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12/08/10
City & Guilds reveals its 20 most popular vocational courses
Vocational education organisation City & Guilds has released figures which show that electrical installation is its most popular course (97,411 certified learners) followed by social care (62,987) and hairdressing (47,506).
09/08/10
Revised land-based engineering Apprenticeship frameworks launched
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, has announced that revised Apprenticeship frameworks for land-based engineering have been published and are now available to use.
30/07/10
Report calls for reform of UK's skills system to boost economy
According to a new report, the UK's economy – currently the sixth largest in the world – is set to slide down the international rankings unless its skills and employment systems are fundamentally reformed and improved.
28/07/10
Balfour Beatty Apprenticeships launched In Liverpool
Details of a new apprenticeship scheme launched by Balfour Beatty were unveiled at an event in the Halewood Centre for Learning last week.
27/07/10
Helston Community College becomes 500th IMI Awards Centre
Retail motor industry awarding body IMI Awards has approved Helston Community College in Cornwall as the 500th to join the network of IMI Awards approved centres.
20/07/10
New report looks at skills and the economy
Almost two thirds of employers (63 per cent) said that work-related education and training will play a vital role in the UK's economic recovery, according to a new report from vocational education organisation City & Guilds.
16/07/10
2010 Apprenticeship Awards
Sellafield Ltd received a top accolade for its Apprenticeship scheme at last night's Apprenticeship Awards, organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
05/07/10
Skillset invites animation industry to Soho showcase
Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for creative media, is holding an event this week to showcase animation work from graduates of Skillset's nine accredited animation degree courses and a number of guest courses from Skillset Academies.
01/07/10
Health sector apprentice numbers rise by one-third, says Skills for Health
The number of people beginning health apprenticeships in England has risen by nearly a third, according to new figures published by Skills for Health.
29/06/10
Finalists announced for Apprenticeship Awards 2010
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has announced the shortlist of national finalists for the Apprenticeship Awards 2010.
16/06/10
Vince Cable meets apprentices at new training facility in Birmingham
Business Secretary Vince Cable has visited Birmingham Metropolitan College to meet the first students to start at its new Samsung Digital Service Academy.
11/06/10
Ofqual accredits CMI police management qualifications
Ofqual, the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator, has accredited the Chartered Management Institute's police management qualifications programme.
09/06/10
Workforce Development Awards 2010
The National Employer Service has announced the winners of the 2010 Workforce Development Awards.
24/05/10
Ministerial responsibilities announced at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Business Secretary Vince Cable has outlined the responsibilities of his Ministerial team at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
21/05/10
New customer service training programme launches
The Dorset and New Forest Tourism Partnership (DNFTP) is launching a new customer service training programme.
20/05/10
IDM and LSBU launch MSc in Digital Marketing
The Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) and London South Bank University (LSBU) have today announced the launch of a new Masters of Science degree (MSc) in Digital Marketing.
10/05/10
Call for entries to Retail Rising Stars 2010 awards
Retailers across the UK are being urged to enter the Skillsmart Retail Rising Stars Awards 2010. The awards, organised by Retail Week, comprise fourteen categories, including HR / Training Professional of the Year and Skillsmart Retail Apprentice of the Year.
26/04/10
Chubb expands apprenticeships to include fire engineers
Chubb is expanding its award-winning engineering apprenticeship scheme to include apprenticeships for fire systems engineers, as well as security engineers.
23/04/10
OU and the Fostering Network sign partnership agreement
The Open University and the Fostering Network have signed an agreement designed to support foster carers with their professional development.
25/03/10
NCFE aims to help drivers on the road to success
Awarding body NCFE has launched a new NVQ qualification for drivers in the private hire sector.
18/03/10
National Strategic Skills Audit launched
According to the first National Strategic Skills Audit, commissioned by the government and published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, the last decade has seen unprecedented increases in the number of people with qualifications.
17/03/10
Government announces five new National Skills Academies
The government announced today that new National Skills Academies will be developed to cover five sectors – rail engineering, logistics, green building services, biotechnology and composites.
11/03/10
QCDA launches Functional Skills qualification
The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) has launched a new qualification aimed at providing young people with essential life skills to help them succeed in further education or employment.
