Weekly Newsletter 17.10.2024

BIG DATA

Data engineers drive success in the Information Age

Data engineers are the backbone of data-driven decision-making, turning raw information into valuable insights.

Did you know? The UK alone has about 197,000 companies directly involved in data production and use. That's a lot of data to manage!

These tech wizards are like master chefs in the kitchen of big data:

🍝 They transform tangled data 'spaghetti' into organised insights

🏗️ They build pipelines that collect, clean, and prep data for analysis

🚀 They enable quick, informed business choices across industries

With 402.74 million terabytes of data created daily the demand for skilled data engineers continues to soar.

Read the full blog to explore how data engineers are reshaping industries from healthcare to education.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Government's Apprenticeship Funding Plan: Impact on Hospitality Sector

The University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) warns that the government's plan to restrict levy funding for level 7 apprenticeships could widen the skills gap in hospitality. This policy may hinder economic growth and impact hospitality firms needing to develop future managers and specialists. Dr. Mandy Crawford-Lee, UVAC's chief executive, emphasises the importance of apprenticeships for social mobility and career progression.

The report by UVAC and Sheffield Hallam University highlights the critical role of higher apprenticeships in employee retention and productivity. Charlynne Pullen from Sheffield Hallam University notes the benefits of apprenticeships for adults at all career stages. While supporting young apprentices is vital, the government should not neglect the essential funding for level 7 apprenticeships, crucial for hospitality employers.

GOVERNMENT JOBS

Skills England CEO Role Announced by Department for Education

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a search for the first CEO of Skills England, a new executive agency. The role, with a salary of £130,000, is aimed at senior leaders from government or business. The CEO will report to the DfE's Director General for Skills and is expected to lead the agency in addressing national skills needs.

Skills England will unite government, businesses, and training providers to develop a comprehensive view of skills requirements and prioritise training programmes. The agency, currently in shadow form, is set to become fully operational by April. The CEO will play a crucial role in establishing the agency's vision and fostering a collaborative culture to achieve its mission.

EDUCATION INSIGHTS

Bridging Business and Education: The Role of Further Education in Skills Development

The FE + Skills Collective event in Birmingham highlighted the crucial link between business and further education (FE), emphasising the need for collaboration to address skills shortages. With 75% of businesses unaware of the term FE, the event aimed to bridge this gap by showcasing how FE can provide a skilled workforce through tailored training and apprenticeships.

Key discussions included the importance of understanding local labour markets and the potential of untapped talent pools, such as reskilling inmates and engaging economically inactive women. The event underscored the role of FE in future workforce planning, with initiatives like Skills England aiming to align educational outcomes with business needs, ensuring a competitive edge in an evolving job market.

EDUCATION REFORM

Skills England to Enhance UK Education System Efficiency

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is set to transfer its powers to the Department for Education (DfE), leading to the creation of Skills England. This new executive agency aims to integrate employer input with broader government strategies, enhancing the skills system's agility and responsiveness. The bill, introduced by Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, allows the Secretary of State to bypass employer groups for designing standards, aiming for a more streamlined process.

Skills England will operate within the DfE, differing from IfATE's non-departmental public body status. This transition may cause temporary disruptions, but the DfE promises mitigations to minimise impact. The government is committed to extensive engagement with employers to maintain their influence and ensure a coherent system for learners and providers.