This week the headlines focus on the National Student Satisfaction Survey, traineeships, skills shortages and some of the things being done locally to address them, such as the Skills Support for the Workforce initiative and women in Higher Education and Leadership. Our recent Higher Education Policy Blog reported on changes in government, graduates; applications and vacancies, the Regional Growth Fund and regional impact.
The satisfaction rate for students studying at UK universities and colleges has hit a 10-year high, with 86 per cent saying they are satisfied overall with their course, in this year’s National Student Survey (NSS). Students at the University of Exeter are the most satisfied of any of the Russell Group universities, according to the latest results. The universities of Belfast, St Andrews, Keele and Bath were also among the top for student satisfaction.
Traineeships are off to a good start as the first year anniversary passes, with 7,400 learners being recorded as starting a Traineeship programme in the first three quarters of the 2013 to 2014 academic year. The TUC and CBI marked the anniversary by signing a joint statement of support for those wanting to take part in the scheme.
The Association of Colleges has responded to a Government announcement that, from November, tougher rules will be imposed on universities and colleges who sponsor international students to study in the UK. The government has also announced plans to amend current employment agency legislation in a bid to prevent recruiters from advertising jobs exclusively overseas.
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has called for employers to do more to help young people into work to avert a skills crisis, following new findings from HSBC and the Prince’s Trust. Indeed, West Country businesses report facing a massive skills shortage, which could slam the brakes on the region’s economic recovery. Two thirds (66 per cent) of South West businesses surveyed fear skills shortages will put the brakes on the economic recovery, while a third (33 per cent) fear it would cause their business to fold. Apprentices are being sought to work on the Plymouth’s new £5million enterprise block of business units.
Gill Brinsden from Careers South West is currently on secondment, acting as Employer Careers Adviser on Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) at Cornwall Works Hub, working in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions to engage with employers and employees to enable those employees who are over 19 years of age without a level 2 qualification to sustain employment through free training and support. Gill will be meeting with employees and employers to assess current skills and needs, then working with local training providers to develop bespoke training plans in priority sectors including Advanced Business, Hospitality and Tourism, Creative, Health and Care, Low Carbon, Engineering & Manufacturing, Marine, Voluntary and Community, Higher Level (senior staff, experts and managers) and Rural, Land-Based sectors. For more information contact Gill on 07810 871917 or email: gill.brinsden@careerssw.org SSW is an ESF funded project offering free, fully funded training for employees / employers until July 2015.
The Heart of the South West LEP has been working on finance to help the people improve their workplace skills and increase their employability, launching the Local Response Fund, which aims to address skills priorities and is ring fenced for projects that answer identified skills needs across the area. This includes Level 4 Training for businesses in the Retail, Hospitality, Care, Food Manufacture, Sport & Leisure and Logistics sectors; a new project to develop customer service skills for seasonal workers in North Devon and Torridge; and the Somerset Employers Skills Survey, which is an in-depth survey aimed at providing a better understanding of workforce skills needs throughout Somerset. Bridgwater College in Somerset has also been awarded a £1.7m Skills Fund for Hinkley Point C, which is to be the UK’s first new nuclear power station in 25 years. The EDF Energy led project, will be Europe’s largest construction scheme, employ 5,600 people at peak, provide a huge boost to regional economic activity during the construction process.
The Engineering Development Trust (EDT), which aims to encourage more young people to take up science, technology engineering and maths, is working on the frontline battling to fill the engineering skills gap. An EDT engineering initiative in schools known as Go4SET, has fired the enthusiasm of girls for engineering. The scheme, run in partnership with local employers, universities and other organisations, sets teams of six pupils practical tasks focusing on environmental issues.
…and finally, the Women in Higher Education @Exeter bi-annual report has recently been released, highlighting the University of Exeter’s activities relating to the Athena SWAN charter, which leads me to flag the fifth annual Women into Leadership Conference in London this September – see events for more details.
I hope you find this information useful.
Cheers!
National Headlines
UK Labour Market, August 2014
Comparing the estimates for April to June 2014 with those for January to March 2014, employment continued to rise and unemployment continued to fall. These changes continue the general direction of movement over the past two years.
