schools to provide independent and impartial advice and guidance about post-16 options is enforced and complied with. Ministers are said to be discussing how compliance could be ensured through OFSTED inspection.
13/4/11 - New Director Joins SCTP Board
Connie Mahony, SCTP Chair has announced that Debbie Ross, Commercial Sales/Liaison Officer at Chichester College, has agreed to be co-opted with immediate effect on to the SCTP Board as SCTP's 5th director. Connie said that 'Debbie was approached as she brings existing board experience to the role, as well as her energy and enthusiasm, and can also represent the college sector. I would like to welcome Debbie back to the board and look forward to working with her to support our members'.
13/4/11 - SFA Guidance Note 7
Click here. This is one of those documents which I would class as essential reading for all providers (there are even sections relating to Foundation Learning). The document is also important as the document is ‘contractual for all colleges and training organisations funded by the agency’ – so don’t be fooled by the word ‘guidance’.
The document includes items on: Minimum Contract Levels; ACTOR; Subcontracting (including 2nd level subcontracting); Single Adult Skills Budget; Support for the Unemployed (including Outcome Incentive Payments); FL: Eligibility for Fee Remission to Support Progression; Learner Eligibility Funding Table; Qualification Success Rates; Contract Management Arrangements for 6th Form Colleges; Qualification Success Rates; SASE; PLAs; Electronic Records; Train to Gain Wage Costs
12/4/11 - Safeguarding: Best practice in colleges
OFSTED has published a survey of best practice in safeguarding based on visits to 14 of the 15 colleges that received an outstanding grade for the leadership and management of their safeguarding arrangements in 2009/10. Click here.
12/4/11 - Shaw Trust Joins SCTP
SCTP welcomes Shaw Trust as the latest new members of SCTP. Shaw Trust is a national charity which supports disabled and disadvantaged people to prepare for work, find jobs and live more independently. They are the UK’s largest third sector provider and one of the Government’s lead partners in the delivery of employment programmes for disabled and disadvantaged people.
SCTP looks forward to meeting Dan Fuller, London and South East Operation's Manager, and his team at the next members meeting. For more information on Shaw Trust click here.
11/4/11 - DWP List of Expected Work Programme Sub-contractors
Hot on the heels on the announcement of Work programme prime providers is a list published by the DWP of organisations it expects to operate as sub-contractors in Work programme delivery. Click here for the list.
8/4/11 - SCTP welcomes RTT Group
RTT (Real Time Training) is the latest training provider to become members of our network. RTT is a national training provider offering a wide range of training and development options for employers including apprenticeships, train to gain, FL and programmes for the unemployed. We look forward to welcoming Ian Taylor, Director of Business Development to our next meeting. For more information on RTT click here.
8/4/11 - £20m Management Training Fund for SMEs
Surely some opportunities here for members. Click here for John Hayes' announcement.
8/4/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 21
Information here on the YPLA's grant and remit letters, 16-18 funding allocations, 14-19 bursary scheme and more. Click here.
8/4/11 - World Skills London - Do you want to go?
With less than 6 months to go the registration for free tickets to attend the World Skills event are now on line. This will be the only opportunity to view this event in the UK so in order to both enthuse staff, learners and employers alike it could be good to pay a visit. Click here for more information.
7/4/11 - SFA Update - Issue 51
This issue covers: Skills Conditionality Update - Legislation laid before parliament; Framework for Excellence – Learner Views online survey; Provider Performance Management; SFA website; Apprenticeship vacancies evaluation; Framework for Excellence - Learner Views survey and The National Union of Students; Latest Statistical First Release now available; Record applications for the National Apprenticeship Awards 2011; Apprenticeship Delivery Models; Learner Information Suite V19 (2011/12) Export database and draft guidance published; Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England compliant frameworks; UK Borders Agency - Citizenship application process. Click here.
5/4/11 - SLN Newsletter March 2011
Much in here about apprenticeships in relation to higher education and a mention for SCTP and it's members. Click here.
5/4/11 - LLUK Transfers Responsibilities Following Closure
The Institute for Learning (IfL), the professional body for teachers and trainers across FE, has assumed certain responsibilities from the now closed Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) sector skills council. Click here for more details.
4/4/11 - ALP Calls For Privatisation of Jobcentre Plus
As the Work Programme prime providers are announced ALP wants the Government to go further on private sector involvement. Click here for more.
1/4/11 - Work Programme Contractors Announced
Its Avanta and G4S for the Surrey, Sussex and Kent area. Click here for more details. SCTP will be linking with the successful organisations to broker links with its members.
1/4/11 - LSIS Leading the Learner Voice Awards
These awards seek to celebrate the best examples of learner leadership and representation across the sector. Closing date for nominations is the 20th April. Click here for the information leaflet and here for the nomination form
1/4/11 - Academic standards mustn't threaten apprenticeships
In response to the Wolf Report's recommendation about the need for a stronger educational core in apprenticeships, David Grailey the CEO of NCFE urges caution. Click here for this short article.
1/4/11 - Positive returns for apprenticeships and FE
Click here for a report on some BIS research which shows the economic payback from investing in apprenticeships and FE in the general sense. Some positive stats here.
1/4/11 - OFSTED Learning & Skills Newsletter
Click here for the April edition. Includes items on QCF, ATA Framework and the Common Inspection Framework.
31/3/11 - SCTP Members Meeting
Nearly 30 members gathered today at Plumpton College to hear the latest news from SFA, an analysis of the Wolf Report, a focus on use of ILT in delivering learning and marketing and to debate and decide actions for SCTP to take issues forward on members behalf. There was also feedback on 2 LSIS projects one relating to creating business opportunities with DWP providers and the other looking at Advanced Apprenticeship Progression to HE. Issues relating to IfL membership charges were also explored. The next meeting is on the 26th May at Plumpton College.
31/3/11 - SFA Update - Issue 50 - MCL Clarification
At last we have clarification on the application of Minimum Contract Level policy. In addition this issue also covers: Progression Funding, National Training Awards 2011, Apprenticeship vacancies, Important update from the Institute for Learning, Final Funding Allocations 2011/12, Data Service Changes to Provider Data Returns, ULN Verification Reports – coming soon, 2010/11 Period 6 Employer Responsive Qualification Success Rate reports and methodology published, 2009/10 Learner Responsive National Success Rates Tables due to be published, SASE Compliant Apprenticeship Framework published, Skills Conditionality Consultation: Government Response
published. Click here.
30/3/11 - Survey on Apprenticeship Vacancies System
Your chance to record your views on the operation of this service. Click here.
30/3/11 - EBP Funding Withdrawn
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that, from the end of this
financial year, the funding for Education Business Partnerships will be
withdrawn. Click here for more information.
30/3/11 - Government Scraps Young Apprenticeship Programme
Click here to see this article from FE News.
29/3/11 - Gove Announces EMA Replacement
Please see link here for a FE News report and here to see Mr Gove making the announcement.
29/3/11 - YPLA e-Bulletin - Issue 20
The latest update includes items on data, EMA take up, ILR funding returns and more. Click here.
28/3/11 - SASE Implementation
Just in case there is anybody out there who doesn't know about SASE Implementation here is a link to the national apprenticeship website with all the information. If you don't know how important this is please read here.
28/3/11 - NAS Delivery Models Guidance Note - including PLA
This somewhat bland title disguises a document from the NAS that includes important information on employment, working hours, length of stay but perhaps of greatest interest is new guidance on the management of Programme Led Apprenticeships. Definitely worth a read by clicking here.
28/3/11 - Geoff Russell Speech - Future of the Learning Sector
SFA CEO, Geoff Russell spoke at the LSIS Annual Conference on the 24th March. His views on the state of and future of, colleges and independent providers make interesting and challenging reading. Here is a 4-page transcript.
28/3/11 - SFA's David Hughes appointed NIACE CEO
Skills Funding Agency director David Hughes will become chief executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) from 1 September. David will be well known to many members and we await information on when or if he will be replaced. For more information click here.
25/3/11 - MCL - Statement on Exemptions
No, this isn't the long awaited statement regarding the scope of application of MCL (still promised soon) but an statement on those organisations and circumstances where MCL will not apply. Click here. It is interesting to note that 16-18 apprenticeships are not listed as an exemption!
25/3/11 - SFA Update - Issue 49
This issue covers Sub-contracting Arrangements, National Training Awards 2011, National Apprenticeship Awards 2011, Minimum Contract Level – provider support, Framework for Excellence survey launch, Joint Investment Programme 2011 – Provider Briefing. Click here.
24/3/11 - NCFE March Newsletter
Information here from SCTP Associate Member NCFE. This update includes articles on Foundation Learning, ALR funding, Functional Skills and leisure qualifications that form part of the apprenticeship framework. Click here.
24/3/11 - George Osborne's Speech & the bits about training
Click here to see an excerpt from the chancellors speech that related to education and training and click here for the full speech.
23/3/11 - 'Europe and the Work Programme' Conference
Members may be interested in this London Conference to be held on the 30th March. It appears that
Ministers have decided that 75% of the ESF available for 2011 – 2013, over £200 million, should fund family oriented provision for people in problem families and workless households and that the DWP is hoping to begin procurement in the Spring. This would be in addition to the Work Programme contracts and will be procured from DWP framework providers. For more information click here.
23/3/11 - YPLA Plans for Transition to Education Funding Agency
A number of documents have been made available which give an insight into the plans for various developments relating to YPLA including the transition to the new Education Funding Agency EFA click here, corporate planning for 2011-12 click here and the minutes of the last YPLA board meeting in February, click here.
23/3/11 - West Sussex Area C Partnership Board Papers
Members may be interested to see the minutes of the Area C (Crawley, Horsham, E Grinstead) Local Area Partnership Board attended by Andrew Ayres for SCTP. The minutes have some interesting information of WSCC 14-19 restructuring, skills centre plans and other provision issues. The minutes can be found here and a useful W Sussex Neet statistical summary here.
21/3/11 - More thoughts on the Wolf Report
Policy Watch has issued another update on the consensus building up in response to the report. See the latest 2-page summary here.
17/3/11 - YPLA Publishes Funding Q & A on 16-19 Education
This came out last month but some members may not have seen it. Click here.
17/3/11 - SFA Update - Issue 48
Click here for the latest from SFA on
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Employability Skills Programme and European Social Fund
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Full and Part Subsidies for Learners aged 19 and older
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Growth and Innovation Fund
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SASE Questions and Answers
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WorldSkills UK – competition deadline
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Service Academies technical briefing note
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Apprenticeship Awards 2011 – closing date 25 March 2011
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Unique Learner Number Verification Reports
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Apprenticeship Frameworks (Blueprint Compliant update)
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2010/11 Period 6 ER Period Qualification Success Rate reports
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Data Service timetable for changes to data collection systems
17/3/11 - SE NAS Marketing & Apprenticeship Vacancies News
For the March edition click here.
17/3/11 - Making Sense of Functional Skills - latest issue
This focuses on the QCDA report on the Functional Skills pilot. Click here.
16/3/11 - World Skills London 2011 - Showcasing Information
WorldSkills London 2011 takes place at the ExCeL Centre in London between 5th and 8th October and they are looking for organisations from across education and training to become one of their official Showcase providers at the event. Please click here to download the Support Guide and Application Form.
16/3/11 - QSR Reports and Methodology Update
The Data Service will be releasing the 2010/11 Period 06 Employer Responsive Qualification Success Rate (QSR) reports onto the Provider Gateway by end March 2011. The Data Service will also be publishing the new 2010/11 Employer Responsive QSR methodology on its website at the same time.
16/3/11 - Gov't Delays Apprenticeship Agreement Implementation
The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning (ASCL) Act 2009 comes in to effect on the 6th April 2011 and should have seen the introduction of a new and prescribed Apprenticeship Agreement that establishes on a legal basis the relationship between an employer and apprentice. The aim of the regulation is to ensure fair terms for apprentices and to strengthen the commitment of the employer over the duration of the apprenticeship and whilst this new ‘duty’ is well intentioned it did raise a number of questions in relation to the interpretation of some of the new terms of the agreement and how these might impact on businesses and indeed providers who would need to ensure they were statutory for new starts. ALP raised these concerns with BIS and NAS and a decision has been made to delay the introduction of the Apprenticeship Agreement until further notice. The NAS states:“The introduction of the Apprenticeship Agreement between an employer and an apprentice has been delayed to allow more time for employers and training providers to prepare for its introduction and to ensure that the prescribed form in which the Agreement must take is proportionate for business in terms of the cost implications. We will provide further updates once we have received notification from government officials on this at a later date.”
16/3/11 - NAS Creates New SASE Q&A Page
A new partner page is now available that addresses partner FAQs on the new Specification of Apprenticeship Standards England (SASE). Click here.
