£25m Boost to Tackle Isolation Among Young People Leaving Care
Thousands more young people leaving care will have people around them when they move into adulthood, as the government begins the national rollout of a…
Funding
Funding is a hot topic within FE, with colleges and institutes consistently saying they need more. To adapt to changing funding, FE institutions must diversify their sources through industry partnerships and grants, optimise resource allocation to prioritise key programs and use data to make decisions that maximise impact on students. Supporting educators during the cost of living crisis is vital to maintaining quality education. This can be done by providing financial assistance, offering professional development in financial literacy, and partnering with local businesses for educator discounts.
FE leaders have a critical advocacy role in securing more funding nationally. They should engage in lobbying, work with professional associations, use data to demonstrate the impact of funding on students and the economy and build relationships with policymakers to influence decisions. Technology can also play a crucial role in optimising resources and improving outcomes. Digital tools enhance teaching and learning, data analytics identifies areas for improvement, and AI and automation streamline admin tasks, allowing a greater focus on education.
The apprenticeship levy, a tax on UK employers with a pay bill over £3 million per year, funds apprenticeship training often delivered by FE colleges. Proposals for a broader skills levy could provide a boost to FE, but the details and potential impact remain unclear. Fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability is essential for navigating challenges.
FAQs:
What are the main funding bodies for FE in the UK?
The main funding bodies for FE in the UK are the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Office for Students (OfS).
How does the apprenticeship levy work?
The apprenticeship levy is a tax on UK employers with a pay bill of over £3 million per year. They pay 0.5% of their pay bill into the levy, which is then used to fund apprenticeship training often delivered by FE colleges.
What is the proposed skills levy, and how could it impact FE funding?
The proposed skills levy would be similar to the apprenticeship levy but would fund a wider range of adult education and training. If introduced, it could provide a boost to FE funding, but the details and potential impact remain unclear.
Grant scheme for innovation and technology opens for Welsh organisations
Applications are now open for the latest round of SMART funding to help organisations across Wales invest in new equipment and technology. The funding round…
Skills England Has Identified Accountancy As A Growth Profession. Now We Need The Talent Pipeline To Match
The publication of Skills England’s Sector Skills Needs Assessment for Professional and Business Services (PBS) should be a clarion call to policymakers, employers and the…
The UK’s AI Skills Gap is Exactly what the Growth & Skills Levy Should Address
Earlier this year, the Growth & Skills Levy was heralded as one of the Government’s most valuable investments in people and productivity. Arguably, it offers…
Winchester’s Wayne to use Research Fellowship to reimagine refugee education
A University of Winchester academic has been awarded a prestigious research fellowship to advance his work in the field of Inclusive Refugee Education. Wayne Veck,…
Burnham in Number 10: A New Dawn For Education and Skills?
When Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham walks into Number 10- be that Downing Street or the ‘Number 10 of the north’ in Manchester- what should his…
Leading training provider Nine Dots Development reports record revenue of £1.1million in eight weeks after launching new funded AI and digital programmes
Leading training provider Nine Dots Development has reported its strongest two months in 11 years of business after launching new cutting-edge AI and digital funded…
Apprenticeship Funding Band Reviews – What Providers Can Do To Prepare
Back in February I wrote an article about training provider preparation for the new system of apprenticeship assessment, well now providers need to prepare for…
Work Begins on Major Refresh of Construction College Façade
Work has begun on a new look for Leeds College of Building’s (LCB) North Street Campus building. As part of ongoing improvements to its estate,…
Why Funding Expertise Will Shape the Future of Apprenticeships in England
The apprenticeship sector in England has spent much of the last decade focused on delivery, quality and employer engagement. The next phase is likely to…