Record fall in youth unemployment
Youth unemployment has seen the largest annual fall since records began alongside the steepest annual fall in unemployment in 25 years.
Fall in youth unemployment welcome but more must be done, UKCES claims
UK Commission for Employment and Skills welcomes new findings on youth unemployment, but claims much work is still to be done to tackle the problem.
ONS figures reveal unemployment at six year low
Unemployment fell to its lowest rate, 6.4 per cent, for six years dropping by 132,000 to 2.08 million for the second quarter of 2014, official figures show.
CBI – Too many young people remain out of work, despite upbeat figures
The CBI commented on the latest ONS labour market data for the three months to June, showing that unemployment fell by 132,000 to 2.1 million, while youth unemployment fell to 16.9%. But with 767,000 young still people out of work more needs to be done.
TUC – UK economy is very good at creating low-paid jobs
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady commented on the latest labour market statistics published recently (Wednesday) by the Office for National Statistics.
UKCES welcomes proposals for new approach to measuring success in adult learning
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has today welcomed new proposals to put more focus on outcomes of learning for adult learners.
TUC – Guaranteed jobs and training needed to address youth unemployment
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady responds to a recent Institute for Public Policy Research report entitled Remember the Young Ones on youth unemployment.
School leaver career options confusing for many parents, says research
Many parents do not understand the range of different routes into a career that students can take after they leave school, research has showed.
CBI – Being inside reformed EU can secure economic future
The CBI responded to a report published by the Mayor of London on the UK’s relationship with the EU.
TUC – Welfare reforms for newly unemployed will harm chances of a quick return to work
New analysis published recently by the TUC shows that the majority of claimants who will be hit by the government’s new five-week wait welfare reform are short-term claimants who only claim the benefit for a few weeks.
One in seven students work full-time while they study
Most students now take on some paid work while at university.
Data published on staff employed in the higher education sector
HEFCE has published interactive data on the trends in employment of staff in the higher education sector for the ten years, 2003-04 to 2012-13. 2012-13 is the first year in which detailed information on job types is available.
UCU comment on possible changes to student loans
UCU recently responded to reports about government proposals to reform the English student loan system which could lead to higher tuition fees for students and changes in loan terms.
Employers must maximise UK engineering talent, says UK Commission for Employment and Skills
Engineering employers in the UK must do more to attract graduates into engineering careers, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) claims.
Response to report on HEFCE’s role in learning and teaching enhancement
This report, which was commissioned by the HEA at HEFCE’s request, reflects HEFCE’s commitment to independent review and evaluation of their work.
Data published on demand and supply in higher education subject areas
HEFCE has published a large amount of interactive data on the current and future supply of graduates and postgraduates in all subjects.
More students are staying on after their first year at university
The percentage of full-time students remaining in higher education after their first year is at an all-time high according to HEFCE figures published today.
Employers prefer ‘soft’ skills in graduates, study says
Employers prefer “soft” skills rather than technical knowledge in graduates they are recruiting, a study suggests.
Recovery gathers pace – job vacancies and salaries on the rise and graduates are the biggest winners
More jobs vacancies and rising salaries are fresh evidence of the UK’s continued economic recovery, according to a new report out today.
Let universities underwrite student loans to reduce burden on taxpayer
David Willetts says students would benefit but opponents fear institutions would demand higher tuition fees to cover debts.
UCU calls for an end to zero-hours contracts at meeting with industry leaders
UCU today re-emphasised its opposition to zero-hours contracts at an industry briefing on atypical and zero-hours contracts hosted by conciliation experts Acas.
Happy workers don’t always make better ‘agents of change,’ study reveals
Highly satisfied employees will remain proactive at work for several years, while those who are unsatisfied quickly lose their can-do attitude, new research has revealed.
A flexible approach can benefit both employees and employers
Returning to work after having children can be difficult for women but sound advice and support make this easier.
New technical schools provide job boost for young people
Top employers including Jaguar Land Rover, Hitachi, Dyson and Kew Botanical Gardens back the new schools.
Can you help the UK capture 10 percent of the global space market?
The UK Space Agency is seeking 2 experienced and passionate individuals to join its Steering Board.
