In my first two articles of this series, I explored the history of New Zealand's vocational education system and the announcement of the 2026 reforms....
AI literacy is often framed as a specialist skill: something required only in particular sectors, or by those who actively use artificial intelligence as part...
The Budget’s child-poverty reforms are vital, but closing education’s digital gap is now essential to ensure fair access, participation and assessment for all. Scrapping the...
Colleges are now operating in an environment where the traditional markers of credibility have weakened to the point of near collapse. Information that once arrived...
The global footprint of UK Higher Education (HE) is expanding, with transnational education (TNE) representing a growing proportion of the sector’s activity. As the number...
In an era defined by AI-generated content, one truth has become impossible to ignore: the value of human learning no longer peaks at creation. Today,...
This article draws on insights from a recent schools-focused event, but the principles extend far beyond the classroom. Many FE colleges are now grappling with...
As the UK accelerates toward its net zero ambitions, the demand for new skills is growing at an unprecedented rate. Nowhere is this more evident...
Part 1 of a 4-part series reviewing Ofsted’s Inclusion Toolkit via the graduated approach: Assess, Plan, Do, Review. Chris Quickfall and Cognassist have been championing...
On 30 October, nearly 80 leaders from across FE and skills including providers, educators, sustainability leads, employers, awarding bodies, policymakers and student voices spent a...
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.
As employers we often talk about the skills gap, about young people entering the workforce unprepared, and about the challenges of recruitment and retention. But…
Students from schools and colleges in England and Wales have had their views on the impact of nitrogen pollution published as part of a House…
A national children’s services provider has been approved for the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR), a government-managed list of training providers who can deliver…
Police Sergeant Bleddyn Jones, a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Cardiff, has been putting a new skill to the test to boost engagement…
Coleg Llandrillo student Lillie Saunders received a national award recognising her skill in painting and decorating. Lillie, who studies Level 2 Painting and Decorating at…
Bringing fresh leadership at a pivotal moment for the sector, Nick joins to guide the IMI’s next era The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)…
At Itec, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Our work-based learning programmes empower individuals at all career stages to grow, develop, and thrive.…
Transport Committee launches new inquiry on how to build a thriving transport manufacturing sector A new parliamentary inquiry has launched to tackle the skills crisis…
The UK’s skills system is under increasing pressure. With boosting economic growth and increasing productivity high on the government’s agenda, highlighted by the recently announced…
Screwfix is proud to celebrate the graduation of 347 colleagues who have recently completed their apprenticeships in areas across the business– the most in a…
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