14/3/11 - Federation of Small Businesses Expo 2011
Members may be interested in taking part in the above employer event that is being held at the East Sussex National Golf Resort in Uckfield on Thursday 28th April between 10am and 5pm. The event is being marketed to over 30,000 business people across East and West Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Booking information can be found here.
14/3/11 - E Sussex Increasing Participation & IAG Conference
This conference, to be held in Eastbourne, aims to celebrate and raise awareness of successful strategies to increase participation in learning and provide details of the new statutory requirements for Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance. For more details and booking click here and for a conference programme click here.
11/3/11 - E Sussex Update on Connexions and Delivery of IAG
For an update on the latest position please click here.
11/3/11 - SFA Update - Issue 47
Click here. Covers FfE Employer View Survey, Learner Subsidies, Adult Discretionary Learner Support and more....
11/3/11 - Employer Responsive Performance Reports
All direct contract holders should have received letters from the Learning & Skills Inspection Data Manager at Ofsted announcing the publication of the 09-10 Employer Responsive Performance Reports or ERPR. These used to be know as Provider Performance Reports (PPRs). Providers should be aware that Ofsted are using 2 different sets of success rate calculations. These are outlined on pages 9 and 10 of the ERPR guidance document. It is important that providers know about this.
The reports can be found on the Provider Gateway, under document exchange, document list, PPR. Please contact Caroline Lewin with any queries.
11/3/11 - YPLA e-Bulletin - Issue 19
Latest news from YPLA. Click here.
9/3/11 - New £50bn Fund to Remove Barriers to Growth
A new £50m a year fund aimed at employers was launched today by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Skills Minister John Hayes to help businesses develop the skills they need to drive growth. Click here for details.
9/3/11 - Gov't to Launch 1,000 'Green Deal' Apprenticeships
Plans to insulate homes and businesses across the UK could fund more than 1,000 green Apprenticeships, the government announced today. Click here for details.
9/3/11 - The Wolf Report and Functional Skills
See this article from Guroo Ltd on how The Wolf Report relates to Functional Skills delivery. Click here.
8/3/11 - SCTP Members Start Work on New 14-19 Projects
Monday saw a training day held at Swim Uk in Brighton which brought together a range of training providers who are part of 3 LSIS funded 14-19 PRD Groups supported by SCTP. The common thread of the projects is apprenticeship progression from schools, from Foundation Learning and from sixth form colleges. The LSIS training day focussed on change techniques, project planning and the sharing of the innovative ideas that are driving the projects forward. For more information e-mail Paul Mitchell.
8/3/11 - Policy Watch - Making Sense of Wolf
Please click here to see this useful 2-page summary of the Wolf Report.
8/3/11 - Research Into Provider MCL Needs
ALP has been asked by LSIS to find out what the sector needs in relation to MCL (other than clarity about how it will be applied). This will enable LSIS to respond to those needs. To complete the survey please click here.
8/3/11 - OFSTED Launches New Good Practice Website Area
This new website area showcases good practice across the sectors that Ofsted inspects and regulates. The case studies focus on good practice that other providers can use to improve their work. The site will have examples from schools, adult learning and skills, and children and families services across the country. These case studies are written by Ofsted inspectors following a visit to the provider to investigate a lead about good practice, which has usually been identified during an inspection.Click here to access
5/3/11 - SFA Update Issue 46
Latest including UK Skills transfer to SFA, MCL letters, publication of sub-contracting list, World Skills 'Have a Go' campaign, FAQs on Skills Strategy and more....Click here.
5/3/11 - New Institute For Learning (IFL) Funding Arrangements
All teachers and trainers in the further education and skills sector will be asked to pay their own subscription fees from 1 April 2011. The standard fee will be £68 a year for Members, Affiliates and Associates, and £95 a year for Fellows. For the membership year starting 1 April 2011, IfL has negotiated a transition grant from the government, most of which will be used to give members an 18-month membership for the price of 12 months, which will also simplify membership payments in the years to follow. Toni Fazaeli, chief executive of IfL, said, “like many other professionals, including midwives, accountants and lawyers, teachers and trainers are required to be members of their professional body, and will now be required to pay their own fee.” For further information, please click here.
4/3/11 - New SCTP Member - Futures Training
SCTP welcomes Futures Training as the latest training provider to join SCTP. Futures Training is an independent Apprenticeship, Learn Direct, Train to Gain, DWP and Next Step provider with branches in Brighton, Bognor, Worthing, Hampshire and Northamptonshire. They cover the sectors of care, finance, retail and hospitality and more. We look forward to welcoming Stephen Burkes their MD to the next members meeting on the 31st March. For more information about Futures Training click here.
4/3/11 - SCTP MCL/Sub-contracting Training Session
29 members gathered at Rewards in Haywards Heath this morning to hear from Nick Linford, the author of ALP's Subcontracting Toolkit, who covered everything from latest Government policy on the implementation of Minimum Contract Levels (but we still don't know the answer to the 16-18 question) to the characteristics of robust partnership contracts. The slides from the morning will be circulated to members by e-mail in due course.
3/3/11 - Wolf Report on 14-19 education
This has been published today. Click here to view..
3/3/11 - Providers asked to declare MCL intentions
Please see these extracts from ALP published in this week's Countdown.
'Amidst ongoing confusion regarding the application of the SFA's minimum contract level (MCL) policy for 2011/12, ALP members were surprised to receive correspondence from the SFA at the end of the last week asking that providers confirm their new contract arrangements by 28th February. This is difficult for many in the absence of clarity about whether 16-18 Apprenticeship allocations, or YPLA providers holding SFA contracts, are in or out of scope.
We note however that the covering letter issued by the SFA asks providers to:
"... confirm your intended contract arrangements (including any request for more time, particularly for 16-18 apprenticeship providers and Local Authorities due to specific governance/contracting arrangements).......Although the decision on 16-18 Apprenticeships does remain outstanding, we would still like to hear from all providers in scope for MCL. If you are a provider of 16-18 apprenticeships please tell us your likely intentions."
From early reactions we anticipate that many providers will have availed themselves of the option to request more time to confirm intended contract arrangements, on the basis that decisions will be subject to the outcome of ongoing discussions as to what exactly is in or out of scope for MCL calculation purposes. At the time of writing, despite continued requests from all over the sector, no decision (clarifying MCL policy) has been forthcoming and no indication has been given of when this can be expected'.
3/3/11 - ALP Takes up Foundation Learning Issues with YPLA
ALP has set up a meeting with Peter Lauener, Chief Executive of YPLA, to discuss the widespread concerns of providers who are delivering foundation learning offerings to 16-18 year olds. The concerns were voiced again at this week at ALP’s board meeting and strategic forum, where many providers were concerned that they were unable to design the most appropriate support for many of their clients under the current funding regime. Reports are also now coming in of young people walking out of exams unprepared to cope any longer with what they considered to be a continuation of a school classroom experience similar to that which had failed to see them progress during statutory education. ALP Chief Executive, Graham Hoyle commented: “There are undoubtedly serious issues regarding the delivery of Foundation Learning to many of our most vulnerable young people and I am delighted that Peter Lauener is determined to personally understand the issues, in the hope of finding some solutions to what appears to be a growing problem.”
3/3/11 - NCFE February Newsletter
Information here from SCTP Associate Member NCFE. This update includes articles on NCFE's work on the Work Programme, Functional Skills and apprenticeships. Click here to read.
3/3/11 - Update on Changes to Careers Advice & Guidance
This is a useful 3-page update put out by the Local Government Association covering the changes to take place to the service during 2011-12. Schools will still be required to provide independent careers advice and guidance to all pupils (including apprenticeships and presumably FL) but the way this is achieved can be varied locally. Click here for the document.
2/3/11 - SCTP Members Gather for QCF Implementation Training
20 staff from 10 different SCTP member organisations attended this LSIS funded event at Plumpton College which forms part of their QCF Implementation Programme for Independent Providers. The training was delivered by colleagues from other providers and provider networks with the day being arranged with te support of ALP and RSM Tenon. Initial feedback was very positive with much discussion about the potential opportunity for selling QCF units to employers as a stand alone offer or as part of apprenticeships. Information from the day will be circulated to SCTP members soon. There is still an opportunity for all members to benefit from this LSIS programme which can also offer 1:1 bespoke support- please e-mail Paul Mitchell for details.
28/2/11 - NAS Launches SASE Implementation Webpage
The NAS has created a new webpage that will be of interest to apprenticeship providers preparing for new SASE programmes.
The NAS have published a spreadsheet to inform providers of the transition from the current 'Blueprint compliant' frameworks and the new 'SASE (Specification for Apprenticeship Standards in England) compliant' frameworks. The table indicates when the new SASE is made available by issuing authorities and the date when NAS and the SFA make the frameworks available for funding. There is also information regarding indicative funding rates, as well as timescales for the removal of current Blueprint compliant frameworks. This information will be continually updated as SASE compliant frameworks are added or current Blueprint frameworks are removed.
This will provide a central point to visit if providers want to know if their framework is SASE approved and also to download the framework. For further information from the NAS and to access the table, please click here.
28/2/11 - Institute for Learning - Changes to Subscription Fees
The Institute for Learning (IfL) has announced changes to its membership funding arrangements, as part of its transition to being a fully self-financed professional body.
All teachers and trainers in the further education and skills sector will be asked to pay their own subscription fees from 1 April 2011. The standard fee will be £68 a year for Members, Affiliates and Associates, and £95 a year for Fellows. For the membership year starting 1 April 2011, IfL has negotiated a transition grant from the government, most of which will be used to give members an 18-month membership for the price of 12 months, which will also simplify membership payments in the years to follow.
For further information, please click here.
28/2/11 - Employer Qualification Success Rate P6 update
P6 reports have not been published as previously advised (see 15/2 update). The data service website gives the following update re 'Employer Responsive Qualification Success Rate methodologies':
'The Timely and Overall methodologies for Apprenticeships and Train to Gain provision will be used to generate 10/11 quarterly reports, commencing at Period 6, 2010/11. The Skills Funding Agency is currently gathering and assessing any required changes, an exercise that is hoped to be completed early in the New Year. It is envisaged that any such changes will be minimal and the core calculation will remain unaltered. These changes will then be approved by the Data Harmonisation Group before being incorporated into the finalised methodology, which is likely to be published during March 2011'.
28/2/11 - Minutes of the E Sussex Adult Learning & Skills Partnership Board
This group meets 3 times a year to consider the state of adult learning and skills in the county. SCTP is represented so we are able to feedback in the form of the minutes of the meeting. All the main partners in E Sussex are represented including SFA, ESCC, Jobcentre Plus etc. Click here for the minutes.
25/2/11 - SFA Update - Issue 45
Click here. The update includes a link to a briefing on how ACTOR works; information on FfE Learner and Employer surveys; details of events relating to the Equality Duty; two new SASE compliant frameworks; details of EU funding via the UK Border agency; a QCF transition update and more...
25/2/11 - Information and Learning Technologies Conference
JISC Regional Support Centre South East is holding a WBL conference in London on 2 March. The aim of this conference is to enable Work Based Learning (WBL) providers - both independent providers and those in FE - embed technology effectively to cut costs and raise achievement. It will raise awareness of how ILT can improve employer engagement and demonstrate opportunities offered by web and mobile technology including Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) and e-portfolios. There will be the opportunity to see showcase examples of good practice in the WBL sector and to promote discussion on how to overcome the challenges faced by providers in view of increasing costs and reduced funding.
To book a place, please go to the RSC SE website by clicking here.
24/2/11 - West Sussex County Council Apprenticeship Video
West Sussex County Council has produced a video featuring two of the apprentices it employs. The video looks at the WSCC apprenticeship scheme and its benefits through the eyes of the youngsters. Please click here for the YouTube link. The video can be used as you wish as there no copyright restrictions. If you would like a WMV version, or flash version a DVD contact Chris Rider. If you found the video useful please let Chris know.
23/2/11 - Entries open for 2011 National Apprenticeship Awards
Click here for info.
23/2/11 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 18
All the latest from YPLA. Click here.
22/2/11 - Promoting HE to Advanced Apprentices
SCTP has been working closely with the Sussex Learning Network (SLN) to look at opening up realistic Higher Education opportunities for Advanced Apprentices. This has included work with universities in Sussex and colleges that deliver HE to sign up to a pledge that underlines the institution's commitment to recognise Advanced Apprenticeships as an entry route for relevant courses.
SLN has also produced a brochure which is aimed at Advanced Apprentices and their employers to encourage progression. To download the brochure and for more background on the apprenticeship pledge and the progression work that has been undertaken by SLN’s Centre for Work & Learning go to their website at www.centreforworkandlearning.org.uk/apprentices
22/2/11 - Moving to a Single ILR
The information authority and the Data Service are working towards a move to a single Individual Learner Record using XML. This will mean that providers are asked to send records for all their learners in a single file submission. Further details on what this will mean for providers can be found here.