Quality assurance challenges synergies between European tools
Cedefop Director James Calleja praised Malta’s efforts to draft a national quality assurance framework for further and higher education based on the Standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European higher education area (ESG) and a European quality assurance in VET (EQAVET) perspective.
Building European VET – Time to move on
Cedefop and the European Commission’s Directorate General Education and Culture (DG EAC) are organising a conference (29-30 September) to discuss the results of Cedefop’s monitoring report on progress towards a common European strategy on vocational education and training (VET) as set out in the 2010 Bruges Communiqué.
Youth Contract to be ended early
The coalition’s flagship programme to tackle youth unemployment is to be wound up early, amid claims that it has been an “abject failure”.
Childcare provision is unsuitable for the modern labour market, finds research
Detailed analysis by Citizens Advice reveals that parents on low incomes or with unstable working hours are forced to rely on poorer quality childcare providers.
Vassiliou urges Education Ministers to help kids crack the code
European Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou has written a letter to EU Education Ministers urging them to ensure that children have the opportunity to develop basic computer coding skills in school.
20,000th start up loan as scheme passes £100 million for entrepreneurs
The Start Up Loans Company has now offered more than £100 million to entrepreneurs wanting to set up their own business.
Temporary workers likely to make up one-fifth of workforces by 2022
Only around one in seven workers wants to work in a ‘traditional’ nine-to-five office environment in the future, according to research from PwC.
Health and Work Service supplier announced
The government’s new Health and Work Service in England and Wales will be delivered by Health Management Limited, a MAXIMUS company, it was announced recently (25 July 2014).
Engaging with NIACE’s general election manifesto
Webinars available to all staff in the further education, training and skills sector, as well as those in local government/LEPs, will explore ways of engaging with NIACE’s bold new proposals for a skills-led economic recovery, outlined in its general election manifesto.
Redundancies cost NHS nearly £1.6 billion since 2010, reports say
Exit payments to NHS staff have reached almost £1.6 billion during the reorganisation of the health service over the past four years, according to newspaper reports.
Student loans overhaul planned by ministers
Ministers and officials have been working on a policy that could bring major changes to England’s student loan system, BBC Newsnight has learned.
Celebrating Apprenticeship Success
Graduation ceremonies to celebrate the achievement of higher and advanced apprentices are being rolled out across England to raise the profile of Apprenticeships, in a bid to put them on an equal footing with a university route to success.
NIACE updates popular resources for older people in care
NIACE has published updated versions of its popular resources – Learning for Older People in Care Settings – in light of policy changes and key research conducted in this area.
International employer brands ‘attract quantity not quality’
Global employers are failing to attract the right mix of talent because of unappealing or confusing employer brands, according to advisory firm CEB.
Lessons from America – why colleges must collaborate rather than compete
‘Collaboration is the key to world class education, not competition.’ Deputy principal Nick Isles reflects on what UK further education can learn from the US.
South West Headlines
England’s ‘lopsided’ higher education system needs to be tackled
Nick Davy, Higher Education Policy Manager at the Association of Colleges, responds to a report by the Independent Commission on Fees, which shows that 10 times more advantaged students get a place at a top university than their disadvantaged peers.
Record university places as A-level results revealed
Record numbers of university places are on offer as pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are about to find out their A-level and AS-level results.
Women in Higher Education at Exeter bi-annual report
The Women in Higher Education @Exeter bi-annual report has recently been released, highlighting the University of Exeter’s activities relating to the Athena SWAN charter.
Regional Labour Market, August 2014
The employment rate in Great Britain was highest in the South East (76.7%) and lowest in Wales (69.1%). The unemployment rate in Great Britain was highest in the North East (9.4%) and lowest in the South East (4.4%).
LEP welcomes £16m Tulip investment in Cornwall
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership has welcomed a £16m investment in Cornwall by Tulip Ltd, creating 250 new jobs.
IPPR report calls for better funding for post-16 education
Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, welcomed the ‘Remember the Young Ones’ report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR).
Association of Colleges – Response to Outcome Based Success Measures
Joy Mercer, Director of Education Policy at the Association of Colleges responds to today’s publication from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on Further Education Outcome Based Success Measures.