24/02/10
Marco Pierre White stars in apprenticeships ad campaign
Fifteen apprentice chefs from across the country attended a masterclass yesterday morning with Michelin starred chef Marco Pierre White at his London restaurant 'Wheelers'.
18/02/10
Last call for Apprenticeship Award nominations
The National Apprenticeship Service is urging apprentices and their employers to enter the Apprenticeship Awards, as the deadline for nominations is fast approaching.
17/02/10
Websites aim to explain changes in vocational qualifications
New online resources designed to help employers and learners explore changes to vocational qualifications were launched yesterday.
11/02/10
Research highlights multichannel skills challenge for retailers
Skills and training are increasingly important to retailers but multichannel growth is bringing fresh skills challenges to the sector, according to new research from Skillsmart Retail.
08/02/10
LSC publishes Train to Gain evaluation reports
According to a survey of employers who use government's Train to Gain programme, 80 per cent said they were likely to recommend Train to Gain to other employers and use it again themselves.
01/02/10
Government launches National Apprenticeship Week
At the start of National Apprenticeship Week, business minister Pat McFadden will today visit a Morrisons supermarket in Camden, London, to congratulate the firm for its commitment to make 5,500 government-funded apprenticeship places available by July 2010.
13/01/10
New hospitality academy launches
Over 100 guests gathered at Stockport's De Vere Venues centre on Monday for the launch of The Academy of Hospitality Great Britain (AHGB).
05/01/10
Dates announced for Apprenticeship Week 2010
This year's Apprenticeship Week, which is organised and coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), will take place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February.
10/12/09
Nominations open for the 2010 Apprenticeship Awards
If every person who started an Apprenticeship this year stood arm-to-arm, they would stretch all the way from Trafalgar Square to the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle. That's according to the National Apprenticeship Service which has just launched its seventh annual Apprenticeship Awards.
01/12/09
OU and The Welding Institute launch foundation degree
The Open University and The Welding Institute (TWI) have launched a new work-based foundation degree.
13/11/09
New scheme recognises apprentice employers
A scheme has been launched this week to recognise businesses that employ apprentices. The Apprenticeship employers' 'badge' can be displayed by businesses to highlight their commitment to apprenticeships and their logos will then be displayed on the National Apprenticeship Service website.
06/11/09
Date announced for VQ Day 2010
The third annual day to celebrate vocational achievement will take place on Wednesday 23rd June 2010.
04/11/09
QCF qualification in maintaining hybrid technology cars developed
Honda, Toyota and BMW have come together with the Institute of the Motor Industry's awarding body, IMI Awards, to develop a qualification in maintaining hybrid technology cars under the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
26/10/09
ONS: Record numbers of people starting apprenticeships
A record 234,000 people started apprenticeships in the 2008/09 academic year, according to provisional data on vocational qualifications released by the Office for National Statistics.
22/10/09
Brennan: New model to deliver over 14,000 apprenticeship places for small businesses
Twelve organisations have won a share of £7m of government funding to set up new Apprenticeship Training Associations (ATAs) and Group Training Associations (GTAs).
14/09/09
Trestle Theatre Company and Middlesex University announce joint MA
Trestle Theatre Company is teaming up with Middlesex University to deliver a new MA course in Education (Drama).
11/09/09
IDM launches email marketing qualification
The Institute of Direct Marketing has launched a qualification specifically designed for email marketers.
01/09/09
Driver CPC for lorry drivers launches on 10 September 2009
A new qualification for all professional lorry drivers - the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) – will be launched on 10 September 2009 by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
28/08/09
Apprentices keen to head to the office, says NAS
As young people receive their GCSE results this week, research from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has found that there are thousands of potential apprentices keen to open the door to the office and step inside the business world.
06/08/09
Health insurer to recruit apprentices
Health insurer WPA has joined a national campaign to 'grow your own talent' by taking on its first apprentices.
20/07/09
Winners of 2009 Apprenticeship Awards announced
The National Apprenticeships Service (NAS) has announced the winners of the 2009 Apprenticeship Awards.