22/2/11 - E Sussex, Kent and Essex LEP Board Papers
This Local Enterprise Partnership had its first meeting on the 24th January. Click here for the agenda and here for the minutes. SCTP continues to work with the training provider networks in Kent and Essex to ensure that the co-ordinated voice of work-based learning is heard by working through the FE representatives on the LEP.
22/2/11 - Functional Skills Newsletter - February Issue
This monthly newsletter from Guroo Ltd gives information and insight into the world of Functional Skills. Click here.
21/2/11 - West Sussex 14-19 Strategic Plan 2010-2015
SCTP has received a copy of the 5-page January evaluation of the above document which will be of interest to members operating in West Sussex. It summarises the key 14-19 priorities for the County Council and its partners and progress made towards these. Click here for the document.
21/2/11 - SCTP Foundation Learning Sub Group Meets
SCTP's FL members gathered in Worthing today to discuss all aspects of the FL programme. There was much concern regarding the fitness for purpose of FL in meeting individual learner's needs as well as a lack of consistency of information and support from YPLA. There was also concern about revised guidance being issued mid contract (see news item below from 15/2/11). The points raised by members will be taken forward to YPLA at the ALPSE 14-19 regional meeting on the 8th March.
18/2/11 - SE NAS Marketing & AV News - Feb 2011
Click here.
17/2/11 - SFA Update - Issue 44
Click here for the latest from SFA.
15/2/11 - QSR reports available to providers on 17th February
Please be aware that period 6 QSR reports for Train to Gain and Apprenticeships will be on the Provider Gateway on the 17th Feb.
15/2/11 - Foundation Learning and ASL Updates
YPLA has updated its FL founding guidance, FAQs and worked examples. Click here. An additional document from the YPLA regarding the recording of ALS funding on the ILR has also been made available. Click here.
15/2/11 - MCL Clarity Expected Soon
ALP, in it's latest edition of 'Countdown' states that it believes that an announcement is 'imminent' from the two departments (DBIS and DfE). ALP continues to apply pressure for the earliest possible clarification regarding the application of MCL policy.
14/2/11 - OFSTED Publish Academies List
OFSTED has made available a list of the schools that have been approved to transfer to academy status. There are none in Sussex at present but no doubt this will change. Click here for the list.
10/2/11 - Exemplas won't be a Work Programme Prime Contractor
Exemplas has notified SCTP that it is no longer bidding to be a prime contractor for the work progamme. An Exemplas source said that 'Whilst we have decided not to bid directly for the Work Programme, we are actively pursuing a strategy to build our supply chain and expertise as a Framework supplier, in both London and the South East'. This will be of interest to those providers that are seeking to collaborate with Exemplas on delivering programmes for the unemployed.
10/2/11 - SFA Update Issue 43
Click here.
10/2/11 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 17
For the latest from the YPLA including updated Foundation Learning guidance click here.
7/2/11 - Cable urges more businesses to take on apprentices
Ahead of apprenticeship week Vince Cable has given a strong message of support regarding the value of apprenticeships to indviduals and businesses. Click here for details.
7/2/11 - SFA Update - Issue 42
For latest information from SFA including QCF transition click here.
31/1/11 - SFA/YPLA Technical Briefing Slides
SFA and YPLA have been touring the country carrying out 'technical briefings' for providers on the latest policy and funding position. The slides from the London event from SFA can be viewed here, the YPLA slides here and slides from the UK Commission on Employment and Skills here.
30/1/11 - SFA Update - Issue 41
Latest information from SFA. This includes information on further indicative allocations (including 16-18 apprenticeships) to be issued this week; Q2 performance management; ACTOR & MCL; emqc being appointed to run Maxtrix Standard. For the update click here
30/1/11 - Deadline for Spring Awards Entries Extended
The closing date for the Spring Awards 2011 categories has been extended to 12pm on Thursday 3rd February 2011. This will be the final date. Entry forms for the awards can be found here More information can be found here . E-mail entries to anna@fesussex.org.uk
30/1/11 - YPLA e-Bulletin Issue 16
All the latest from YPLA. Click here.
27/1/11 - SCTP Members Meet and Elect New Board
SCTP members gathered for their bi-monthly meeting at Plumpton College. Members heard from SFA, NAS and ESCC, enjoyed a session on Information and Learning Technologies as also elected a new board of directors. The new board comprises Andrew Ayres (Indigo Skills), Jo Bridger (Campus Training), Paul Kendall (The EDF) & Connie Mahony (BHTA). The next members meeting is on the 31st March.
26/1/11 - SFA Update Issue 40
The latest from SFA includes a statement about 16-18 apprenticeships and MCL, Apprenticeship Awards, provider sub-contractor listings, news of changes to the Health & Social Care apprenticeship framework and more. Click here.
26/1/11 - SASE Published
The long awaited Specification of Apprenticeships Standards England has been published. This document is the template from which Sector Skills Councils will design apprenticeship frameworks. It has implications for the ventual delivery of apprenticeships by providers with indications of future requirements for guided learning hours, functional skills, ICT, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) etc. To access the document click here and press release click here.
25/1/11 - Ministers visit Brighton
John Hayes and Chris Grayling, Ministers for Skills & Employment respectively visited Brighton today and met sector representatives. The focus was on integrating employment and skills. Among those present was Sara Goldie of HIT training representing SE providers as the ALPSE representative. For full news of the meeting click here.
21/1/11 - NAS - South East Update - January 2011
Please click here for the update.
19/1/11 - SCTP Members frustrated by lack of clarity re MCL
SCTP continues to work with ALP at national level to try to get clarity over the application of the £0.5M Minimum Contract Level threshold. Whether or not MCL is applied to 16-18 provision including apprenticeships is in doubt and this uncertainty may have an impact on providers' plans for future contracting and collaboration. Members will be informed as soon as there is any further news.
19/1/11 - SFA Update Issue 39
The latest issue from SFA click here.
19/1/11 - YPLA e-Bulletin Issue 15
All the latest from YPLA. Click here.
17/1/11 - Darley Training Joins SCTP
SCTP welcomes back Darley Training and Beth Robertson to SCTP membership. Based in Eastbourne, Darley Training offers NVQ and Skills for Life learning with courses now including IT, business skills, qualifications in adult literacy and numeracy, customer service skills and more. Find out more at www.darleytraining.co.uk
14/1/11 - 1066 Enterprise Joins SCTP
SCTP is pleased to welcome 1066 Enterpise as an associate member of SCTP.
1066 Enterprise is the enterprise agency for Hastings and Rother, and the delivery arm for Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce. They have help those who wish to start up new businesses and also provide on-going guidance and support for established businesses. We will welcome Steve King at the next members meeting. Find out more at www.1066enterprise.co.uk
13/1/11 - SCTP Members gather for DWP Provider Network Event
30 SCTP members braved the rain and the fog to attend a networking event with large current and potential Welfare to Work providers at Hangleton Community Centre. 10 organisations that deliver programmes for the unemployed were keen to meet SCTP members with a view to exploring local delivery arrangements especially relating to DWP's work programme. This is part of SCTP's LSIS funded work to integrate employment and skills provision in Sussex. The response to the event has been very positive and heralds the start of a closer working relationship between SCTP and DWP contractors.
10/1/11 - YPLA Publishes 16-19 Funding Statement
As well as a funding statement, draft statutory guidance has also been published recently by YPLA. This is important reading for all FL providers and all providers delivering provision to 16-18 year olds. Click here to access the documents.
9/1/11 - SFA Update Issue 38
The latest update is here.
9/1/11 - LSIS Regional Update
This is the first regional update from the LSIS SE Regional Manager Pam Lumsden. This is a useful summary of all the support and funding opportunities that are available via LSIS. If SCTP can help in assisting you to access these opportunities please contact paulmitchell@sctp.org.uk. To see the update click here.
4/1/11 - LLUK/ALP Publish WBL Workforce Strategy
LLUK and ALP have agreed a strategy which commits the sector to developing an overarching set of standards to support staff development. However, with LLUK ceasing to exist after March this year it is unclear as to who will implement this strategy but it is a signal of the way forward. To see the strategy click here.
4/1/11 - SFA Update - Issues 36 and 37
Update 36 can be accessed here and includes an important letter to providers on quarter 1 performance and related actions as well as information on MLP and QCF. Update 37 is here and includes items on ACTOR registration extension, indicative funding statements, programmes for the unemployed, funding claims and audit returns for 2010-11.
23/12/10 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our readers!
More news will follow in 2011.
22/12/10 - MCL Toolkit Published
At ALP’s national MCL event in Birmingham on Monday a MCL toolkit was launched to help providers plan and implement collaborative arrangements. Please click here to access it and here to access the launch presentation slides.
22/12/10 - OFSTED Learning and Skills Newsletter - Dec 2010
This newsletter provides inspectors and stakeholders with information and guidance about OSFTED's inspection work in learning and skills. Click here.
19/12/10 - MLP Guidance & FfE Stats Published
SFA has published new guidance on Minimum Levels of Performance applying to the 2011-12 year. Click here. There is also a technical annexe here. The 'Measuring Quality' page of the SFA website can be found here.
Also, summary statistics for the Framework for Excellence 2010 have been published. Click here.
19/12/10 - Skills Conditionality Consultation
DWP & BIS have launched a consultation which seeks views to inform the implementation of Skills conditionality. 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. The training will include vocational, basic skills, employability training as well as support with softer skills such as motivation and confidence building. Views are sought on how this system could work most effectively.
17/12/10 - YPLA e-Bulletin Issue 14
Click here for the latest from YPLA. This includes details of regional YPLA/SFA provider briefings early in the New Year
16/12/10 - SE NAS Marketing & Apprenticeship Vacancies News
Here is the December edition.
16/12/10 - Functional Skills/Key Skills Parallel Running Extended
These arrangements have been extended until the end of September 2012. I'm grateful to Nicola Codd of NCFE for supply in a copy of a letter from minister John Hayes to the Federation of Awarding Bodies confirming these arrangements. Click here for the letter.
16/12/10 - LSIS Hot Topics Reginal Seminars
LSIS is working with the Association of Learning Providers to delivers 3 'Hot Topics' sessions in each region. The topics are Strategic Business Development (13/1), Operational Business Skills (10/2) and Managing Contracts Effectively (25/1). The seminars are to be held in Farnham, Surrey. For more information and how to book please click here.
15/12/10 - SFA Publishes Guidance Note 6
This long-awaited document can be accessed here. This is essential reading for SCTP members delivering adult skills and gives the latest information on the implementation of the Skills Strategy and Minimum Contract Levels policy.
13/12/10 - SFA Update on Matrix Accreditation Arrangements
Click here for latest position.
13/12/10 - SFA Update - Issues 34 and 35
Click here for issue 34 and here for issue 35.
8/12/10 - YPLA e-Bulletin Issue 13 - Includes MLP Increase!
The latest YPLA bulletin is available here This is notable for the inclusion of the new Minimum Levels of Performance including Apprenticeships (53%) and Training to Gain (68%). There is also an item on YPLA Financial & Audit returns and a reminder about EMA closure...and more.
6/12/10 - Period 15 Qualification Success Rate Reports Published
Period 15 QSRs for Apprenticeships and Train to Gain are now available on the Provider Gateway. This is the 09-10 year end final position. Providers need to ensure that they read the guidance notes as the reports have been updated and contain more success rate information than the period 12 ones. Any queries please contact Caroline Lewin SCTP's Associate leading on quality.
6/12/10 - SFA and YPLA Regional Provider Meetings
In January the two agencies are holding joint briefing events across the whole country covering the Skills Strategy (SFA) and Funding Statement (YPLA). The events are free with the nearest venues to Sussex being London or Winchester. Click here for more information and booking.
3/12/10 - DWP Publishes Work Programme Prospectus
The DWP has issued more details about the new Work Programme - click here. This includes information on:
- which customers will undertake the Work Programme and at what stage in their claim;
- the payments that each customer group will attract for being successfully supported into work; and
- measures the department will be undertaking to ensure Work Programme providers perform ‘to the required standards, and build appropriate relationships with local partners’.
This will be of particular interest to members that wish to work more closely with DWP prime providers and are attending the SCTP networking event on the 13th January - see news item below from 1/12.
2/12/10 - ALP MCL Networking Event
ALP and LSIS are hosting a national MCL networking event in Birmingham on the 20th December. For more details and booking info click here.