Government to transform success measures in adult further education
A consultation on how data on adult learner outcomes can be used to benefit prospective students, employers and educators has been launched.
VisitEngland’s latest ‘Growing Tourism Locally’ results announced – #MyTourismJob
Local marketing campaigns deliver jobs and growth boost for England.
Time for Gloucestershire business get behind GFirst LEP strategic plan, says Business West
Now is the time for Gloucestershire businesses to get behind the work of GFirst LEP and back the implementation of its strategic economic plan, says Anne Compton.
University of Gloucestershire shares student village plan
Plans to turn a former teaching campus of the University of Gloucestershire into a student village have been shared publicly for the first time.
University of Exeter tops Russell Group for student satisfaction in National Student Survey 2014
Students at Exeter are the most satisfied of any of the Russell Group universities, according to the latest results from the National Student Survey (NSS) 2014.
University of Exeter partners with Brazil
The University of Exeter’s first official visit to Brazil took place at the end of July, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith leading a University delegation to the country to consolidate links with three leading research institutions: the University of São Paulo (USP), the Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and the National Institute of Space Research (INPE).
Plymouth University board ‘united’ over CEO suspension
Plymouth University’s board of governors has said it is “united” behind a review process that led to the chief executive being suspended.
Association of Colleges – A warm welcome to our new President
Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College, has begun his term as AoC President recently.
New Solent marine group kicks into action with millions of pounds worth of funding announced
A new group tasked with boosting the region’s bustling marine and maritime industries has proven it’s all about action, announcing two funds worth nearly £4 million at its first meeting.
Superfast Broadband Reaches 1 million More Homes and Businesses
The Government’s rollout of superfast broadband has now reached more than 1 million homes and businesses across the UK, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, announced today.
Swindon and Wiltshire LEP Develops High Value Manufacturing Priorities
Following the recommendations of the SWLEP Manufacturing Network meeting on 2nd July, the Local Enterprise Partnership Board has given its full support in developing local High Value Manufacturing (HVM) priorities in support of the Strategic Economic Plan, European Structural Investment Fund and City Deal proposals.
Ten projects secure hundreds of Swindon jobs
Ten investment projects were started by overseas businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire during the 2013/14 financial year, creating 186 new jobs and safeguarding a further 962, according to new figures.
Helping hand to Regional Growth Fund applicants
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Cornwall Council are offering advice to local businesses thinking of applying to the latest round of the Government’s £3.2 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF).
Economy now bigger than it was before the 2008 credit crunch
Businesses have welcomed the growing economy pushing past its pre-recession peak of 2008.
Dorset LEP Board Recruitment
Dorset LEP are seeking business leaders from across Dorset to join their board.
Overseas Investment Benefits Local Economy
10 new investment projects were started by overseas businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire during the 2013/14 financial year, creating 186 new jobs and safeguarding 962 existing jobs.
Red tape could be slashed to free businesses under new scheme in Cornwall
A study which could see red tape slashed and businesses liberated from heavy handed regulations is being launched in the Westcountry.
Partnering opportunities at Farnborough International Air Show
UK defence and security SMEs discussed new export and partnering opportunities at ‘Meet the Buyer’ event.
Helping to find jobs for young
Recruiting teams tasked with helping 1,500 young people into work as part of the multi-million pound City Deal are currently being sought.
International Research Publications
European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme 2014 to 2020
The ERDF operational programme is the main document for setting out the strategy and priorities for use of the fund to support the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It also contains high level information on how the fund will be delivered, managed and evaluated including partnership and governance arrangements.
Occupational regulation in the EU and UK – prevalence and labour market impacts
Research on the prevalence of occupational regulation in the UK and EU, and an examination of labour market impacts in the UK.
Do business tendency surveys help in forecasting employment? A real-time evidence for Switzerland
Investigates the usefulness of business tendency surveys collected at the KOF Swiss Economic Institute and aggregated in the form of the KOF Employment Indicator for short-term forecasting of employment in Switzerland. Uses a real-time dataset in order to simulate the actual predictive process using only information that was available at the time when predictions were made. Evaluates the predictive content of the KOF Employment Indicator. Finds that inclusion of the KOF Employment Indicator leads to a substantial improvement in prediction accuracy of both point and density forecasts compared to the performance of a benchmark autoregressive model.