24/06/09
NAS chief executive visits Flybe's Training Academy
The chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), Simon Waugh, has made his first official visit to the South West since his appointment to visit Flybe's Training Academy at Exeter Airport.
18/06/09
Research finds skills mismatch
According to research by the education foundation Edge, 75 per cent of people running small and medium enterprises (SMEs) feel there is a mismatch between young people's skills and the requirements of their organisation.
15/06/09
Low Pay Commission to consider minimum wage for apprentices
For the first time the Low Pay Commission has been asked to consider introducing a new national minimum wage rate for apprentices.
07/05/09
New research marks launch of National Apprenticeship Service
New research on apprenticeships has been published to mark the launch of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
29/04/09
UKWA and SfL to work together on qualifications for the logistics sector
The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) and Skills for Logistics, the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the freight logistics industries, have reached a formal agreement to work together on the development of a series of qualifications for the logistics industry.
24/04/09
e-skills UK publishes new ITQ framework and qualification structures documentation
The new ITQ qualification structure and assessment strategy documentation based on the new National Occupational Standards for IT Users 2009 is now available from the e-skills UK website.
03/04/09
Jaguar Land Rover to recruit more than 40 apprentices
Jaguar Land Rover has launched a new recruitment programme offering over 40 advanced apprenticeships.
31/03/09
Top chefs help college students cook up a grand banquet
Ninety guests dined on a menu prepared by five of the nation's top chefs at a charity banquet held at South Downs College last month.
27/03/09
Record number of adults gain vocational qualifications
A record number of adults gained vocational qualifications in the past academic year, according to National Statistics published yesterday.
13/03/09
Plans for VQ Day 2009 launched
Plans for the second annual day to celebrate vocational achievement were officially launched at an event held last week at the Houses of Parliament.
11/03/09
Fashion and Retail students style windows for Debenhams
BTEC National Diploma Fashion and Fashion Retail Diploma students from New College Nottingham (ncn) were invited to showcase their flair for style by dressing two Debenhams window displays, for a promotional 'off the catwalk' event in the Nottingham store.
04/03/09
Skills Minister meets BT apprentices
Skills minister Lord Young marked the final day of Apprenticeship Week 2009 by meeting and shadowing apprentices at BT's Primrose Hill Telephone Exchange in London.
03/03/09
CIPD survey looks at apprenticeship and diploma initiatives
According to a new Skills Survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), employers are backing government efforts to increase the number of apprentices, and support in principle the new diplomas.
27/02/09
Edge releases vocational qualifications survey
According to research by education foundation Edge, more than four fifths of parents of 11-19 year olds (81 per cent) believe it's important for their child to have a vocational qualification.
23/02/09
Call for future investment during Apprenticeship Week
The head of the National Skills Academy Process Industries is calling for more employers to invest in students in recognition of Apprentice Week.
12/02/09
Skillsmart Retail welcomes announcement of more Scottish Apprenticeships
Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for retail, has welcomed news that the number of Apprenticeship places in Scotland will increase by over 70%.
06/02/09
Eight new apprentices recruited at TLS Vehicle Rental
Eight new apprentices have been recruited by TLS Vehicle Rental to work in the company's network of branch-based workshops.
21/01/09
Jaguar Land Rover unveils new Academy
Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled its new Technical Academy for Jaguar and Land Rover dealer technicians and apprentices.
06/01/09
Skills for London Awards 2009
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is seeking entries for the Skills for London Awards 2009.
23/12/08
ONS figures show increase in number of adults gaining vocational qualifications
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics suggest a record number of adults gained vocational qualifications in the past academic year.
08/12/08
Chief executive of National Apprenticeship Service appointed
Skills Secretary John Denham and Schools Secretary Ed Balls today announced that Simon Waugh has been appointed the first chief executive of the new National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
26/11/08
Suzuki GB awards first NVQ qualifications
Twelve members of staff at Suzuki GB were awarded their NVQ certificates yesterday following the successful completion of the first NVQ qualification programme undertaken at the company's headquarters in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
24/11/08
Vocational Qualifications Day 2009
Education foundation Edge has announced the date for Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Day 2009: Wednesday 24th June.
