There is a persistent and costly misunderstanding at the heart of workforce design in Further Education. We continue to measure people against roles that were...
The quality of initial teacher training (ITT) in further education (FE) is again under review, but this time with a sharper regulatory edge. From 2026,...
At Milton Keynes, we were the first FE College Group in the country to receive the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) inspection, and I’m delighted to...
Geoffrey Hinton and I have something in common. We both studied and worked in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence department at the University of...
In 2026 the job market feels uncertain for many people entering the workforce. The UK unemployment rate has risen to a near five-year high. At...
Rising youth unemployment highlights growing complexity for practitioners. This article explores how recent reforms, system challenges and frontline insight shape what’s needed to support young...
Skills shortages in construction are not a new problem. For at least ten years, we have been grappling with this issue, and the CITB is...
The need for a third post-16 Level 3 pathway, providing a middle ground between A Levels and T Levels, has long been clear. The dual-track...
Could you get a hot meal for £2.61? That’s what the government are expecting colleges to do by freezing the funding for free meals for the poorest students. The reality...
The Department for Education has now published more of its policy decisions that shape the future for technical qualifications at Level 3 and below in...
This is the Skills and Apprenticeships News category page on FE News. This is a page that has pooled together thought leadership articles and videos from influencers and key decision makers discussing future skills policy, how skills can solve the productivity puzzle, the latest developments in Apprenticeships and skills for the jobs of the future and how technology is transforming the core or essential skills for the jobs of the future as we are now in the fourth industrial revolution. Here is the place to explore the latest ideas and skills strategies from leaders across the World of Further Education, Skills and Apprenticeships.
So if you are interested in finding out the latest strategies, expert opinions and developments from the Apprenticeship Levy, to the Growth and Skills Levy News, APAR, lifelong learning, micro-credentials, Degree apprenticeships or qualification reform and skills policy news. Then you are in the right place. Check out the latest opinion pieces, thought leadership, videos and skills strategies from experts across the World of Apprenticeships, Skills and Work Based Learning. FE News is a platform, so the thought leadership articles are from actual Apprenticeship industry professionals, rather than through the lens of a reporter or editor. This is why the content on FE News is truly the voice of the FE and Skills Sector.
Apprenticeships provide talent pipelines with in-demand skills crucial for future growth. Work-integrated learning moulds adaptable workers as jobs evolve. Apprentices gain relevant experience by bypassing graduate skills gaps. Custom programs matched to business priorities also promote diversity and social mobility. Competency measures further shift focus to capabilities over qualifications. Government incentives and industry partnerships in areas with acute shortages reinforce the value of developing talent via apprenticeships at all career stages.
Evaluate skills gaps and ageing. Build versatility in digital, data, and regulatory domains to minimise shortage risks and keep institutional knowledge despite turnover. Also, focus on inclusive leadership.
Automation and AI first policies will transform most jobs, prioritising human skills in problem-solving across disciplines. Human creativity, empathy and teamwork will productively integrate with efficiency. Technical skills should connect humanities and STEM.
Skills audits, micro-learning, and mentor guidance enabled through internal job rotations and external partnerships. Leaders should exemplify continuous learning. Incentivise upskilling via subsidised classes in emerging domains. Promote peer coaching too.
Discover more insights and strategies on FE skills and apprenticeships by exploring our latest articles, videos, and resources below.
There is a persistent and costly misunderstanding at the heart of workforce design in Further Education. We continue to measure people against roles that were…
Leeds College of Building (LCB) is a finalist for 13 awards across ten categories at this year’s West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. The annual awards event…
Northern Regional College is celebrating the outstanding success of Carrickfergus apprentice Paula Bamford, who has been named Apprentice of the Year at the NI Apprenticeship…
The government is capping the maximum interest rates on Plan 2 and 3 student loans at 6% from 1 September, for the 2026/27 academic year, delivering…
Work based learning provider Cambrian Training Company has expressed pride in topping the charts for apprenticeship framework success in Wales, especially as it works in…
Geoffrey Hinton and I have something in common. We both studied and worked in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence department at the University of…
Welcome to FE Soundbite Edition 841: 4th April 2026. Is £307 Million Enough to Maintain 175 College Estates? Or is it like the £2.61 per…
The Open University will lead in driving a new wave of innovation across the central area of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, including Milton Keynes, Bedford…
Work based learning provider Cambrian Training Company has expressed pride in topping the charts for apprenticeship framework success in Wales, especially as it works in…
I was among the cleaning and hygiene sector staff who celebrated when we won approval for the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship. This was…
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