OECD – Connecting People with Jobs, Activation Policies in the United Kingdom
Examines recent activation policies in seven participating OECD countries; Australia, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, aimed at moving people back into work. It offers insight into how countries can improve the effectiveness of their employment services and also control spending on benefits.
Cedefop’s European Training Thesaurus – new descriptors – 2014 update
The European Training Thesaurus (ETT) is Cedefop’s controlled vocabulary used to index the VET-Bib bibliographic database. In 2014, just over 100 new descriptor terms were added, to keep track of VET development and to assist researchers in defining, narrowing, and broadening their search strategies.
Review of the balance of EU competences
An audit of what the EU does and how it affects the UK. This tranche consists of 11 new reports in comprising the Review of the Balance of EU Competences.
Higher education – destinations of UK and other EU domiciled leavers from HE 2012 to 2013
Details of the destinations of UK and other EU domiciled leavers from higher education.
UK Research Publications
The found generation – practical solutions to youth unemployment
‘Practical Solutions to UK Youth Unemployment’ sets out four low-cost, evidence-based proposals to the Government, local authorities and the public sector, backed by a series of case studies.
Gateway to growth – CBI – Pearson education and skills survey 2014
Discusses the upward trend in employers involved in apprenticeships. Looks at best practice around the world (Australia, Denmark, Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland) – all with well-developed national vocational systems. Argues that Apprenticeships, rather than a “last resort” are a strong potential choice from early secondary school – and part of a range of options that keep choices and opportunities open. Also underlines the demand for a much greater focus on improved vocational learning.
Employment support for unemployed older people
Looks at the extent to which employment support meets the needs of older jobseekers.
Management 2020 – leadership to unlock long-term growth
Investigates how management and leadership in the UK will need to change by 2020 to deliver sustainable economic growth.
Joined up welfare – the next steps for personalisation
Shows that just over a third (36%) of people using jobcentres find sustained work. Many find themselves in and out of employment largely due to having barriers to work which are not fully dealt with. There are, for example, 11.5 million people in Britain with a long-term health condition while up to 18% of the working age population has a mental health problem. An estimated 10,000 16-18 year olds leave care each year. Argues that, while the government’s welfare reforms have improved matters, there is still too much duplication and inefficiency in the system.
Sector Skills Publications
Higher education statistics for the UK – academic year 2012 to 2013
Presents an overview of all aspects of higher education in the UK. It draws together data on students, staff and institutional finance, applicants via the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS), graduates and graduate destinations, student support, and international comparisons.
Occupational regulation in the EU and UK – prevalence and labour market impacts
Research on the prevalence of occupational regulation in the UK and EU, and an examination of labour market impacts in the UK.
Skills and employment in the UK – the labour market story
An assessment of the UK labour market, including skills supply and demand, use of skills at work, and skills needs in the future.
Events
OECD LEED Programme Expert Seminar – What works, and what doesn’t? Evidence-based approaches to tackling disadvantage
October 2014, OECD Conference Centre, Paris
15/10/2014 – This expert seminar will focus on how countries can establish a policy framework to enable effective local action using an evidence-based approach, choosing between different measures at a time of limited resources. The latest evidence from OECD countries on ‘what works’ and ‘what doesn’t’ will be considered, with participants sharing their own experiences of what has been successful on the ground.
OECD LEED programme High-Level Capacity Building Seminar – Supporting youth in entrepreneurship
22-23 September 2014, Brussels, Belgium
22/09/2014 – The aim of this High-Level Capacity Building Seminar is have an international exchange of information on inclusive entrepreneurship actions across the European Union and on how the European Union Structural Funds can be used to support actions that combine entrepreneurship promotion and social inclusion. It will examine the how strategies for youth entrepreneurship can be designed and implemented including consideration of the connections with wider strategies for entrepreneurship and youth employment.