12/11/08
Whitbread PLC launches new apprenticeship programme
Hotel and restaurant group Whitbread PLC has announced that it is launching the 'The Whitbread Apprenticeship Programme', a new bespoke training and development programme.
05/11/08
Government doubles apprenticeships commitment
Ministers have called for urgent action from the public sector to increase apprenticeship numbers during the global downturn. They argue that this is key if more people are to get the jobs they want in tougher times.
08/10/08
National Skills Academy for IT given the green light
The Government has announced that the proposed National Skills Academy for IT will proceed to the next stage of development.
29/07/08
New websites spearhead Jaguar Land Rover apprentice recruitment drive
Jaguar Land Rover has launched dedicated apprentice websites to help its dealer network recruit apprentices in 2008/2009.
24/07/08
Edge publishes vocational qualifications review
Over 3,250,000 vocational qualifications were awarded in the UK last year according to figures released yesterday to mark the first Vocational Qualifications Day (VQ Day).
18/07/08
Marketers urged to get qualified
The Chartered Institute of Marketing is urging marketers to realise the benefits of becoming professionally qualified.
14/07/08
LSC announces winners of 2008 Apprenticeship Awards
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have announced the winners of the national Apprenticeship Awards 2008.
24/06/08
Home Office congratulates first graduates of new qualification
Senior project managers at the Home Office have recently taken a new Programme and Project Sponsorship qualification.
19/06/08
Record number of entries to Apprenticeship Awards
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) HAS announced record entries to the fifth national Apprenticeship Awards as the Government urges employers to offer Apprenticeship places.
06/06/08
Skills Minister opens new National Grid training centre
Skills Minister David Lammy MP was in Hertfordshire this week to unveil National Grid's new, multi-million pound Skills Development Centre in Hitchin.
13/05/08
Employer training spend hits record high, says survey
Companies have spent an all time high of £38.6 billion on training, up 16 per cent from 2005, according to findings from the National Employer Skills Survey 2007 (NESS07), released by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
07/05/08
City & Guilds to sponsor Apprenticeship Awards 2008
City & Guilds is to sponsor the Apprenticeship Awards for the fourth consecutive year.
01/05/08
VQ Day: celebration of vocational qualifications launched
Over 17 million people in the UK now hold a vocational qualification according to new research released to coincide with the launch of the inaugural VQ Day.
29/04/08
New IT qualification aims to prepare NHS staff for healthcare IT systems
A new IT skills qualification for health workers, accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), was unveiled at the HC 2008 conference.
21/04/08
CBI/Edexcel Education & Skills Survey 2008
As school and college students prepare to start the summer term and sit final examinations in GCSEs, A Levels and vocational or degree qualifications, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published the results of its 2008 education and skills survey.
16/04/08
LSC funded programmes on show at HRD 2008
Advice on some of the Learning and Skills Council's funded programmes, such as apprenticeships and Train to Gain, will be available to visitors to this week's HRD 2008 exhibition at Excel, London (15-17 April).
14/04/08
Edexcel aims to help students become safe learners
Edexcel has launched Safe Learner, a new programme that aims to provide students undertaking a work placement with the knowledge and understanding of potential risks and hazards in their workplace.
18/03/08
Retail Apprentice of the Year competition launched
Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for retail, is on the look out for rising stars as it searches for this year’s Retail Apprentice of the Year.
13/03/08
Diploma in Retail submitted for government approval
Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for retail, has submitted the draft content of its new Diploma qualification for government approval.
03/03/08
GoSkills announces its Passenger Transport Awards for 2008
GoSkills, the sector skills council for passenger transport, has announced details of its 'Go for Excellence Passenger Transport Awards'.
28/02/08
Apprenticeships improve business performance, says survey
According to research released to coincide with Apprenticeship Week 2008, employing apprentices has a hugely beneficial impact on overall business performance.
27/02/08
Creative & Cultural Skills welcomes government paper
Creative & Cultural Skills, the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries, has welcomed the publication of 'Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy' – the government strategy on the creative industries.
