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.
Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) is celebrating exceptional apprenticeship success, having secured a place among the top 10 apprenticeship providers in the UK. The…
England is facing chronic skills shortages and apprenticeships can play a key role in closing this gap. However, while there is some very good provision…
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…
South Eastern Regional College (SERC), students, projects and staff have been recognised at the 7th Open College Network (OCN) Northern Ireland Learning Endeavour Awards held…
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…
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.