Skills, Employment and Growth Conference 2014 30th September, 2014, University of Salford
30/09/2014 – This one day conference will provide delegates a timely opportunity to debate whether Government proposals to reform skills and employment programmes will benefit learners, engage more employers and get more people back to work. This important conference will bring together key players from across the employment and skills spectrum, and with its unparalleled networking opportunities and key speakers, this event is one not be missed. Contact Elanor e.leach@salford.ac.uk
The Skills Show Experience – Have a Go Exeter
22 October 2014, WestPoint Centre (Devon) Ltd, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DH
22/10/2014 – The SW Employment and Skills Partnership and partners are very excited to formally invite you to The Skills Show Experience Exeter 2014! The Employment and Skills Partnership are organising an event in Exeter in partnership with Devon County Council on 22nd October. We are currently working on a steering group in conjunction with Devon County Council, Careers South West and others regarding this World Skills UK Exeter event, and would be delighted if you could please complete the booking form and register your interest via the following link http://tsse-findafuture-devon.eventbrite.co.uk.
Skills for Life Maths and English Conference
19 September 2014, Swindon
19/09/2014 – Targeted at Skills for Life delivery tutors and managers. The aim of the event is to provide participants with a range of tools, resources and best practice which they will be able to take back to their own organisations. Much of the day will be interactive so participants will be expected to do some work! Contact Julia Falaki for further details.
IfL Fellowship Research Programme
17th Oct 2014, Oxford
17/10/2014 – The IfL Fellowship Research Programme is designed to develop individuals’ research and publication skills.
Welfare reform – creating effective local delivery partnerships
20 December 2014, Prospero House, Borough High Street, London SE1
20/12/2014 – This one day conference will provide an early opportunity to consider the updated Local Support Services Framework and will feature examples of best practice in the planning and delivery of services sharing learning from the Local Authority led pilots as well as drawing on the experience of housing associations, and third sector organisations in the delivery of budgeting support, debt advice, and financial inclusion inititatives, local welfare schemes, and digitial inclusion projects.
HEFCE Annual Meeting 2014
16 October 2014, 09:30-13:00, Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
16/10/2014 – The meeting offers an opportunity to learn more about current developments, HEFCE’s role and the challenges facing higher education. Booking for the event will open in August.
TUC Congress 2014
7-10 September 2014, BT Convention Centre, Kings Dock, Liverpool L3 4FP
07/09/2014 – Visitor application forms will be available from May.
Next steps for the Research Excellence Framework
23 April 2015, central London
23/04/2015 – David Sweeney, Director, HEFCE will be speaking at this seminar, which is scheduled to follow publication of this year’s Research Excellence Framework (REF), the system by which the quality of research from UK HEIs is assessed – with significant implications for public funding for universities’ research, for benchmarking, and for academic reputation.
Improving financial stability and efficiency in Higher Education – sustainability, alternative revenue streams and lean ways of working
19 November 2014, central London
19/11/2014 – Steve Egan, Deputy Chief Executive, HEFCE, will be speaking at this event, which will bring out latest thinking on making the Higher Education sector more efficient, and to increase financial stability at a time of considerable changes to university funding – focusing on options and implementation.
Webinar – Engaging with NIACE’s general election manifesto
2 September 2014, online – ref: WEB002A1/0914
02/09/2014 – Webinar participants will hear from NIACE’s CEO, David Hughes, about the manifesto’s bold new proposals following recent reports confirming the urgent need for a skills-led economic recovery; including the 2013 OECD Survey of Adult Skills, the 2014 UKCES Employer Skills Survey and NIACE’s 2014 Participation Survey.
Webinar – Engaging with NIACE’s general election manifesto
17 September 2014, online – ref: WEB002A2/0914
17/09/2014 – Webinar participants will hear from NIACE’s CEO, David Hughes, about the manifesto’s bold new proposals following recent reports confirming the urgent need for a skills-led economic recovery; including the 2013 OECD Survey of Adult Skills, the 2014 UKCES Employer Skills Survey and NIACE’s 2014 Participation Survey.
Cedefop – Skills needs anticipation and matching course
Turin, Italy, 20 – 24 October 2014
Deadline for applications – 15 September 2014
20/10/2014 – Cedefop co-organises a training and knowledge-sharing course on skills needs anticipation and matching with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC-ILO), the Skills Development and Employability Unit of the ILO and the European Training Foundation (ETF).
