The reform of technical education in England has reached a pivotal moment. With T Levels now established across the post-16 landscape, attention is turning to...
There’s a belief that AI will somehow fix educational marketing. That by automating outreach, refining targeting and increasing output, institutions will naturally see better engagement...
As devolution reshapes England’s skills system and the second iteration of LSIPs comes into focus, attention is rightly turning to how regional ambition becomes delivery. Suzanne Slater, Commercial...
When one in seven young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET) by the age of 23, this is not just a concerning statistic –...
In further education policy, “closing skills gaps” is often framed as a technical challenge with straightforward solutions: expand provision, add courses, increase qualification levels. It’s...
She did everything right. When she received her ADHD diagnosis in her early forties, she told her employer, followed the correct processes, and waited for...
The government has long stated its intention to reduce the number of young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET). But...
Working in early careers, I see every day what apprenticeships mean for young people, especially when university isn’t affordable, doesn’t fit how they learn or...
Dean Blewitt, Senior Innovation and Investments Manager at the awarding organisations NCFE, explains why assessment must continue to keep pace with sector reforms if learners are to achieve the outcomes...
Never has there been a more relevant time to talk about transition for young people and adults with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). As...
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.
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…
Skills England is being launched at a pivotal moment for the UK economy. Major global shifts, from rapid digitalisation to the transition to net zero,…
Welcome to FE Soundbite Edition 803: 28th June 2025 | Are The Skills England Priority Areas Linking To The Industrial Strategy? Exclusive with Phil Smith…
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.
