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.
New City College is celebrating a landmark achievement after being named winner of the Education for Sustainable Development category at the prestigious Association of Colleges…
A national training programme designed to upskill construction educators in retrofit and sustainable building and address the sector’s skill shortage has been brought to England for the first time by leading social housing…
The inspection finds apprentices are thriving in their training at NCC, they progress quickly and feel confident in applying their skills in training and at work. The Construction…
Something significant is happening in UK policy. Within the space of a few months, three major documents have landed that together represent the most substantial…
Further education (FE) and skills could well be described as the best-kept secret of England’s education system. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people study,…
Welcome to FE Soundbite Edition 836: 28th February 2026 | Big announcements this week on NEETs, SEND reform and the Schools White Paper… but hidden…
A WELSH Government Minister visited Coleg Cambria to see first-hand how a major new skills partnership – the Advanced Skills Hub (ASH) – is set…
For the first time, the sector came together to celebrate the Sector Supplier Awards, recognising the people and teams whose expertise, technology, and support enable providers…
The Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, alongside the SEND consultation Putting Children and Young People First, represents the most ambitious overhaul of…
Adults in prison who were previously in care show higher rates of neurodisability traits and life adversity, including homelessness, substance use and unemployment. These overlapping…
Please confirm you want to block this member.
You will no longer be able to:
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
