FE News on the go

Sustainability needs to be demystified and easy to understand BY EVERYONE, not just scientists, not just the people writing the rules and standards. EVERYONE.We need to simplify the language and explain sustainability standards, goals and targets in a language that makes us feel they are possible to achieve. When I first became a Green Manager at Hotel Doolin in 2013, one of the first things I att...

In 2024, universities will embrace technologies like AI to enhance campus operations, reduce costs and drive positive student experiences. The institutions that leverage these technologies will be the progressive, forward-thinking institutions of the future. These universities will evolve, excelling and adapting quickly to changing requirements. As institutions strive to win and retain the best st...

In this article, Olly discusses Edge’s latest Learning from the Past paper written with Professor Prue Huddleston and Professor Lorna Unwin about curriculum in FE colleges. Over the past century, England’s Further Education (FE) colleges have evolved into anchor institutions that are uniquely positioned to address changing societal and workforce needs. Despite their adaptability, though, FE contin...

Artificial Intelligence is changing the workplace and while we cannot guarantee exactly what the jobs of the future will look like, as educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that students have the skills and competencies required to adapt to a changing world. International Baccalaureate programmes can help us to recognise this. In November 2023, the UK Government hosted its first ever Artif...

There is a potential workforce of 85,000 people sitting in our prisons. With the right organisation and incentives for business, we could be filling many of those vacancies in hospitality, catering, construction, and a host of other sectors currently suffering a dearth of people. What’s more, with a little bit of seed funding, the Treasury would make substantial savings. Expanding Opportunities fo...

The state of education in 2023 and 2024In 2023, seismic shifts in UK education and skills set the stage for an exciting year ahead. With 2024 marking the Edge Foundation’s 20th anniversary, and a general election also looming, now is the time to reflect on the sector’s achievements and aspirations for the future. SKILLS CLIMBS THE POLITICAL AGENDA WITH EMERGING CROSS-PARTY CONSENSUSIn 2023, leader...

In 2023, seismic shifts in UK education and skills set the stage for an exciting year ahead. With 2024 marking the Edge Foundation’s 20th anniversary, and a general election also looming, now is the time to reflect on the sector’s achievements and aspirations for the future. Skills climbs the political agenda with emerging cross-party consensusIn 2023, leaders of both main political parties sought...

In this article, Heather makes some suggestions for where she sees policy focus should be in 2024.A new year – and as we now know a General Election year brings new hopes and fresh challenges in any sector. For the education sector it’s multi-faceted as we constantly strive to improve the qualifications on offer but what are the new qualifications and skills that are needed in a fast moving world....

In this article, Simon delves into the transformative impact of AI and ML in education, showcasing their potential to alleviate educator burnout, automate tasks, and personalise learning. The article emphasises the importance of balancing AI efficiencies with human guidance for optimal results. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are vital catalysts for growth and creativity acr...

Dr Knox highlights the critical role of inclusive practice and early intervention in ensuring that autistic and anxious young people have the best opportunities for further education. IMPORTANCE OF FURTHER EDUCATION (FE)Further education serves as a pivotal opportunity for young individuals, offering autonomy and diverse learning models. For those who have faced challenges in traditional schooling...

On 14 December, Ofqual published their annual statistical bulletin ‘Reviews of Marking and Moderation’ for the summer 2023 exams in England. Lots of numbers. And some very interesting ones too. Like that out of 6,171,265 GCSE, AS and A level grades awarded, 303,270 grades were challenged and 66,205 were changed – of which some 62,595 were attributable to the correction of ‘marking errors’.‘Marking...

Unlocking employability success hinges on trust, a dynamic force woven through participant-adviser bonds, employer relationships and leadership. Scott Parkin FIEP, Group Chief Executive of IEP discusses how positive human connection shapes positive outcomes. The Crucial Role of Trust in Employability ServicesIn employability services around the world, the dynamics of human interaction play a cruci...