22/02/08
Skills for Health reports increase in completion rates of healthcare apprenticeships
Skills for Health, the sector skills council for health, has announced that the number of certificates issued for the successful completion of apprenticeships in Health and Social Care has tripled in the last two years.
21/02/08
Theatre tour aims to inspire London's teenagers
A play about the vocational opportunities available for young people in the run-up to the 2012 Games and beyond has started a tour of 130 schools across London.
18/02/08
Chartered Institute of Marketing certificate courses
As part of its three-year programme to redevelop its four core marketing qualifications, The Chartered Institute of Marketing has announced the launch of its first two levels, both of which will be taught from July 2008.
31/01/08
BRC and Skillsmart Retail back government skills plan
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Skillsmart Retail have welcomed government plans to increase Apprenticeship numbers and encourage businesses to offer accredited training.
29/01/08
Government publishes Apprenticeships Review
A plan to expand and strengthen apprenticeships has been published by the Government.
22/01/08
e-skills UK announces IT Professional Development Programme
A new development programme that aims to fast-track the careers of new IT professionals has been announced by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms.
18/01/08
Utility company wins graduate training award
RWE npower has received an award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for the training it provides for its engineers.
09/01/08
Chancellor opens National Skills Academy centre
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP has officially opened the National Skills Academy for Financial Services hub in the East of England.
11/12/07
IMI aims to double apprenticeship numbers in its sector
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has pledged a 100% increase in the number of apprentices joining the retail motor industry over the next five years.
20/11/07
Event champions apprenticeships in retail sector
John Denham, secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills, and Sir Terry Leahy chief executive of Tesco Plc, will speak in London today at an event to promote apprenticeships.
13/11/07
ILM launches enterprise qualifications
The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) has announced it is supporting Enterprise Week 2007 by launching a range of enterprise qualifications.
08/11/07
Skillsmart Retail launches guide to retail qualifications
Skillsmart Retail has this week launched a new 'Guide to Retail Qualifications and Job Roles' aimed at retail employers and learning providers as well as individuals seeking a career in retail.
06/11/07
More large employers make Skills Pledge
Skills Minister, David Lammy MP has announced the addition of four large employers to the 400 companies that have made the Skills Pledge since it was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in June.
06/11/07
Merseylearn learning centre wins national award
The Merseylearn learndirect centre is celebrating its success after winning a national learndirect Achievement Award.
02/11/07
Charity wins Skills for Care training award
Bristol charity St Monica Trust was voted 'Best In-House Training Provider and Assessment Centre' at the Skills for Care Accolades.
01/11/07
New food and drink apprenticeships launched
Revised apprenticeships in food and drink manufacture are being rolled out across England and Wales from today.
19/10/07
Diploma in Digital Publishing launched
The Periodical Publishers Association (PPA) and E-consultancy has launched a Diploma in Digital Publishing.
17/10/07
OU and Royal College of Nursing form alliance
The Open University and the Royal College of Nursing have launched a new partnership with the objective of initiating imaginative development and change in healthcare education and practice.
16/10/07
Chartered Institute of Marketing graduation 2007
This year's Chartered Institute of Marketing graduation ceremony is being held at Symphony Hall, ICC, Birmingham on 2 November.
11/10/07
Sports apprenticeship is a hit with football clubs
Nearly every football club in the country is now running a apprenticeship scheme that aims to give talented young athletes a career in sport long after their playing days are over.
11/10/07
GoSkills and Train to Gain help drivers achieve taxi qualification
Fifty Chelmsford taxi drivers have become the first graduates of a development programme that saw each driver achieve an NVQ Level 2 certificate.
05/10/07
New Diploma in Retail for 14–19 year olds
A new Diploma in Retail for 14–19 year olds is being developed by Skillsmart Retail, Skills for Logistics, Automotive Skills and the Council for Administration.
01/10/07
IMI to focus on five 'big wins' as the new Sector Skills Council
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has a new role as the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the retail motor industry, having been granted the Government licence last week.
26/09/07
New NVQs open up Train to Gain opportunities, says Skillfast-UK
Skillfast-UK, the Sector Skills Council for fashion and textiles, is piloting four new NVQ Level 2 qualifications in laundry and dry-cleaning in the North West, South West and Midlands.