CIPD – Health, Safety and Wellbeing
20 August 2014, 18:00, Lee Abbey, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6JJ
20/08/2014 – Emotional Intelligence has been shown to impact directly on our wellbeing, behaviour and performance. To improve workplace competences, you have to deal with the feelings and attitude in order to impact on the change you desire.
CIPD – Devon and Cornwall Branch Conference
1 October 2014, 09:45, Sandy Park Conference Centre, Sandy Park Way, Exeter, EX2 7NN
01/10/2014 – Delegates will be able to enjoy 2 fantastic Key note speakers and select from a menu of 12 mini seminars, workshops and master classes in Employment Law, Employee Engagement, Leadership, Health and Wellbeing and Learning and Development.
NIACE – FELTAG Session 1 – Meeting Learner’s Needs
9 September 2014, online – ref: BIS602A/0714
09/09/2014 – The government’s response to the FELTAG recommendations published on the 16 June confirmed the government’s commitment to the use of technology for learning. However, there are unanswered questions to how the FE and skills sector can meet the FELTAG challenge. Join us for the first in a series of free NIACE hosted webinars to discuss issues and practical solutions.
Motivated or Mandated – engaging adults in learning and supporting them to succeed
20 October 2014, London, UCU Office, Old Bakery, Carlow Street, London NW1 7LH
20/10/2014 – This conference will encourage dialogue between practitioners and researchers in order to explore the ways to motivate adults to engage and succeed in literacy and numeracy learning.
GET THE GRIT – A resilience workshop to develop a ‘growth mindset’ for all – training event
led by Jackie Beere OBE
12 November 2014, Campaign for Learning, 24 Greencoat Place, Westminster, London, SW1P 1RD
12/11/2014 – Raise achievement and improve wellbeing through resilience training with Jackie Beere, who has years of experience in coaching and personal development for children and teachers.
Employer Ownership – Current Position and Future Prospects
with Michael Davis, Chief Executive of UKCES
23 September 2014, Campaign for Learning, 24 Greencoat Place, Westminster, London, SW1P 1RD
23/09/2014 – With the general election less than nine months away, this is an exciting moment discuss where the ’employer ownership of skills’ agenda has reached and what the prospects are for the future.
How to design powerful learning campaigns for your workplace
28 August 2014, Campaign for Learning, 24 Greencoat Place, Westminster, London, SW1P 1RD
28/08/2014 – Learning campaigns and events are a great way of raising the profile of learning and development in the workplace – but they can be so much more than that. Used strategically, they can help towards addressing a range of business problems and issues, and contribute to behaviour change.
Grow Gloucestershire – The Skills Show Experience
7 – 8 October 2014, The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse
07/10/2014 – Highlight the exciting career opportunities you have available and get face to face with potential apprentices, trainees and staff. Bring skills to life through inspirational ‘HAVE A GO’ activities. Talk to Gloucestershire’s young people about what it is really like to work in your sector. Raise your profile and promote your brand, products and services.
The Skills Show, NEC
13 – 15 November 2014, Birmingham NEC
13/11/2014 – FREE to attend, The Skills Show provides young people with opportunities to discover what they are good at and what they enjoy, through hands-on experiences combined with practical advice and guidance, to help shape futures and transform lives.
Women into Leadership, Fifth Annual Conference
17 September 2014, Central London
17/09/2014 – For all those interested in seeing leadership opportunities for women enhanced. Women into Leadership 2014 will examine how female leaders, at whatever grade, can enhance their relevant skills to become the leader they aspire to be. This year’s conference will draw on feedback from Women into Leadership 2013, as well as discussions that take place at this years’ planning meeting. The conference will offer hands-on advice and coaching on how to further develop your career in difficult times. You will hear from inspirational women of all grades and levels, within and outside the Civil Service. You’ll discuss together how you can manage the challenges of modern leadership and help ensure the Civil Service doesn’t lose momentum in recognising and rewarding female leaders.
The Impact of Education & Skills on Economic Growth in South West England 