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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.
29/06/07
Food safety qualifications launched
The Royal Institute of Public Health is launching a new set of food safety qualifications aimed at the food retail, manufacturing and catering sectors.
07/06/07
LSC announces finalists for Apprenticeship Awards 2007
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced the finalists for this year's national Apprenticeship Awards.
31/05/07
City & Guilds launches barista qualification
City & Guilds has teamed up with the Beverage Services Association and Kenco to develop a Level 2 VRQ in Barista Skills.
30/05/07
GoSkills launches 2007 passenger transport awards
GoSkills, the sector skills council for passenger transport, is calling on sector employers to nominate staff for its 2007 awards.
24/05/07
New CIOB-CIH joint awarding body
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have been working in partnership to establish a suite of qualifications for housing maintenance, repairs and development professionals.
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.
18/05/07
Improve to launch plans for new qualifications
Plans for 16 new vocational qualifications in food manufacturing will be unveiled to employers at an event in Leeds on 6 July 2007.
17/05/07
Young peoples' consultation on increasing the leaving age
Education secretary Alan Johnson has launched a young peoples' consultation on whether the education and training leaving age should be increased to 18.
16/05/07
Partnership provides food safety exam online
learndirect business has teamed up with the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) to offer an RIPH Food Safety Exam online.
30/04/07
Macdonald Hotels launches hospitality education centre
Macdonald Hotels Ltd has opened a hospitality education and training centre at its Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.
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.
10/04/07
National Skills Academy for Construction launched
A new, site-based approach to construction training has continued with the launch of a new National Skills Academy for Construction site at Newall Green High School in Wythenshawe.
16/03/07
Royal Mail to deliver apprenticeships in Scotland
Royal Mail is set to deliver 30 apprenticeships in Scotland after receiving funding from Scottish Enterprise.
12/03/07
Lloyds TSB autolease supports IMI awards
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Learning and Skills Awards have gained the support of fleet management company Lloyds TSB autolease.
28/02/07
Taxi drivers sign up for BTEC qualification
Fifty Hackney & Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers in Birmingham have signed up for a qualification being offered by South Birmingham College and Birmingham City Council in partnership with GoSkills, the sector skills council for Passenger Transport.
27/02/07
Business, education and skills leaders express support for 2011
Representatives from business, industry, education and skills are to attend a reception at 11 Downing Street today to celebrate the UK's success in winning the bid to host WorldSkills 2011.
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.
22/02/07
Roadside assistance accreditation launched
A new accreditation for roadside patrol technicians has been developed by the AA, Mondial UK and the RAC, in association with the Institute of the Motor Industry which governs the scheme.
19/02/07
Last call for Apprenticeship Awards 2007
The Learning and Skills Council is giving a final call to employers and apprentices to enter this year's national Apprenticeship Awards 2007. The deadline for entries is Friday 23rd February 2007.
16/02/07
Inchcape makes car donation to Uxbridge College
Automotive retail group Inchcape plc has donated a transporter full of cars to Uxbridge College Business School.
09/02/07
FSSC receives approval for Foundation Degree framework
A new Foundation Degree Framework for financial services, developed by the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) together with a range of employers, has been approved for use in England by Foundation Degree Forward (FDF).
30/01/07
Select Committee hears evidence on manufacturing skills
The government's Trade and Industry Select Committee inquiry into the future of UK manufacturing has been told that college and university courses must become more relevant to the needs of the work place.
29/01/07
Hemsley Fraser announces policy commitment to TAP
Learning provider Hemsley Fraser Group has announced a policy commitment to the TAP Learning System, the training skills certification programme administered by The Training Foundation.
24/01/07
Improve helps fund management training
Improve, the food and drink Sector Skills Council, is offering 625 places for women working in the food and drink industry to complete a level-three introductory certificate in management from the Chartered Management Institute.
24/01/07
New milestone for CompTIA Security+ Certification
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has announced that more than 30,000 IT professionals worldwide have attained its CompTIA Security+ certification.
09/01/07
CIPD launches new management certificate
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has launched a new certificate for managers.
20/12/06
GoSkills opts for SFEDI accreditation
GoSkills, the Sector Skills Council for passenger transport, has embarked on a programme that aims to see its team of business advisers qualified to the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) business support standards and the new skills brokerage standards.
20/12/06
3,000 accredited to Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard
Ainsley McEwan, proprietor of McEwan's Garage in Derby, has become the 3,000th individual to achieve the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) standard.
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.
07/12/06
CIPR qualifications get City & Guilds approval
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has announced a new partnership with vocational awarding body City & Guilds.
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.
04/12/06
Employers urged to help design new diploma
Manufacturers are being urged to help boost the skills of their future employees by getting involved in the design of a new academic qualification for teenagers.
27/11/06
'The Knowledge' gains City & Guilds accreditation
Transport for London has announced that the testing system behind London's world-famous 'Knowledge of London' (the Knowledge) has received official accreditation by City & Guilds.
24/11/06
CompTIA expands options for A+ certification
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has expanded its CompTIA A+ certification offering by adding two new exams targeted at specific IT repair and support jobs.
21/11/06
OU launches new foundation degree in IT
The Open University has launched a new foundation degree - 'Computing and Its Practice' - aimed at advancing the skills of staff working in entry-level IT.
16/11/06
BCS launches touch typing qualification
The British Computer Society (BCS) has developed a new touch typing qualification called e-type.
14/11/06
Enterprise Week launch for GCSE/BTEC computer game
A new computer game has been launched that aims to help GCSE and BTEC Business Studies students enhance their enterprise skills.
09/11/06
Safe working qualification for young people launched
A new qualification has been previewed that aims to improve young people's understanding of safe working when taking part in work experience.
06/11/06
BCS to use e-skills Passport for ITQ candidates
The British Computer Society (BCS) and e-skills UK have announced a partnership agreement that will require all candidates registering for an ITQ in one of BCS’ centres to use an e-skills Passport to assess their existing skills.
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Research and reports
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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