18/09/07
Royal Institute of Public Health launches new qualification
The Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) is launching a new qualification that aims to teach people how to prepare healthier food and cater for special diets.
14/09/07
52,000 employers join Train to Gain, says LSC
As Train to Gain marks its first anniversary since it was rolled out nationally, the Learning and Skills Council (LSc) reports that more than 52,000 employers have signed up to date.
03/09/07
Energy & Utility Skills launches careers website
A new website for careers in the energy and utility sector, aimed at 14 to 19 year olds, has been launched by sector skills council Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills).
29/08/07
Scheme seeks to recognise vocational skills excellence
A celebratory event to mark the success of the first achievers of the Star Units of Credit took place at MacDonald Ansty Hall Hotel, near Coventry in July.
28/08/07
Unionlearn publishes guide to workplace learning funding
Unionlearn in the North West has produced a guide to help workplace learners and employers discover what funding is available for progression to higher education.
23/08/07
InfoBasis signs skills pledge
Capability management company InfoBasis has announced its commitment to the UK government's skills pledge.
21/08/07
Employers urged to recognise the benefit of apprenticeships
As individuals across the country review their options in light of their exam results, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is urging employers to recognise the benefits apprenticeships can have on their businesses.
27/07/07
FE staff polled on key challenges for John Denham
Further education staff cite improvements to continuing professional development (CPD), better evaluation of learner success and the drive to self-regulation as their top priorities for the new secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills, John Denham, according to a new survey.
24/07/07
Automotive Skills joins forces with The Institute of the Motor Industry
Automotive Skills, the sector skills council for the retail motor industry, has joined forces with The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
23/07/07
Deal aims to tackle skills gaps in healthcare sector
Skills for Health, the sector skills council for the public, private and voluntary healthcare sectors, has signed a new multi-million pound Joint Investment Framework involving Strategic Health Authorities and the Learning and Skills Council.
19/07/07
Government publishes new skills ambitions
The government has unveiled new plans designed to help over 4 million adults learn new skills and improve existing ones over the next three years.
18/07/07
Renault Trucks appoints RAC as new training partner
The RAC is to take over the administration of Renault Trucks' Advanced Apprenticeship Options programme, following a three-way pitch which included Renault Trucks' current training partner, Carter & Carter.
18/07/07
Students help with recruitment campaign
Students at a school in Richmond are the creative minds behind a new digital marketing drive, launched by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), to encourage graduates and professionals with IT expertise to become teachers.
10/07/07
Campaign aims to change attitudes to skills and learning
A new campaign - 'Our future. It's in our hands' - that urges employers and individuals to take control of their future by investing in skills, was launched yesterday by secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills, John Denham and the Learning and Skills Council chairman, Chris Banks.
10/07/07
Skills for Logistics' remit expands
Skills for Logistics, the Sector Skills Council for the freight logistics industries, has announced that the wholesale sector has been added to its remit, increasing the number of people included within the SSC's footprint to 1.66 million.
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Research and reports
28/08/09
Apprentices keen to head to the office, says NAS
As young people receive their GCSE results this week, research from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has found that there are thousands of potential apprentices keen to open the door to the office and step inside the business world.
18/06/09
Research finds skills mismatch
According to research by the education foundation Edge, 75 per cent of people running small and medium enterprises (SMEs) feel there is a mismatch between young people's skills and the requirements of their organisation.
07/05/09
New research marks launch of National Apprenticeship Service
New research on apprenticeships has been published to mark the launch of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
27/03/09
Record number of adults gain vocational qualifications
A record number of adults gained vocational qualifications in the past academic year, according to National Statistics published yesterday.
03/03/09
CIPD survey looks at apprenticeship and diploma initiatives
According to a new Skills Survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), employers are backing government efforts to increase the number of apprentices, and support in principle the new diplomas.
27/02/09
Edge releases vocational qualifications survey
According to research by education foundation Edge, more than four fifths of parents of 11-19 year olds (81 per cent) believe it's important for their child to have a vocational qualification.
