The publication of the Milburn interim review on young people and work arrives at an important moment for England’s education, employment and skills system. With...
Something struck me recently at the Breaking Barriers / NEET Collective, held in central London on 2nd June 2026 - a FE News and Edge...
Recently, I visited PET-Xi in Coventry, and I left with a feeling I know all too well: admiration, frustration and a deep sense of déjà...
Practitioners, leaders, researchers and advocates gathered in London to do something the sector urgently needed: not just name the problem, but co-design the route out...
There’s a gulf between where many NEET young people are and where employers need them to be so that they can thrive in a job. The UK must find ways to bridge that gulf -...
Alan Milburn’s Young People and Work interim report should land as a national alarm bell. Nearly one million young people are now not in education,...
UK government and organisations are constantly discussing ongoing skills shortages and apprenticeships and employability, yet one of the biggest untapped resources that often gets overlooked...
The Level 4 AI and Automation Practitioner apprenticeship launched by Skills England has arrived at a difficult moment for the FE sector. The management apprenticeship...
The term NEET has long been used as shorthand for young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training. It is often framed as...
New apprenticeship reforms could play an important role in improving diversity across the UK workforce, particularly as policymakers seek to widen access to skilled careers and address persistent barriers...
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.
The English government’s technical qualifications and apprenticeship reform ambitions are laudable. However, as we stare down the barrel of 2027, I must be candid about…
Two talented hospitality apprentices from the Swansea area shared their stories and skills as they helped to take apprenticeships to the heart of the Welsh…
A local firm powered its way to victory at this year’s annual Bradford College Apprenticeship Games. Northern Pump Suppliers Ltd were crowned winners after a day…
Leaders from across the adult education and skills sector came together for a landmark London Adult Skills Summit, sending a clear message about the value…
A local MP has praised the work of exceptional young talent during a visit to a hospital construction project in Keighley. Anna Dixon MP visited…
Clark Mitton, the Digital Experience Design Lead at Bradford College, has been named one of 15 national education and research sector community champions by Jisc. Jisc…
Registrations will open on 1 September 2026, offering a modern, work ready route designed around the real demands of today’s finance roles. On Friday 6…
A year after the UK Government launched its AI Action Plan to boost global competitiveness and accelerate economic growth, it’s clear that closing the AI…
An expanding Derby IT company has renewed its commitment to supporting young people during National Apprenticeship Week this February by pledging unwavering support for employing…
A MAJOR new investment in skills, education and regional growth has been confirmed for North East Wales, as Coleg Cambria and Wrexham University announce the…
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