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.
One of the UK’s fastest growing principal contractors has pledged to boost spending on its Early Years’ Talent Academy as part of its 15th anniversary…
A critical shortage of skilled workers is jeopardising the Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, according to a new report by…
When Ethan Smith joined the Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) programme in 2023, hairdressing wasn’t even on his radar. But just over a year later, he’s…
This is the second article from Sarah Sutcliffe and Jackie Stark from ProAssess and Jacqui Molkenthin from JEML Consulting designed to support EPAOs/AOs understand the…
For many years I worked on the front line engaging and helping young people who had fallen out of education, training or work. Many of…
Disadvantaged students are, on average, one-fifth of a grade behind in English and one-eighth of a grade behind in maths when resitting GCSEs, according to…
Senior leaders from across construction and Government Ministers have launched the construction sector skills mission, to ensure the sector has the workforce it needs to…
Scotland’s largest construction association says latest increase in England to £23,000 per apprentice dwarfs the current funding for Scottish learners Scotland could suffer the loss…
Caerphilly-based Captiva Spa is one of many Welsh businesses seeing the benefits of professional collaboration after offering work placements to learners. Through their partnership with…
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, and Education Minister, Paul Givan, have jointly unveiled the Careers Action Plan 2025–2028, a landmark three-year initiative designed…
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.