1/12/10 - SCTP DWP Provider Networking Event Announced
SCTP's work in linking its members with potential prime providers for the new DWP Work Programme has been making good progress and will culminate in a networking event on the 13th January 9.30-12.30 at Hangleton Commmunity Centre. A significant number of DWP providers are already committed to attend. This is an excellent (free) business oportunity for SCTP members that wish to get involved in delivering programmes for the unemployed. To book places at the event e-mail paulmitchell@sctp.org.uk
1/12/10 - Big Turnout For SCTP MCL Networking Event
34 people from 27 different providers attended SCTP's MCL networking event at Plumpton College. Initial feedback suggests that much useful networking took place. Thanks to all that attended. The event followed a record attendance at SCTP's members meeting with nearly 50 people present to hear input on the Skills Strategy and latest information from the SFA.
29/11/10 - Schools White Paper - 2 page summary
On the 25th of November we drew to your attention the Schools White Paper. A lengthy document - so you might appreciate this 2 page summary from Pearson's Policy Watch. Click here.
27/11/10 - OFSTED Annual Report
At 200 pages this gives a comprehensive overview of the outcomes of the year's OFSTED inpsections. Members will be more interested in the Learning & Skills section that starts on page 71 and even more specifically the Work Based Learning section starting on page 81. Click here for the report.
26/11/10 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 12
Latest on the schools white paper, clarification of FE funding arrangements, qualifications approval update and more. Click here.
26/11/10 - SFA Update Issue 33
Contains information regarding SFA/YPLA roadshows on the Skills Strategy and updates on the Framework for Excellence and more. Click here.
25/11/10 - Schools White Paper Published
The YPLA is to be replaced by the EFA - Education Funding Agency. For more on this and many other issues see the White Paper - click here.
22/11/10 - New Plan For Local Growth
Just catching up here with the Government's White Paper entitled Local Growth:Realising Every Place's Potential that was released at the end of last month. This is the paper that covers the approval of new Local Enterprise Partnerships and the workings of the Regional Growth Fund. It looks like there will be two LEPs covering Sussex. See more by clicking here.
22/11/10 - DBIS and DfE Business Plans
Rather than setting departmental targets the coalition Government prefers its departments to have business plans. These give a good indication of where skills and education will be heading. Fortunately, the London WBL Alliance has written summaries of both documents which can be accessed for DBIS here and DfE here.
22/11/10 - Next Step South East Newsletter - Issue 1 - November
Click here.
19/11/10 - SFA Update - Issue 22
Latest from SFA click here.
16/11/10 - DBIS Publishes Skills Strategy Documents
Today DBIS published 2 key strategy documents Skills For Sustainable Growth which can be accessed here with an executive summary here and Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth which can be accessed here. The ‘Skills for Sustainable Growth’ paper outlines the broad policy direction for adult skills. At 60 pages it is a heavy read but the executive summary at 16 pages is a good alternative and includes a useful summary of the key recommendations. The second strategy ‘Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth’ relates to funding and crucially deals with minimum contract levels, fee charging and funding eligibility, volumes and levels. The really important details are from page 21 onwards (MCL on page 22). A summary of the content of both strategies will be provided at the forthcoming SCTP members meeting on the 25th November and there will be plenty of time to discuss the implications.
15/11/10 - Worthing College Joins SCTP
SCTP's latest new member is Worthing College. A warm welcome to Paul Riley and his team who will attend their first meeting in January. Worthing College offers a range of post 16 courses including apprenticeships. For more information visit www.worthing.ac.uk.
13/11/10 - ALP's Response to Work Programme Enquiry
The Governement's Work & Pensions Committee is carrying out an enquiry into the potential contracting arrangements for providers for the new Work Programme. Here is ALP's draft response on behalf of providers. If any member wishes to add comments please e-mail paulmitchell@sctp.org.uk
12/11/10 - SFA Update Issue 31
This covers changes to Financial Management and Control Evaluation submissions, Approved College and Training Organisation Register - Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and Invitations to Tender, Declaration of sub-contractors, Employer Responsive provision and Large Employer Factor, Apprenticeship Standards in England and more. Click here.
12/11/10 - South East NAS News November 2010
All the latest from the National Apprenticeship Service. Click here.
12/11/10 - Freedom Leisure Joins SCTP
SCTP is pleased to welcome Freedom Leisure to membership of SCTP. Freedom Leisure is best known for running 22 leisure facilities in Sussex and Kent but also has a training arm to its operations. It delivers apprenticeships in Leisure Operations and Exercise & Fitness as a sub-contractor to the college sector as well as training courses in other related subjects. Find out more by going to www.freedom-leisuretraining.co.uk We look forward to seeing Graham Freeborn, Freedom Leisure's Business Manager at future SCTP meetings in the near future..
11/11/10 - YPLA Update Issue 11
This issue contains important information for Foundation Learning Providers re EMA, 16-19 funding, Section 96 qualification approval, ILR returns, provider data and final funding claims for 2010-11. Click here.
8/11/10 - SFA Update Issue 30
Latest information from the SFA. Click here.
7/11/10 - ALP Publish Minimum Contract Levels FAQs
ALP has published a useful list of questions and answers regarding MCL approved by the SFA. For these FAQs click here.
4/11/10 - ALPSE Regional MCL Event Cancelled
ALP South East the Regional Provider Network was to hold a regional MCL event on the 7th December in Guildford. We announced this via the site on the 29th October. This event has now been cancelled as ALPSE could not be confident that the new information requiredfrom the SFA would be available. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
3/11/10 - Deadline for 2009/10 Employer Responsive Period 13 ILR return imminent
The Data Service is keen to remind providers that the deadline for the 2009/10 Employer Responsive Period 13 ILR returns (W13) IS 12th November. This date is a ‘hard close’, so no further returns will be accepted after 6.00pm on 12th November 2010. To support providers in submitting their returns for this ILR collection, the Data Service will be extending its opening hours on the Service Desk. From Monday 8th November - Friday 12th November, the opening hours for the Service Desk will be:
• Mon - Wed: 8.30am – 6pm,
• Thurs - Fri: 8.30am – 7pm.
3/11/10 - EMAs abolished from the end of 2010
Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, the DFE website has announced that Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is to be abolished, to be replaced by an enhanced discretionary learner support fund. This new fund, it states, will be better able to target those young people who face a real financial barrier to participation. The full details can be found on the DFE website by clicking here.
1/11/10 - SCTP Members Shortlisted for Sussex Business Awards
Congratulations to Paul Smith and all at Brighton Swimming School for being shortlisted for the 'Innovation in Business' award and to Lynette Baldwin of Baldwin Training Centre for being shortlisted in the 'Business Person of the Year' category. For the full shortlist and more details of the awards click here. Winners are announced on the 2nd December - good luck to Paul and Lynette!
1/11/10 - SFA QCF Service Desk
The SFA operates a service which deals with queries relating to vocational qualification reform and QCF implementation. To contact the Service Desk e-mail qcfservicedesk@skillsfundingagency.gov.uk or call 08702 670054. The desk is open Mon-Thur 9-5 and Fridays 9.00-4.30.
29/10/10 - SFA Approach to Performance Management 2010-11
Please see the important information on this from SFA by clicking here as well as a summary of the detailed SFA performance management approach for 16-18 Apprenticeships in the South East here.
29/10/10 - SFA Update Issue 29
This includes information on the end of Train to Gain, Quarter 1 Employer Responsive data returns, 2010/11 Apprenticeship and Train to Gain Funding Requirements, Delivering Skills for Life Fact Sheet 4 - Recording Skills for Life provision, National Apprenticeship Service - marketing drive, t oolkit for Apprenticeship Week 2011. Click here.
28/10/10 NDAQ replaced by RITS
The National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) has been replaced by the Regulatroty IT System (RITS) operated by OFQUAL. The Register will list recognised awarding organisations and their regulated qualifications and also organisations approved as unit and rule of combination submitters for the Qualifications and Credit Framework. More information and FAQs can be accessed here.
28/10/10 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 10
Latest information from YPLA - click here.
26/10/10 - NCFE Joins SCTP
NCFE has become the first awarding body to become an associate member of SCTP. Members will be able to benefit from a closer working relationship with NCFE via the expertise of their representative Nicola Codd. Find out more about NCFE via their website at www.ncfe.org.uk
26/10/10 - SEEDA South East Skills Priority Statement
Click here for the document.
26/10/10 - SFA Update - Issue 28
Click here for the latest issue which gives information on the launch of ACTOR and releated provider action, FfE surveys, important information about the Employer Identifier Field on the ILR (which could impact on funding!), Learner Records Service Newsletter and more.
25/10/10 - Geoff Russell SFA CEO - Speech on the CSR
Click here for the script of a speech given by Geoff Russell on the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review on the sector. Thanks to Simon Baker for this information.
25/10/10 - SCTP Supports ALP Responses to BIS Consultations
SCTP has informed BIS that it supports the ALP responses to the two recent consultations. The ALP Response to the 'Simplifed FE & Skills Funding System' can be found here while the ALP response to 'Skills for Sustainable Growth' can be found here.
24/10/10 - Numbers of Older Apprentices on the Increase
Apparently there are now over 5000 'Silver Apprentices' with the oldest aged 76. Cick here for more from this Age UK article.
20/10/10 - Summary of Comprehensive Spending Review
For a 4-page LSIS summary of the main points of today's announcement click here.
19/10/10 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 9
Latest from YPLA - click here.
19/10/10 - Browne HE Review Published
This was in the news last week but here is a link to the full report and executive summary. Click here.
19/10/10 - SFA Update Issue 27
Click here for updates on data returns deadlines, ILR returns, ALS claims, Browne Review, ALR Funding Requirements and more.
19/10/10 - Provider Performance Reports Available
Provider Performance Reports for contract holders are now available on the Provider Gateway for 08-09. 09-10 will be there in February. Lead providers should have had a letter from Ofsted telling them which menus the reports for Apprenticeships and T2G can be found in.
Also the Framework for Excellence grades for providers in scope together with the guidance was published on the Gateway on October 15th. Members will also find the Framework For Excellence Outputs Guide useful - click here.
19/10/10 - Launch of the Centre for Work and Learning
The Centre aims to offer flexible higher education training solutions via Sussex colleges and universities. The launch event at the Moulsecoob site of the University of Brighton on the evening of the 9th November. Click here for more info about the Centre and here for a programme for the launch event..
18/10/10 - OFSTED Report: Learning from the best: examples of best practice from providers of apprenticeships in underperforming vocational areas
This good practice report examines the work of 39 providers of work-based learning, including independent learning providers, employer providers and colleges. These have been successful in providing apprenticeships in three currently underperforming vocational areas: hospitality, motor vehicle, and retail; and two historically underperforming areas that have improved to the national average in recent years: care and construction. The report describes the factors which contributed to sustaining high numbers, or increasing the numbers, of apprentices completing their qualifications, and to improving the time taken for them to do this. Click here.
17/10/10 - New pages added to SCTP website
This website has been improved with new pages offering information on useful resources, external services offered by 3rd party companies, a list of SCTP's official representatives, a glossary covering many of the sectors many acronyms and a page detailing any available and relevant people seeking employment in the sector in the form of a staffing pool (details to be added soon).
13/10/10 - SCTP MCL Networking Event Announced
SCTP will be holding a networking event for full members after the next members meeting on the 25th November 2010 between 1.00 and 3.30pm at Plumpton College. The expected implementation by the Skills Funding Agency of Minimum Contract Levels signals the need for greater collaboration between providers and the networking event will be a chance for all members to continue to explore how they might work in partnership. To book places at the event please contact annabarry@sctp.org.uk
13/10/10 - Creating Futures closure
SCTP is sad to report that SCTP member Creating Futures has ceased trading with the loss of over 120 jobs. For more information see the Evening Argus on line pages by clicking here.
13/10/10 - Sussex Training merges with Chichester College
This news item confirms that Debbie Ross of Sussex Training informed members at their recent meeting that Sussex Training had merged with Chichester College. The brand name Sussex Training would be retained. SCTP wishes both organisations and their staff well under the new arrangements.
11/10/10 - SFA Update Issue 26
Click here for latest from SFA including sub-contractor declaration forms, National Minimum Wage, Framework for Excellence scores and also guidance on what to record on the ILR when learning aims are not yet available on the LAD.
6/10/10 - SE NAS Marketing and Apprenticeship Vacancies News
Click here to view.
6/10/10 - WBL Good Practice Documents from OFSTED
OFSTED has just issued a document entitled 'Good practice in involving employers in work based education and training' which can be downloaded from here This includes the conclusion that employers benefit from better motivated staff if they get involved in WBL.
5/10/10 - YPLA and SFA Publish 2010-11 Delivery Plans
Click here for the YPLA plan and here for the SFA plan.
5/10/10 - LSN Publication on Understanding FL Funding
Members that deliver Foundation Learning might find this LSIS Publication helpful. It is entitled 'Understanding Funding When Developing Foundation Learning Programmes'. Click here to access.
1/10/10 - Geoff Russell Speech
Geoff Russell Chief Executive of the SFA gave a speech recently to a major conference in London. He gives an honest appraisal of how he sees the future for the sector. It's hardly cheerful stuff but perhaps essential viewing to help providers understand the current strategic landscape. Click here.