23/12/08
ONS figures show increase in number of adults gaining vocational qualifications
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics suggest a record number of adults gained vocational qualifications in the past academic year.
24/07/08
Edge publishes vocational qualifications review
Over 3,250,000 vocational qualifications were awarded in the UK last year according to figures released yesterday to mark the first Vocational Qualifications Day (VQ Day).
13/05/08
Employer training spend hits record high, says survey
Companies have spent an all time high of £38.6 billion on training, up 16 per cent from 2005, according to findings from the National Employer Skills Survey 2007 (NESS07), released by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
21/04/08
CBI/Edexcel Education & Skills Survey 2008
As school and college students prepare to start the summer term and sit final examinations in GCSEs, A Levels and vocational or degree qualifications, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published the results of its 2008 education and skills survey.
28/02/08
Apprenticeships improve business performance, says survey
According to research released to coincide with Apprenticeship Week 2008, employing apprentices has a hugely beneficial impact on overall business performance.
27/02/08
Creative & Cultural Skills welcomes government paper
Creative & Cultural Skills, the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries, has welcomed the publication of 'Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy' – the government strategy on the creative industries.
22/02/08
Skills for Health reports increase in completion rates of healthcare apprenticeships
Skills for Health, the sector skills council for health, has announced that the number of certificates issued for the successful completion of apprenticeships in Health and Social Care has tripled in the last two years.
29/01/08
Government publishes Apprenticeships Review
A plan to expand and strengthen apprenticeships has been published by the Government.
08/11/07
Skillsmart Retail launches guide to retail qualifications
Skillsmart Retail has this week launched a new 'Guide to Retail Qualifications and Job Roles' aimed at retail employers and learning providers as well as individuals seeking a career in retail.
14/09/07
52,000 employers join Train to Gain, says LSC
As Train to Gain marks its first anniversary since it was rolled out nationally, the Learning and Skills Council (LSc) reports that more than 52,000 employers have signed up to date.
28/08/07
Unionlearn publishes guide to workplace learning funding
Unionlearn in the North West has produced a guide to help workplace learners and employers discover what funding is available for progression to higher education.
27/07/07
FE staff polled on key challenges for John Denham
Further education staff cite improvements to continuing professional development (CPD), better evaluation of learner success and the drive to self-regulation as their top priorities for the new secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills, John Denham, according to a new survey.
22/05/07
Report says skills boost needed to drive UK productivity
A new report from the Sector Skills Development Agency suggests that UK productivity levels are falling behind Europe and the US and that this is caused to a large extent by the UK's relatively lower skills levels.
18/04/07
Record success rates in Further Education, says LSC
According to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), success rates in the Further Education sector increased dramatically in 2005/06, beating a number of Government targets.
23/02/07
It pays to be an apprentice, says DfES
Young people taking part in apprenticeships will enjoy significantly higher wages over their lifetime than they would have done without their training, according to a new study.
11/12/06
OU: Students need improved progression routes for skills agenda to be met
Students will need to see their routes through education and training made as effective as possible if work to improve UK skills levels is to be successful, according to The Open University.
08/12/06
City & Guilds and ILM comment on Leitch Review
City & Guilds and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) have welcomed the principles behind the Leitch Review into skills training and the emphasis placed on improving the UK's skills base.
06/12/06
Lord Leitch publishes final report
Lord Leitch has published his final report, 'Prosperity for all in the Global Economy: World Class Skills', which examines the UK's long-term skills needs.
05/12/06
LSN publishes apprenticeship research
According to new research, people who complete an apprenticeship earn more money, stay longer with their employer and are more likely to rise to a management job than people who don't do an apprenticeship.
10/11/06
40,000 to start teacher training says TDA
According to new figures from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), nearly 40,000 people are due to begin their initial teacher training this year.
23/10/06
Learning & Skills Council publishes progress report
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has launched a new progress report entitled 'Delivering Learning and Skills'.
19/10/06
LSC sets out funding priorities for learning and skills in England
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has revealed plans to invest £11.2 billion to help learners and employers in 2007-08.
30/08/05
ALI reports on vocational training in Australia
The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) has published a report on vocational and educational training in Australia.
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