With the opinion polls indicating a return to power for the Labour Party – in what is an expected general election year – the skills policy analyst, Prof. Tom Bewick, makes some predictions about what the main party manifestos are likely to offer to a beleaguered FE and skills sector, that is short on cash and high on hope. In 1996, Peter Mandelson and Roger Liddle published a book called, ‘The Bl...

Artificial Intelligence is set to change things beyond recognition. The illiterate of the future will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. Today’s leaders need to evolve to become “icons for tomorrow”, and a simple acronym DIPOCA could provide the answer.“The purpose of leadership is to create more leaders.” – John MaxwellHow does this quote sit...

With colleges mired in industrial action for the seventh time since 2015, Gavin Donoghue, Director of College Employers Scotland, examines possible reforms that could break the cycle of strikes and strengthen national collective bargainingGroundhog Day for Scotland’s collegesIt is the beginning of a new year – traditionally a time for personal reflection, change, and a fresh start. Scotland’s coll...

As the conversation about the fourth industrial revolution increases and concerns over technology taking over jobs continue, teaching strategies must evolve to prepare children for an increasingly digital world beyond the classroom. This is where life-long skills are becoming vital for students; now is the time to consider the skills that are essential for students to adapt and thrive in ever-evol...

The modern workplace has changed. Over recent years businesses have been forced to adapt to substantial changes in how they operate, and in doing so, have naturally become more agile. But in tandem, employees’ expectations have increased. We know happy staff are more productive but what is the best way to build a highly effective team? In this article, Jane Knight, Founder of Successful Mums Caree...

A lot more needs to be done to support the UK’s transition to net zero. Training providers will be essential for this transition and Workpays are calling for more funding and a joined-up strategy to ensure the British workforce has the skills it needs to compete. We know that the future is green. In fact, there is no future if it isn’t green. Green skills, however, are woefully underfunded. Bridgi...

In this article, Jamie discusses some of the key issues around the safe and responsible development and application of emerging AI platforms in the context of education, and shares insights from some colleges that are already leading the way in this context’Right now my experience with some of the well-known AI platforms from time to time goes a little like this. Ask a question via a prompt, recei...

In this article, Alan Jacobson Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Alteryx discusses how in order for the implementation of AI to be successful, organisations need to empower every human member of their business to leverage the technology in the best possible way for maximum impact, and how the role of an analytical AI whisperer will become increasingly important over the coming years. Over the pa...

Si Beales, founder of Future Skills Club, and a former principal lecturer at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art and Design, breaks down how employees in traditionally non-design focused industries can learn creative skills through design, and improve their communication and job prospects in any sector. Creativity and design skills may not spring to mind as “necessary” credentials when app...

David Gallagher, Chief Executive of the awarding organisation NCFE, discusses what’s been a landmark year for the education charity and why it’s important to build on the sector’s achievements during 2023 and remain united in the year ahead. NCFE: 175 Years StrongIt’s been a busy 12 months both inside and outside our sector. From huge global events to qualification reforms, it’s a year that’s had...

In this article for FE News, AELP Chair Nichola Hay MBE outlines her view of how 2023 has gone for the skills sector and starts to look ahead to what 2024 may bring.2023 has been another busy year for AELP and our members as we strive towards delivering the skills training the country needs. In many ways, it’s been a very tough year for the sector. We’ve consistently warned of the impact of rising...

UK leading education technology provider The Skills Network is committed to another year at the forefront of learning technology innovation. Head of Business Development Jack McDougall shares his top 5 predictions for the ed-tech space in 2024.My Top 5 Predictions for Ed-Tech in 2024MicrolearningTrue Blended LearningData For PersonalisationGenerative Artificial Intelligence (AI)ChatbotsIn 2024, we...

Si Beales, founder of Future Skills Club, and a former principal lecturer at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art and Design, breaks down how employees in traditionally non-design focused industries can learn creative skills through design, and improve their communication and job prospects in any sector. Creativity and design skills may not spring to mind as “necessary” credentials when app...