1/10/10 - SFA Update - Issue 25
This update covers Provider Performance Management, ILR coding requirements for carry-over and new start Train to Gain learners, Next Step adult careers service, Joint Investment Programme, College and public provider payment patterns, Qualification and Credit Framework – ongoing transition, Introduction of the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards. Click here to access.
1/10/10- Equality Act Comes Into Force
Today, new legislation comes into force. Employer's obligations will remain largely the same however the Act does strengthen some particular aspects of equality law. As a result, employers may need to reconsider some of their policies and practices. To access more information click here.
1/10/10 - LLUK - Qualifications Review Events Announced
Lifelong Learning UK, the sector skills council responsible for the professional development of staff working in the UK lifelong learning sector, is reviewing the qualifications for teachers, tutors and trainers. Events are being held across the country to allow the sector to input into this review. Click here for more information.
30/9/10 - YPLA e-bulletin - Issue 8
The latest update from YPLA can be dowloaded here.
30/9/10 - LSIS Hot Topics Seminars
ALP has co-ordinated the delivery of a series of WBL Hot Topic seminars in the South East. The subjects are Strategic Business Development, Operational Business Skills and Managing Contracts Effectively. The seminars are to be held in Farnham in Surrey. For more information and booking information click here.
28/9/10 - NDAC to be replaced by new qualifications register
From the end of October the National Database of Approved Qualifications (NDAC) will be replaced by a new Register of Regulated Qualifications. Ofqual has provided a useful set of FAQs which can be accessed here.
27/9/10 - SFA Update Issue 24
Useful information here including the replacement of the Qualified Provider Framework (QPF) with ACTOR the Approved College and Training Organisation Register. Also early news about Apprenticeship week. Click here.
24/9/10 - Smalltime Training Joins SCTP
SCTP welcomes Vicky Thomas and Nola Attwater of Smalltime Training, who offer work based childcare qualifications for learners of all ages. Based near Crawley, Smalltime is currently involved in Apprenticeship and Train to Gain programmes as a subcontractor and we look forward to welcoming Vicky and Nola to future Members Meetings. For more info on Smalltime click here.
23/9/10 - Over 40 members turn out for SCTP Members Meeting and SFA Briefing
There was a record attendance for yesterdays Members Meeting and SFA briefing held at Plumpton College. In the morning members heard the latest on Minimum Contract Levels as well as inputs from Jobcentre Plus, Business Link and the NAS. In the afternoon members heard the latest from SFA via Tony Allen and Hannah Caldwell. Their slides have been circulated to members. For a copy contact Anna Barry.
21/9/10 - ESCC Publish Apprenticeship Research Report
ESCC has asked the Learning & Skills Network to report on the pattern of apprenticeship provision in East Sussex and make recommendations. The full report can be viewed here and an executive summary is here.
21/9/10 - SFA Update Issue 23
Please click here.
21/9/10 - YPLA Support with FO1
ALPSE has contacted SCTP regarding the following offer from Rachel Whittington from the YPLA as follows:
'The YPLA has agreed to run an error check of early F01 returns for Foundation Learning. We hope that this opportunity to have data checked will reduce anxiety around the accuracy of the return and provide a one off opportunity for a ‘dummy’ run. As a result the YPLA have agreed to review any returns made by COP 8th November 2010 and provide feedback on common data errors and/ or any other issues that arise. Please note that this is a voluntary exercise negotiated with the YPLA in the SE on behalf of ALPSE members and is designed to reduce errors in the F01 return. As a result this should not be viewed as an additional or compulsory return'.
I hope this is of use to members that have YPLA contracts.
21/9/10 - Wolf Review of Vocational Education
The Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, working with BIS Minister John Hayes, has asked Professor Alison Wolf to carry out an independent review of vocational education. The review began in September 2010 with a public call for evidence and will conclude in early 2011 with the submission of a review report which will include practical recommendations on how vocational education can be improved. For more information click here.
18/9/10 - Maximising the Use of Sector Expertise - ALP Research Questionnaire
ALP is keen for providers to respond to this survey. The research is being funded by LSIS and aims to identify the independent provider sector’s capacity and preparedness for managing it's own self-improvement. It will help to inform Government decisions about the level of autonomy it gives to the sector. The focus of the research is employer engagement and leadership and management. The results of the survey will help ALP to:
- provide a snapshot of current expertise in the sector;
- identify the sector’s preparedness and willingness to share and utilise its own capacity and expertise to commission and deliver sector-wide improvement;
- provide a baseline against which to measure progress in sector practice and performance towards self-improvement.
Please click here to complete the online survey which will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and closes at 5pm on 4 October 2010.
18/9/10 - YPLA e-bulletin Issue 7
All the latest from YPLA. Click here.
18/9/10 - OFSTED's Learning & Skills September Newsletter
The latest news from OFSTED with a welcome section from Melanie Hunt their outgoing Development Director who will soon take up the post of Principal at Sussex Downs College. Click here.
17/9/10 - Minimum Contract Levels Update Part 2
For the slides presented by the SFA's Claire Arnold click here. See update Part 1 below for context.
16/9/10 - Minimum Contract Levels Update Part 1
A number of SCTP members and personell attended the ALP Minimum Contract Levels Seminar in London. Claire Arnold, Senior Account Director of the SFA confirmed that the '51% rule' had been removed Previously this rule had stated that lead providers needed to deliver at least 51% of their contracted provision. She said that this decision would be confirmed in a forthcoming SFA guidance note. Claire's view was that the MCL would be set at £500k from August 2011 but would rise each year and go as high as £2m within 3 to 4 years. It was thought that there is no intention on the part of YPLA to introduce similar MCL methodology for it's programmes. Claire's slides will be circulated to members as soon as received. There will also be a more detailed update at the forthcming SCTP Members Meeting on the 23rd September.
13/9/10 - Connexions Service - summary of current position
There have been many rumours about the future of Connexions and its staff. This Guardian article by Deirdre Hughes, president of the Institute of Career Guidance gives a useful summary of the current position - click here.
13/9/10 - SFA Allocations 2010-11
As stated in SFA Update 22, SFA have published the contract values for all colleges and private training providers. Click here for the link to the SFA website.
11/9/10 - SFA Update Issue 22
The latest SFA news including the latest on minimum contract levels, click here.
11/9/10 - ALPSE Seminar 'Success In Uncertainty - Life After Funding'
ALP South East has organised this free, all-day seminar in Guildford focussing on helping providers to develop their businesses away from a dependence on Government funding. For more information and details on how to book click here.
11/9/10 - East Sussex cancels Area Prospectus
East Sussex County Council has announced that the Area Propectus and Common Application Process will cease to operate in E Sussex from December 2011. Budget pressures have led to this review. The full rationale and exit strategy can be seen by clicking here. SCTP is currently seeking to clarify the position in W Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
10/9/10 - LLUK Reviews Apprenticeship Framework for Learning and Development
Lifelong Learning UK is currently seeking feedback on the proposed development of an apprenticeship framework for Learning and Development in England. To see their proposals and to take part in the survey click here.
8/9/10 - Equalities Act
The Government is implementing the Equality Act 2010 on 1st October 2010.
This Act provides a new cross-cutting legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all; to update, simplify and strengthen the previous legislation; and to deliver a simple, modern and accessible framework of discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.
The provisions in the Equality Act will come into force at different times to allow time for the people and organisations affected by the new laws to prepare for them.
It is very important that all providers are aware of the new act and the implications of the new legislation for them as an organisation.
Further information and guidance on the Equality Act 2010 can be found here
7/9/10 - SE NAS Marketing and Apprenticeship Vacancies News
August edition - click here.
6/9/10 - YPLA E-Bulletin Number 6
For latest YPLA news especially releavnt to FL providers click here.
2/9/10 - SFA Update - Issues 19, 20 and 21
Catching up with a backlog of improtant information from SFA. Click the appropriate issue numbers . Issue 19 , Issue 20 , Issue 21.
2/9/10 - JTL Training Joins SCTP
SCTP is delighted to welcome JTL Training as the latest members of the network. JTL is a national training provider for the building services engineering sectors and works with 3,500 businesses and supports 9,700 apprentices. Our contacts will be Mark Syrett (recently moved from Skillwise), Gerry Low and David Howells. We look forward to introducing JTL at the next members meeting on the 23rd September. For more information on JTL see their website by clicking here.
1/9/10 - DBIS Publishes Minimum Wage Q & A Document
As we know the National Minumum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is being introduced on 1st October 2010. DBIS has prepared a useful Q&A document regarding this which can be accessed here. Queries about individual cases can be put to the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368 or via the NAS or via Skills Funding Agency contract managers. More general information is available Business Link or Direct Gov websites.
31/8/10 - Sussex Launch Events for Next Step, the New Adult Careers Service
Launch events for the new service are taking place across the South East, the Sussex one being in Brighton on the 9th September - SCTP members are invited! Click here for info on the Brighton event.
31/8/10 - OFSTED Publishes Updated Handbook For Inspection
This handbook provides guidance on inspection for inspectors and will be of use to colleges and providers of further education; work-based learning; adult and community learning; and nextstep provision. Originally published in 2009 this is the revised edition for 2010 and can be accessed here.
27/8/10 - YPLA e-bulletin Issues 4 & 5
To see these click here.
20/8/10 - SCTP VAT Seminar 15th October
This seminar will enable members to learn from one of the top VAT consultants working in the Government funded training sector. Mike Payne of Grosvenor VAT Consultants works across the country with training providers large and small helping them to navigate the choppy waters of VAT. Click here to see the programme for the session which will run from 10am to 1pm on Friday 15th October at Rewards, Haywards Heath. Full Members £50+VAT, Associate Members £75+VAT, non-members £100+VAT. To book please e-mail Anna Barry at info@sctp.org.uk .
18/8/10 - SFA Seminar - Future Scenarios: Facing Up to the Challenges - 23/9 at Plumpton College
SCTP has been approached by the SFA to support a seminar for members regarding the major policy changes that are emerging rapidly from the new coalition government. The session will be led by Hannah Caldwell, our local SFA Head of Provider Accounts. The seminar will follow on from the morning SCTP Members meeting on the 23rd September and commence at 1.45pm and close at 3.45pm. Please would you notify Anna Barry at info@sctp.org.uk if you wish to attend. Bookings are limited to 2 per member organisation. This is a great opportunity to explore the major challenges and opportunities that are on the horizon for the sector and the impact that these might have on your organisations.
16/8/10 - 'Policy Watch' paper on the Skills Consultations
This is a 2-page summary of the main themes appearing is the 2 recent Skills Consultation Papers issued by DBIS in recent weeks. Although this makes little mention of one of the more important aspects of the consultation ie Minimum Contract , it is still nevertheless a useful quick analysis of the coalition Government's skills policy. To read click here.
13/8/10 - SFA Update Issue 18
Click here to read the latest issue.
13/8/10 - Latest Apprenticeship Delivery Stats from SE NAS
Here is the latest NAS report showing apprenticeship starts and completions across each local authority area. Click here.
12/8/10 - DWP Work Programme Consultation
The Government is consulting on how the new work programme, that will reform the welfare to work system, should be designed. There is a website dedicated to collecting views on this subject which can be accessed here.
12/8/10 - EMA Guidance Published
YPLA has published the EMA Guidance documents for 2010/11 which incorporates the loss of non-means tested EMA variants for young people - click here.
12/8/10 - ALP Pre-Apprenticeship Paper
This paper from ALP has been prepared to formulate the ALP position on the future of pre-apprenticeship or successor programmes and to subsequently influence the Government's position and future decisions. To read the paper click here and to submit comments click here.
6/8/10 - YPLA e-Bulletin 3
All the latest news from YPLA, click here.
6/8/10 - SFA Update Issue 17
To read this including the funding requirements documents for 2010-11 for Apprenticeships and Train To Gain click here.
4/8/10 - Skills Training UK joins SCTP
Yet another new member, this time SCTP welcomes Sue Brady, Graham Clarke and Melanie Hawman from Skills Training UK. As a prime provider for DWP programmes as well as a deliverer of Train To Gain, Skills Training UK brings an added dimension to the membership of SCTP with much potential for collaboration. To find out more click here.
3/8/10 - SE NAS Update from Regional Director
To read this useful update letter from Rachel McKellar click here.
3/8/10 - GrowTrain joins SCTP
SCTP welcomes GrowTrain as the latest new members. GrowTrain specialises in providing funded and commercial training for the Horticulture and Farming sector. Some of you will have met Graham Bryant at the last SCTP Members Meeting and we look forward to working with Graham and his colleague John Way. To find out more about GrowTrain click here.
