Weekly Newsletter 7.11.2024

APPRENTICESHIP ASSESSMENTS

Enhance Your Assessment Process with AP: Comply & AP: Assess

Accelerate People is simplifying the assessment process with two new platforms: AP: Comply and AP: Assess. Designed to make each step from Gateway to Grade smoother and more reliable, these tools bring practical solutions to support apprenticeship programs.

AP: Comply offers fast grade releases—typically within 24-48 hours—while keeping all processes secure and compliant. Built-in workflows and end-to-end reporting make it easy to track progress and ensure efficiency.

AP: Assess provides added support with AI-augmented feedback, plagiarism checks, and tailored improvement plans, giving learners clear insights on how they’re doing and where they can grow.

Highlights:

• Quick grade releases in 24-48 hours

• AI-augmented feedback and improvement suggestions

• Secure, compliant, and fully automated workflows

• Transparent, end-to-end reporting

With these tools, AP aims to make assessment faster, fairer, and more transparent for everyone involved.

EDUCATION POLICY

UK Government Needs to Provide Greater Direction to the Skills System

The UK’s skills system requires a strategic overhaul to meet future demands, as highlighted by the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee. The current post-16 framework, spanning further education and employer training, is seen as overly complex. The Government's plan for a cohesive Skills England is a step forward, though its role remains unclear.

Employers are pivotal in the skills ecosystem, yet their investment in training lags behind international counterparts. Concerns about the Apprenticeship Levy's broad application suggest a need for clearer focus, particularly on young people and new starters. The proposed Growth and Skills Levy aims to offer employers more flexibility, but safeguards are necessary to ensure funds benefit those most in need. With adequate funding, the Government’s youth guarantee for 18-21 year-olds could expand opportunities.

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

The Jobs Growth Wales+ Programme Powers Back Post-Pandemic

The Jobs Growth Wales scheme at Coleg Cambria is revitalising its transformative training programme post-pandemic, offering career opportunities for young people aged 16-19. Under the leadership of Curriculum Directors David Garratt and Claire Howells, the programme is regaining momentum, with 70 learners now engaged in Deeside and Wrexham. The initiative focuses on creating meaningful industry placements, enhancing skills such as literacy, numeracy, and teamwork, and aims to convert placements into full-time roles.

The programme, part of the Welsh Government's Young Persons Guarantee, provides a weekly training allowance and regular mentoring. It seeks to engage hard-to-reach youth, offering a flexible and supportive environment. Claire Howells emphasises the importance of partnerships with businesses to provide relevant placements, while David Garratt highlights the programme's three strands: Engagement, Advancement, and Employment.

As the programme expands, new partnerships with schools, charities, and businesses are being forged, ensuring accessibility and relevance. The focus remains on breaking down barriers and providing a platform for young people to thrive. The initiative is designed to be simple and accessible, aiming to help young people in Wales reach their full potential and secure employment in roles they enjoy.

FUTURE OF SKILLS

Party Conferences Highlight Future Skills and Education Policy Opportunities

The recent Labour and Conservative Party Conferences highlighted significant developments in the future of skills, with a focus on technical and vocational education. Michael Lemin, Head of Policy at NCFE, observed that both conferences felt distinct, reflecting Labour's adjustment to governance and the Conservatives' leadership search. The Future Skills Coalition's dedicated Skills Zone facilitated cross-party dialogue, yet Lemin noted the need for broader engagement beyond the sector to influence key decision-makers.

Funding for further education (FE) emerged as a critical issue, with concerns over teacher pay and recruitment challenges. The WorldSkills UK event at the Labour Conference offered optimism, emphasising the importance of upskilling educators. The Skills and Growth Levy sparked debate, with NCFE supporting changes that could enhance social mobility through flexible apprenticeships.

Curriculum and assessment were also central topics, with discussions on technology's role in education. NCFE's involvement in the Curriculum and Assessment Review underscored the importance of integrating essential skills like creativity and problem-solving into educational standards. The conferences provided a platform for backbench MPs to engage with the skills sector, fostering hope for continued interest and support as they advance in their political careers. These discussions underscore the potential for positive change in the skills landscape, driven by collaboration and innovation.

EDUCATION SECTOR ANALYSIS

Researchers Question Ofsted’s Impact on FE Improvement

A study by The Edge Foundation and UCL reveals Ofsted inspections in further education (FE) may hinder more than help, especially in disadvantaged areas. With a focus on metrics over real improvement, inspections have been found to increase staff stress and drive some out of the sector. While inspections add quality assurance, their impact on FE requires more research.

Suggestions for improvement include developmental feedback, longer inspection visits, and less judgmental assessments. Under new leadership, Ofsted is working on reforms like removing reductionist grading, with calls for the Department for Education to develop a collaborative, fair accountability system for FE colleges.