3/8/10 - LSIS extends its accounts to sub-contractors
The latest LSIS newsletter announces that providers no longer need to a lead SFA contract holder to access the resource available by LSIS accounts. As long as providers are in the delivery chain for SFA funding they are now eligible. The accounts allocate a nominal cash value to be used a scredits against LSIS services. SCTP would recommend that all sub-contractors (and any lead providers that still haven't) take a look at the support available from LSIS and sign up for the account. Click here for the newsletter.
2/8/10 - SFA Update 16
For the latest issue, which includes the latest information on the Matrix Standard click here.
28/7/10 - SFA Guidance Note 5 Published
This is essential reading for all post-19 providers and 16-18 apprenticeship providers. It includes the latest information on minimum contact levels, new apprenticeship funding allocations, 2010-11 contract performance management arrangements and more. Click here.
28/7/10 - National NEET Conference, 11th October, London
For more information on this major conference looking at the NEET policy landscape click here.
28/7/10 - SFA Update 15
For the latest issue click here
28/7/10 - DBIS Consultations
Two important consultations have been announced one called 'Skills For Sustainable Growth' click here and one called 'A Simplified FE and Skills Funding System and Methodology for FE colleges and training organisations', click here. These consultations give important information on Government thinking regarding skills policy and funding as well as giving a chance to influence current thinking.
28/7/10 - Ministerial Appointment
Skills Minister John Hayes has had his DBIS reponsibilities extended to the Department for Education where he will be responsible for 16-18 apprenticeships and careers advice. For more on this item click here.
26/7/10 - Zenos IT Academy joins SCTP
Two new SCTP members in one day! (see below). SCTP is pleased to welcome it's 53rd member, Zenos IT Academy. Zenos specialises in IT apprenticeships and has over 30 branches throughout the UK including one in Brighton. We welcome Carleen Macdermid and Ben Jones who will be the Zenos personnel who will work most closely with SCTP and attend local events. Zenos achieved a Grade 1 at their last OFSTED inspection and have been featured in the recent OFSTED poublication highlighting best practice in WBL (see 22/7 news item below). To find out more about Zenos click here.
26/7/10 - The Miltary Preparation College joins SCTP
SCTP is pleased to welcome the Miltary Preparation College to SCTP membership. MPC is an e2e/FL provider specialising in preparing young people for a military career. Originating from Cardiff, MPC now has 9 centres across the country, 2 of which are in Sussex - Brighton and Eastbourne. SCTP would particularly like to welcome Tim Williams, Brian Edwards and Richard Burns who I'm sure willl be seen at SCTP events around the county. To find out more about MPC click here.
23/7/10 - Letter From Sue Sansom re 16-19 Funding
Following the announcement of the changes in YPLA/ LA funding responsibilities (see 21/7 news item below) Sue Sansom, Regional Director SE, YPLA has written to ALPSE to confirm the situation. Click here to see the letter content.Also, an update from the Department of Education released today summarises the recent changes and policy announcements in a 6 page document, click here.
22/7/10 - OFSTED Publishes Report on WBL Best Practice
This report showcases 12 outsanding WBL providers that excel at providing apprenticeships, NVQs and other vocational qualifications. If you want to see what excellent provision looks like have a look at the report by clicking here.
21/710 - YPLA to take control of managing 16-18 contracts
Details have been released on a major change in the role of LAs and YPLA in managing 16-18 provision with more responsibility passing to the YPLA. For details click here.
21/7/10 - ALP Conference - Slides from Presentations
You already have access to the transcript of John Hayes' speech to the conference (see below under the entry for 15/7) now we can make available the slides from the following presentations:
Peter Lauener - CEO YPLA - click here
Chris Humphries - CEO UKCES - click here
David Collins - CEO LSIS - click here
Christine Gilbert - HMCI OFSTED - click here
Martin Doel - CEO AOC - click here
Martin Dunford - Chair ALP - click here
Simon Waugh - CEO NAS - click here
Matthew Nicholas - Director Job Centre Plus - click here
19/7/10 - SFA Update - Issue 14
There is important information in here not least about the list from the data service of employers with 1000+ employees whose apprentices will be subject to a 25% funding reduction - plus a link to the FAQs regarding Guidance Note 4 - an important source of information on SFA contracting and contract management plans. Click here.
16/7/10 - 40 turn out for SCTP Functional Skills Session
Providers' concerns about Functional Skills implementation, although eased by the announcement in the previous item, were underlined by a large turnout for a FS workshop led by SCTP member, Indigo Skills and the LSIS Functional Skills Support Programme, held in Uckfield this morning. For more information on the support available from LSIS click here including forthcoming free online FS surgeries - click here.
15/7/10 - Deadline for Introduction of Functional Skills in Apprenticeships extended to 31st March 2011
This was the headline news from the speech delivered by Skills Minister, John Hayes to the ALP National Conference in London yesterday. For a full transcript of this important speech click here.
12/7/10 - SCTP members VT acquired by Babcock International
This won't be news to many readers of our website but I can confirm that the acquisition took effect today. We will see a gradual rebranding shift. SCTP welcomes Babcock to SCTP membership. More details can be found by clicking here.
12/7/10 - Report Published on Fee Charging in Further Education
To be precise this is the 'Independent Review of Fees and Co-funding in Further Eduction in England' prepared by ex-LSC Chair Chris Banks. The report contains recommendations for a series of shifts in funding of education for adults. To quote from the report...'this review is about ensuring there is a system in place to make sure that where individual adults and employers are expected to co-invest in their learning and in their future, this does indeed happen'. To read more click here - this link will take you to a report summary (14 pages) and the full report (102 pages) and a powerpoint presentation (13 slides).
10/7/10 - SFA Update 13
Latest information on subjects such as the Next Step Course Directory and ILR changes .....and more. Click here.
9/7/10 - Policy Watch: Fifty Days On
This is a useful 2-page summary of the Coalition Government's first 50 days in office and the policy direction that is being signalled for the education sector. Click here.
2/7/10 - SFA Update 12
Lots of relevant news in this issue - click here.
1/7/10 - Latest Regional Apprenticeship Stats from NAS
For starts and completions figures by local authoirty area (up to period 10 - end of May) click here.
1/7/10 - YPLA Updates 1 and 2
The YPLA has started to issue information bulletins which will be of interest to members especially for colleges and those delivering e2e/FL. Click here for issue 1 and here for issue 2 - which contains worked Foundation Learning examples and FAQs.
30/6/10 - SFA Update 11
For the latest news from the SFA click here.
29/6/10 - SCTP Functional Skills Seminar
SCTP, in response to member demand has arranged a Functional Skills Seminar for Friday 16th July, 10am - 1pm at the Wealden Skills Centre, Uckfield. There will be input from a provider that has been part of the Functional Skills Pilot Programme and input from LSIS. To book and get more information contact Anna Barry here.
Find out more about the national Functional Skills Support Programme click here.
29/6/10 - What is the Future for Programme Led Apprenticeships?
Thanks to Peter Weaver of GBCT for drawing our attention to this useful information from the national apprenticeship site which states:
'It is not the intention to fund any new Programme-Led Apprenticeships after 6 April 2011. In preparation for these changes, from August 2010, the NAS will only fund new Programme-Led Apprenticeships where the programme-led element is for a period of six months or less. Where a learner secures employment within the six month period that Programme-Led Apprenticeship can be converted into an Apprenticeship funded by NAS. However, NAS funding will cease at the six month stage for any new Programme-Led Apprenticeships contracted in 2010/11 where the learner has not been successful in securing employment'. Click here to go to the site.
29/6/10 - Apprenticeships Newsletter - June 2010
Some useful information here especially links to information of the new regulations for apprentices and the National Minimum Wage.
29/6/10 - What Does the Emergency Budget Mean For Education?
Click here for a useful 2-page summary from Policy Watch.
25/6/10 - SFA Guidance Note 4 Issued
Essential reading for all Apprenticeship and Train 2 Gain providers. Click here.
21/6/10 - SFA Grant Letter for 2010-11 Published
This is Vince Cable's letter to Geoff Russell the Cheif Executive of the SFA outlining the Government's expectations of the latter over the coming year. This gives a clear steer on the priorities set for SFA which include 'giving the sector the freedom to innovate and deliver what is actually needed by employers and learners, while challengning bureaucracy wherever it appears' as well as 'delivering a new sense of freedom, fairness and responsibility to our employers, learners, colleges and training organisations'. The SFA budget is also summarised. Click here for the document.
18/6/10 - Latest SFA Updates Numbers 9 & 10
Click here for number 9 and here for number 10. Number 9 contains for useful information on the future of Skills Accounts and also a KPMG report on potential changes to the skills delivery infrastructure.
17/6/10 - Letter from new skills minister, John Hayes MP
To be precise John Hayes is the Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning. This is a letter from the minister to the sector setting out policy and principles and some very interesting early announcements aimed at reducing bureaucracy- recommended reading. Click here.
16/6/10 - Albion In The Community Joins SCTP
SCTP would like to welcome Albion In The Community to membership of SCTP. As the charitable arm of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club AITC carries out a range of community based programmes and is about to become involved in apprenticeships as a subcontractor. Andy Alexander is our main contact together with his collegaues Matt Mead and Alan Sanders. Find out more through their website - click here.
16/6/10 - YPLA Publishes Guide to Funding Foundation Learning
Many of our e2e members have been wiaiting for this document which can be accessed here.
14/6/10 - SCTP Launches 2 new Sub Groups
In the last 2 weeks SCTP has set up two new groups to support its members. On the 2nd June SCTP's e2e members met at Sussex Training Worthing which has inspired a range of activities to help providers make the transition from e2e to Foundation Learning. Also, on the 4th June SCTP members that operate as sub-contractors met at Steve Willis Training to discuss experiences and actions relating to the current future operation of their business as sub contractors. Both groups have decided to meet again on the 21st July (Sub contractors) and 6th October (e2e). See the calendar page for more details.
11/6/10 - NAS SE Marketing and Apprenticeship Vacancies update
Click here.
10/6/10 - SCTP Members Scoop Regional Awards
SCTP members have won or been highly commended for, a range of awards at the recent SE Learning and Skills Awards. Congratulations go to Sussex Downs College, HIT Training, VT Enterprise, Chichester College, City College and PBL and to their learners and employers. The Sussex Apprentice of the Year, Andrew Simmons went on to win the corresponding regional award. See more, including event photos by clicking here.
10/6/10 - Michael Gove Letter to ED Balls
A fascinating letter from the Secretary of State for Education to Ed Balls outlining the spending and cutting plans of the Department of Education. This is useful to see the details of the cuts but also the style and approach that the new Governmentis taking. Click here.
10/6/10 - SFA SE Structures and Responsibilities
Some useful information here received via ALPSE. The document here shows the SFA staff and roles in the SE while the document here shows the various assigned lead responsibilities across the region.
9/6/10 - Updates on Foundation Learning
There has been a lot of new information emerging in the last week on FL. Two papers can be access here - firstly the notes taken by our ALPSE rep at the recent YPLA brieifing on FL for Local Authorities can be accessed here and the minutes of the recent national ALP Foundation Learning Group can be found here.
3/6/10 - Functional Skills Support Programme - May Newsletter
Click here for the newsletter.
1/6/10 - Review of the Matrix Standard
For information on this and forthcoming workshops please click here.
28/5/10 - Queen's Speech Details
Last Tuesday saw the announcement of the new Government's legislative programme. The Welfare Reform Bill and the Education and Children's Bill look like being the two bills most relevant to SCTP members although the Academies Bill, Decentralisation and Localism Bill and Public Bodies Reform Bill will also be of interest. Full details can be found here.
27/5/10 - Skills Funding Agency Update Number 8
This latest edition features confirmation of the movement of funds from Train to Gain and FE Capital funding. Click here.
26/5/10 - Policy Watch Breakfast Briefing Slides
The Pearson Research Institute Policy Watch team held a post-election briefing on the 24th May in London to brief the education sector on the policy changes - known and forthcoming - from the new Government. The presentation was was Steve Besley, Pearson's Head of Policy. Here are his slides which may be of interest.
24/5/10 - Government announces £6.2bn of savings
Statement from HM Treasury on where the cuts will be made in 2010-11. More money for apprenticeships though, 16-19 education spending protected. Future Jobs Fund frozen. Read all about it here.
21/5/10 - Latest Regional Apprenticeship Stats from NAS
For starts and completions figures by local authoirty area (up to period 9 - end of April) click here.
20/5/10 - Full Coalition Agreement Published
Today the Governement published their full statement on coalition policy. The Jobs & Welfare section (19) on page covers DWP programmes while the Universities and Further Education section (31) has one mention of apprenticeships. There is still little detail on skills policy at this stage. Click here for the document.
20/5/10 - Skills Funding Agency Update Issue 7
The latest SFA weekly update. Click here.
17/5/10 - QCF Business Benefits Newsletter from ALP
An interesting summary from ALP of the opportunities for providers arising out of the introduction of the Qualifications & Credit Framework. Click here.
16/5/10 - ALP statement on the new Government
ALP has issued a short statement commenting on the formation of the new coalition Government. Click here.
16/5/10 - Skills Funding Agency Update Issue 6
The latest SFA weekly update. Click here.
16/5/10 - Coalition Agreement
We're all waiting to see what the new coalition Governement brings, especially for the skills sector. Section 8 covers education but focuses on schools and higher education rather than skills. More information will be posted as it becomes available. Click here for the coalition agreement.
7/5/10 - Skills Funding Agency Update Issue 5
The latest SFA weekly update. Click here.
6/5/10 - Quality Assurance System for Post-16 Education and Training Provision
This 'Overarching Framework' document from DBIS sets out the latest on the new thinking for a co-ordinated qualify assurance system for post-16 learning. Click here for the document.
5/5/10 - East Sussex RPA Conference 10th June, Eastbourne
All SCTP members are invited to this event which focuses on the measures being taken to prepare for the Raising of the Participation Age to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015. This will have implications for the training and education landscape and ESCC have been carrying out one of 10 RPA trials across the country to prepare for this. More information and booking instructions can be found by clicking here.
3/5/10 - Functional Skills Support Programme - April Bulletin
Much information hear on the outcomes of the recent WBL seminars and a new publication looking at 'Functional Skills in Work Based Learning'. Click here
30/4/10 - Latest Regional Apprenticeship Stats from NAS
For starts and completions figures by local authoirty area (up to period 8 - end of March) click here.
29/7/10 - QCF Policy Update
We'll be posting uo these updates in future to help providers track information and plan for the introduction of the Qualifications and Curriculum Framework. Click here.
29/7/10 - Skills Funding Agency Updates Issues 3 & 4
The latest SFA weekly updates. Click here for Issue 3 and here for Issue 4.
27/4/10 - LSC SE Young People Strategic Analysis Report
Dating back to August 2009 this document gives an overview of the youth labour market and participation in LSC-funded training programmes aimed at young people. Not sure where this report has been hiding but its worth a look. Click here.
23/4/10 - YPLA Published National Commissioning Framework
This is the final version that describes who does what in the 14-19 funding system. Well worth a read to understand who the funding and who contracts for different strands of 14-19 funding and modest in length at only 20 pages. Click here.
16/4/10 - YPLA 10/11 Funding Rates Guidance now available
The YPLA has now published the 10/11 Learner Eligibility guidance and version 1 of the 10/11 Funding Rates guidance, which contains information regarding Foundation Learning rates in Annex D on page 26. Click here.
15/4/10 - NAS Invitation to Marketing Seminars
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) are inviting providers to attend a FREE one day seminar in Gatwick or Reading. The objectives of the day will be to showcase a range of promotional tools available, encourage the sharing of ideas and stimulate creative thinking in advance of summer campaigning. Click here for more info.
15/4/10 - Skills Funding Agency Update - Issue 2
Information here about SFA provider workshops for the new national Directory of Course Provision which goes live in August as well as web links to all the guidance notes issued by SFA so far.
12/4/10 - LSC Report - SE Young People Strategic Analysis
At 76 pages this is a weighty document but there are interesting sections on labour market and demography, participation and apprenticeships. Click here for the document.
10/4/10 - Skills Funding Agency - Update Number 1
The first of what will be regular updates from the Skills Funding Agency - click here.
7/4/10 - Latest Regional Apprenticeship Stats from the NAS
Figues on starts and completions and performance against LA targets for period 7 - to the end of February 2010. Click here.
7/4/10 - SFA Guidance Note 3 Published
As discussed a the recent members meeting the SFA has now issued guidance note 3. This is essential reading and contains information about allocations, funding rates, minimum contract levels etc. Click here to see the document.
31/3/10 - QCDA - Functional Skills Transition Update
This latest update gives information on the tranistion to Functional Skills within apprenticeships. Click here for the document.
30/3/10 - SE Regional Skills Priority Statement
SEEDA has published the above statement for 2010-11 which gives a steer on its prefered focus for activities which will also have an impact on what skills training is prioritised for funding. Click here for the document.
26/3/10 - Budget Announces Minimum Wage for Apprentices
For the first time, apprentice pay will be covered by the minimum wage framework. A new apprentice rate will be introduced at £2.50 an hour. It is thought that this change should make apprentice pay across the UK easier to administer and subject to better enforcement arrangements. For more information click here and for a supporting article from the guardian click here
23/3/10 - UKCES National Skills Audit Published
Attached is a Volume 1 of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills National Skills Audit Report. Volume 1 is a summary of the report (44 pages) which can be accesed here – there is a volume 2 running to 223 pages! Before you despair, you can access a short summary of the report included in a 2-page skills update from Edexcel - available here. The report is likely to underpin skills priorities in the future and impact on policy and funding.
22/3/10 - LSC Publishes Learner Eligibility Guidance
This document pulls together guidance on learner eligibility for all funding streams covered by the Skills Funding Agency and the Young Peoples Learning Agency for 2010-11. Click here for the document.
19/3/10 - Introduction to the new Provider Quality Assurance System
Moves are afoot to harmonise the various aspects of post-16 quality assurance as we move into the post-LSC area. This is one to watch and its worth reading this introduction to the proposed changes especially as this is aimed at WBL providers. Click here for the document.
19/3/10 - LSC March Skills Update
The latest and last newsletter from the LSC. Click here.
17/3/10 - SCTP Lead Regional Apprenticeship Profiling Project
SCTP is taking the lead in a project to help providers improve apprenticeship profiling across the South East. Working with the 4 other provider networks and the Skills Funding Agency each area will appoint a 'Profiling Champion' who will work with SFA and then hold development sessions for providers in the local network. For more information contact Paul Mitchell here.
16/3/10 - NAS SE Bulletin March 2010
To read the bulletin click here
4/3/10 - Latest DCSF Update on E2e/Foundation Learning Transition
Click here to see document.
28/2/10 - QCDA Functional Skills Transitional Arrangements Update
This update gives some useful information especially regarding the latest rulings on exemptions in apprenticeships. Click here for details.
26/2/10 - Functional Skills Support Programme - February Bulletin
Latest news from the LSIS Functional Skills Support Programme. Click here.
26/2/10 - SFA Shadow Operational Guidance 2009-2010
At 123 pages this is more of a reference document than a must-read but it'll give you some pointers about how the SFA will be managing contracts. Click here.
20/2/10 - NAS Apprenticeship Resource Pack for Schools
This will be of interest/use for providers and can be accessed here.
19/2/10 - Skills Funding Agency - Guidance Note 2
This guidance note provides information on the SFA's process for funding allocations for the 2010/11 year. Click here.
19/2/10 - YPLA and SFA Shadow Arrangements in SE
This letter from Marinos Paphitis LSC SE Regional Director explains to providers how the changes at the end of March with the demise of the LSC will be implemented. Click here for the letter.
15/2/10 - LLUK Impact of Standards & Qualifications Survey
LLUK is keen to hear the views of WBL providers regarding the impact of their work in developing standards for teachers, tutors and trainers has had on the sector. To take part in the survey click here
9/2/10 - SFA issues 2010-11 indicative contract allocations
SCTP is starting to get reports from providers regarding letters issued last week by SFA regarding indicative contract allocations for Apprenticeships and Train to Gain for 2010/11. It appears that some providers are facing extensive reductions in 19+ Apprenticeships and Train to Gain with 16-18 apprenticeship funding remaining flexible to demand. This reduction for 2010-11 comes as providers are already experiencing difficulties in meeting 19+ demand from within their existing contracts. SCTP is starting a dialogue with SFA on behalf of members and has requested feedback from providers on the impact of current and projected funding situation.
3/2/10 - E Sussex Work Experience Conference, Eastbourne
VT has offered an invitation to all SCTP members to the above event which is described as 'an exciting and informative conference for training providers and all school/college staff with responsibility for work experience'. There are some interesting speakers and it could be a useful networking opportunity. A fee is payable for attendance but there is a reduced rate of £60 for SCTP members. More details & booking information are here.
29/1/10 - NAS South East Bulletin Jan 2010
The latest update from NAS including a statement about age references in vacancy ads. Click here.
29/1/10 - Providers Gear Up for National Apprenticeship Week
With Apprenticeship Week starting on Monday SCTP members are involved in a range of activities such as Sussex Downs College's Apprenticeship Shadowing by Senior Managers - click here for details. A summary of South East events can be viewed here. If any other providers wish to show their apprenticeship week activities contact SCTP here.
26/1/10 - Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England
Just published by NAS, this is the first draft of what apprenticeship frameworks will look like in April 2011 - in the new QCF era. Some interesting stuff here and worth a look by clicking here.
26/1/10 - Lord Mandelson Letter to Providers
A warm welcome back from the BIS Chief setting the scene for 2010. Click here.
22/1/10 - ALP Response to the National Commissioning Framework Consultation
Useful information here giving ALP's views on the impact on providers of the proposed new Commisiong Framework including the new powers of local authorities - click here to read. For the full framework click here.
20/1/10 - Prepared For Inspection Course - New Date - 22/2
The original date (7/1) having been cancelled due to snow we have been able to rearrange this training course for Monday 22nd February, 9.00-4.30 at the LSC in Brighton. This session is not exclusive to the original providers that booked on the session - new bookings are also welcome - call 01444 259274.
15/1/10 - Apprenticeship Newsletter - Jan 2010
More here about the article below!
15/1/10 - £2.5K Grant for Employers recruiting 16-17 year old apprentices
More on this interesting NAS offer can be accessed by clicking here. Get in quick while stocks last!
14/1/10 - Conservative Party Education Policy
This is summarised by a transcript of David Willets' speech to the AoC conference on the 19th November - click here, and more detail on the Conservative's FEFC style funding model proposals can be found here.
14/1/10 - South East Learning and Skills Awards
Nominations are now open for these awards that celebrate the excellene in skills and the contribution of learners, employers and providers. Closing date for entries in 26th February. Let's get some Sussex entries in! More info is available here.
13/1/10 - LSC 16-19 Statement of Priorities and Investment Strategies
Published in the last few days this gives a summary of the Government's plans for 16-19 learning and associated funding priorities. Worth a look by clicking here.
13/1/10 - Identifying & Managing Underperformance Guidelines for 2010-11
These have just been published by the LSC and be found by clicking here.
7/1/10 - NAS South East Bulletin - December
Click here.
7/1/10 - Brighton & Hove Council Apprenticeship Strategy Launch
The City's new Apprenticeship Strategy will be launched on 27th January at the Brighton Dome (5.00-8.00pm). Providers and employers are welcome and can register to attend and find more information by clicking here.
7/1/10 - SCTP AGM Notification Issued
Papers for the AGM on the 28th January were issued to full members yesterday by e-mail. If for any reason these were not received please e-mail here.
6/1/10 - Prepared For Inspection Training Course Cancelled
In view of the current and forecast weather the above course due to take place on the 7/1 has been cancelled. The course will be rearranged at a convenient future date.
21/12/09 - DWP Publishes 'Investing In Potential'
An adjunct to the Employment White Paper, this DWP/DCSF/BIS Paper identifies 10 key activities to help more 16-24 yr olds participate in learning and/or training. To view the document click here
21/12/09 - DWP Publishes 'Building Britain's Recovery' White Paper
The latest DWP Employment White Paper commits to getting one million more people, mostly the young and those in receipt of benefits, back into work over the next 5 years. To view the full document click here For the Executive Summary click here.
17/12/09 - LSC Skills Update November/December 2009
The latest marketing activity summary from the LSC. Click here.
16/12/09 - Slides from SFA Provider Briefing (14/12/09)
Slides from this informative event are available by clicking here.
15/12/09 - SCTP Provider Forum - 25th February 2010
The latest meeting of this new forum will be held at Heathercroft Training in Eastbourne between 2-4pm on the 25th February 2010. The forum is designed to allow SCTP's Executive Director, Paul Mitchell to meet providers so that members can bring to SCTP their ideas, concerns and areas for development - SCTP can then respond with the appropriate support. Members don't have to join the group on a permanent basis - just turn up, but as we are limiting the attendance at each Provider Forum to 8 people we do need to ask you to book in advance by clicking here.
14/12/09 - SMART Training Joins SCTP
We're pleased to welcome SMART training as the latest training provider to join SCTP. After attending the November members meeting as a guest, SMART went ahead with their application - so we're delighted that they liked what they saw! SMART Training is a national independent training provider focusing primarily on the hospitality sector. To find out more click here.
10/12/09 - SCTP Functional Skills in WBL Training
SCTP is pleased to announce a Functional Skills Training Session to take place after the SCTP Members Meeting on the 28th January. This will run from 2.00-4.30 at Plumpton College. The session will address issues surrounding the replacement of key skills with functional skills in work based learning programmes from September 2010 and help members to prepare and plan for the transition. The cost of the session is £50 + VAT for full members and £70 + VAT for associate members. Please book your places by clicking here.
4/12/09 - The Data Service
The Data Service is being established as the key contact point for the data needs of all providers. It will provide your one stop shop for all data issues in the future at http://www.thedataservice.org.uk The data service will also take over the management of the Provider Gateway and be an important source of information of success rates. It is important that the Data Service knows who you are and has the right contact details. Click on this link to find out more about registration http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/News/news_contact_ds_and_ia.htm.
30/11/09 - Latest Apprenticeship Performance Stats from NAS
Period 3 performance data for the Region and by Local Authority area is available here.
30/11/09 - NAS Information on National Apprenticeships Week
To see a briefing for providers click here and for the South East Activity Schedule click here. Apprenticeship Week is the first week in February.
26/11/09 - Sussex Providers Open Dialogue with NAS and SFA
At SCTP's members meeting on the 26th November members entered into a lively, open discussion with representatives of both SFA and NAS which will hopefully signal the way ahead to clear and productive working relationships for the future. This included an in-depth discussion about the implications of the Skills For Growth White Paper and the Skills Investment Strategy.
24/11/09 - SCTP announces Prepared for Inspection Training
In response to requests from members, SCTP is organising a Prepared for Inspection Workshop which will be run by LSIS. It is an all day event and will take place at the LSC in Brighton on the 7th January. The day will be crucial for all providers in planning for OFSTED inspection. Recent feedback from providers suggests that it is essential to understand all the requirements of the Common Inspection Framework especially the impact of the focus on Safeguarding and Equality & Diversity as limiting grades. The price for this session will be £50+VAT for full members. To book click here
18/11/09 - BIS Publishes Skills Investment Strategy 2010-11
More from BIS. This time on the post-19 spending plans via SFA. Click here
17/11/09 - SCTP Meet The Provider Event Takes Place in Uckfield
On the 12th November, 21 SCTP members gathered to speed network with key contacts from Business Link, NAS, Local Authorities and DWP lead providers. Organised by SCTP and Business Link, it was a morning of intense conversation and swapping of business cards that will hopefully lead to business benefits for all participants. Thanks to Business Link for supporting the event.
16/11/09 - National Commissioning Framework Published
The long-awaited document that outlines how the new agencies in the skills arena will operate. What will the powers and functions of LAs, SFA, YPLA be? Click here to find out.
12/11/09 - ASCL Bill goes through
The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill has passed into law paving the way for the dissolution of the LSC and the Machinery of Government changes to take effect. Click here for more info.
11/11/09 - BIS Publishes Skills For Growth White Paper
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills published its Skills For Growth White Paper. This is an important document for providers as it signals this Government's skills priorities. At 74 pages it's a long read but the executive summary is only 16 pages and is worth looking at if only for the heavy emphasis on expanding advanced apprenticeships and a move away from using qualification 'bean counting' as the only measure of the effectiveness of the skills system. Click here
10/11/09 - SFA Skills Investment Strategy Briefing 14th December
The SFA has announced that it will be holding the above event on 14 December at the Sandown Park Racecourse. Further information will follow.
6/11/09 - Government relents on all pupils receiving information in schools about Apprenticeships
Good news! ALP confirmed in Countdown (Issue 443) that the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill will require ALL pupils in secondary schools to receive information about Apprenticeships. Previously, the requirement in the Bill was for this information to be given 'only if it was in the best interests of the pupil'.
4/11/09 LSC Funding Guidance Update
The LSC has issued an updated version of its 2009/10 funding guidance (version 4.2) with amendments to Principles, Rules and Regulations, ILR Funding Claims and Audit Returns (main document and annexes) and ILR Funding Compliance Advice and Audit Guidance for Providers (Annex L).
For the document click here.
30/10/09 - LSC Skills Update for October
Click here for the update which contains useful marketing information.
28/10/09 - SCTP announces QCF Training Session 3/12
The introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework is set to have a major impact on how training providers deliver their services and how they are funded. In response to increasing demand from members for expert, local input on this subject SCTP has arranged a QCF training session details of which are as follows: Date: 3rd December 2009. Time: 9.30-12.30. Venue: LSC, Brighton. Trainer: Anne Cheyne, LSIS. Price: £50+VAT for full members, £75+VAT for associate members. Target audience: All members. To book click here
27/10/09 - LSC Briefing Note on Term Time Only Contracts For Apprenticeships
This clarifies the position for apprentices employed in schools and colleges on term time only contracts. Click here.
26/10/09 - Apprenticeship Vacancies On Line October Bulletin
Click here to access.
21/10/09 - Date for National Apprenticeship Week Confirmed
NAS has confirmed that this will go ahead for the week beginning Monday 1st February. More information is available here.
19/10/09 - Skillwise Joins SCTP
SCTP welcomes Skillwise to associate membership of SCTP. SkillWise has been developing technology-based solutions for the training and educational markets since 1997. Its delivers software products to support the assessment and management of NVQs/apprenticeships, and e-learning content development. Find out more about Skillwise here.
15/10/09 - New Guidance On Equality & Diversity Practices
The LSC and LSIS have jointly published new guidance for FE Colleges and Independent Providers to help them self-assess Equality & Diversity. To see the guidance click here.
11/10/09 - Hill McManus Joins SCTP
SCTP welcomes Hill McManus Ltd who are the latest training organisation to join the fold. Hill McManus Ltd is a specialist Adult Education training provider based in Hastings - their training is mainly government funded and provided in a range of locations across the South East Region. Check them out at www.hillmcmanusltd.co.uk/
9/10/09 - Meet The Providers Event - 12/11/09
SCTP has announced an exciting promotional opportunity for its providers being organised in conjunction with Business Link. The event will allow members to promote their businesses to key partners and intermediaries namely Business Link Skills Advisers, Local and Regional National Apprenticeship Service Employer Team, Job Centre Plus staff, Local Authority 14-19 Co-ordinators.
The venue is Uckfield Civic Centre with the event taking the form of 'speed dating' style conversations. The event will open at 9.30 and close at 12.30 and is open to all members at a cost of £50+VAT per member organisation. Please reply now to reserve a place as numbers will be limited, with places being allocated on a first come first served basis. Please click here to book.8/10/09 - LSC Publishes 16-18 Apprenticeship Data by Local Authority
This is essential reading for providers. A report has been produced by the LSC for each Local Authority area showing data on 16-18 apprenticeships undertaken by residents living in each LA area. The breakdown is by provider, framework and much more. The reports can be accessed via the ALP SE website by clicking here. SCTP will be working with NAS and the LAs regarding the use and interpretation of this data.
7/10/09 - SCTP Provider Forum - 26th October 2009
The first meeting of this new forum is designed to allow SCTP's Executive Director, Paul Mitchell to meet providers so that members can bring to SCTP their ideas, concerns and areas for development - SCTP can then respond. Each Provider Forum will take place in a different part of Sussex with members leading the items for discussion. The first of these bi-monthly meetings is on Monday 26th October, 10-12 at Northbrook College, West Durrington Campus, Worthing. Members don't have to join the group on a permanent basis - just turn up, perhaps to your most local meeting, but as we are limiting the attendance at each Provider Forum to 8 people we do need to ask you to book in advance by clicking here.
6/10/09 - QCF Training Opportunities
LSIS has launched a number of training opportunities for providers including a 3 -day training programme and one day conference - all in London - all in October. Click here for details. SCTP will be organising some local QCF events in the near future.
3/10/09 - Latest LSC Funding Guidance Update
For latest update (version 4.1) click here.
1/10/09 - NAS Apprenticeship Vacancies Online Bulletin - Sept
Click here to read the latest news including the new contract clause requiring providers to use the service.
25/9/09 - ALP puts the provider case over Train To Gain funding
ALP issued a press release this week regarding the above issue. This press release was born of frustration at a lack of progress with discussions with the LSC and BIS - the ALP press release can be viewed here and the LSC response here.
25/9/09 - LSC Skills Update - September
Latest news on the marketing of skills across the country by the LSC. Click here.
23/9/09 - SCTP Business Plan Issued
An Executive Summary of SCTP's 2009-2012 Business Plan is now available by clicking here. If you have any comments contact SCTP by clicking here.
22/9/09 - NAS Letter re Interim Apprenticeship Contract Management Arrangements
To see the letter from NAS Regional Director, Rachel McKellar, click here.
21/9/09 - LSC Sussex Train To Gain Provider Briefing
Slides from presentations from the briefing held on the 18th September can be found by clicking here. Recommended reading for T2G providers!
10/9/09 - E Sussex CC Latest 14-19 Newsletter
Attached is the latest 14-19 newsletter from East Sussex County Council. This gives an update on 14-19 issues and developments that will also apply in principle to Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. It's worth a quick read! Click here.
10/9/09 - Launch of e-learning from the LSC's Data Service
Following meetings and discussions with Providers, which included representation from the LSC, FE Colleges and Training Providers, the Data Service will be launching its first e-learning module on 25th September 2009.This e-learning module will provide an overview of the ILR; the importance of submitting good quality data and 2009/10 ILR changes. This will act as a support tool to the ILR guidance manuals already available to Providers. Click here for more information.
5/9/09 - Latest News for E2E Providers
Providers will be interested in the following: click here for an e2e Update from the LSC for 2008/9 and 2009/10 from Rob Wye and David Russell, sent by Chris Piper - many of you may have received this already.
Also click here for a letter sent to Local Authorities by the DCSF re the introduction of the Foundation Learning Tier.
29/8/09 - World Class Skills Programme- More events to support providers
The second year of this programme is getting underway with a range of events taking place on a wide range of subjects such as employer engagement, marketing strategies and TQS. For more information click here
28/8/09 - New OFSTED Inspection Framework Announced
The new Ofsted framework for inspecting further education establishments applies to all FE-system provider bodies, and replaces all previous such guidance, and comes into force as of 1 September 2009. The framework itself is to be found here and inspection handbook here
28/8/09 - NAS announces AVOL Contract Clause
Please click here to see the a paper from the NAS regarding the 2010/2011 Providers Contract Clause for Apprenticeship Vacancies Online (formerly known as VMS).
26/8/09 - SCTP's 50th Member Signs Up!
SCTP's 50th member is 'CAATS' - Complete Assessment and Training Solutions. There is a familiar face at CAATS namely Vaughan Leyshon, Partnerships and Quality Director who used to work for the LSC. CAATS is a national provider specialising in security, spectator safety, car parking and facilities management. CAATS is involved in Train to Gain delivery in Sussex. It would welcome the opportunity to work with other providers and share good practice around NVQ and short course delivery and would also welcome the opportunity to deliver in partnership with other providers.
24/8/09 - Conservative Party Education Policy Update
Click here for Edexcel's 'Policy Watch' briefing.
6/8/09 - Baldwin Training Centre Gains Beacon Status
Congratulations to SCTP members Baldwin Training and to Lynette and Andrew Baldwin and all their staff on the achievement of Beacon Status which was awarded at a recent ceremony in London by Minister for Further Education, Kevin Brennan. He stated that “This is an outstanding achievement. In today’s economic climate, the more we can all do to promote and celebrate the excellence that exists in further education and skills, the better. I expect all Beacons to work with LSIS to share their expertise and good practices to help drive up the performance of the whole sector to the high level that they have attained. Our students, learners and employers deserve nothing less.”
3/8/09 - NAS Clarifies role of Local Authorities in Apprenticeship Commissioning
Click here to see a copy of a letter from the NAS to ALP that clearly states that LAs will not have a direct role in selecting apprenticeship contractors.
3/8/09 - NAVMS changes name as match number increase
According to ALP's Countdown NAVMS or VMS has now become AVOLS the Apprentice Vacancies On-Line Service. 100,000 people have resistered nationwide and the number of successful matches of applicants to vacancies is up to 800.
3/8/09 - NAS Guidance to Providers on Redundant Apprentices
To see this update click here.
29/7/09 - National Vacancy Service - latest figures from NAS
Click here for the latest South East figures to the end of June.
24/7/09 - Paul Mitchell becomes SCTP Executive Director
Please see a letter to SCTP members from Chair, Connie Mahony by clicking here.
21/7/09 - Issue 3 of Schools Local Apprenticeship Update
FE Sussex/SCTP have just issued the third info update to schools which can be viewed here
9/7/09 - Welcome to 3 new members!
SCTP welcomes The Crew Club, Phoenix 4 Training and Kaplan Financial to SCTP membership. Details of these organisations can be found via links on the members page. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at the next members meeting on the 24th September.
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. North East Area Professional Centre in Crawley.
