Unemployment rises as labour market tightens

Monthly figures from the ONS show the labour market tightening. Average wages have also edged up 2.4% and with inflation at almost zero this represents a real increase in income, though many low paid workers continue to miss out on an annual pay rise. The total number in employment falling by 63 000 and the unemployment rate … Continue reading Unemployment rises as labour market tightens →

The Coming of Age for FE ?

Patrick Ainley reviews Ann Hodgson (ed) (2015) The Coming of Age for FE? Reflections on the past and the future role of further education colleges in England. London: Institute of Education Press. £24.99. Pp.223 Clifford P. Harbour (2015) John Dewey and the Future of Community College Education. London: Bloomsbury. £17.99. Pp.178 Read the Post-16 … Continue reading The Coming of Age for FE ? →

Apprenticeship starts well below Cameron’s target

Figures released by the Skills Funding Agency at the end of June, show just 375 000 apprenticeship starts for the 9 months between August 2014 and April 2015. Only 100 000 of the new starts are by young people under 19 and another 125 000 by those aged 19-24. In otherwords, 4 out of 10 starts … Continue reading Apprenticeship starts well below Cameron’s target →

CBI’s curriculum proposals. A step forward, but big questions remain

The CBI’s John Cridland has re-opened the debate about the 14-19 curriculum. http://news.cbi.org.uk/news/john-cridland-festival-of-education-speech/ Cridland has called for GCSE to be abolished within 5 years ‘High-stakes exams at 16 are from a bygone era’ and, in a further swipe at the Gove/Morgan examination reforms, for the status of vocational learning to be upgraded. ‘For too … Continue reading CBI’s curriculum proposals. A step forward, but big questions remain →

Low-paid, zero hours jobs won’t close Osborne’s deficit

If George Osborne’s proposed legislation to make budget deficits ‘illegal’ goes ahead, then public services will no longer be able to be expanded as a way of stimulating future economic growth and activity. Or at least, it will be up to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to decide whether ‘exceptional circumstances’ allow this to … Continue reading Low-paid, zero hours jobs won’t close Osborne’s deficit →

The NEET problem is also a jobs problem

Recently released figures, show a fall in the proportion of NEETS, down from 13% to 12.3% of all 16-24 year olds. According to Skills Minister Nick Boles, this ‘demonstrates that our economic plan is working’ –yet there are still 943 000 young people being in this category. Take a look at the figures in more … Continue reading The NEET problem is also a jobs problem →

Mr Cameron’s three million apprenticeships. Problems already?

In Wednesday’s Queen's Speech, David Cameron reiterated his commitment to creating 3 million more apprenticeships. 'A new Bill will help to create two million more jobs this Parliament. That means there should be a job for everyone who wants one – in other words, full employment. To help people get those jobs, we’ll train them … Continue reading Mr Cameron’s three million apprenticeships. Problems already? →

Mr Cameron’s Three Million Apprenticeships

During the election, Tory promises to young people never got much further than David Cameron’s pledge to create another 3 million apprenticeships during the next parliament. He provided few other details apart from outlining how the new opportunities would be at least part financed by cutting benefits for unemployed young people. As well as promising … Continue reading Mr Cameron’s Three Million Apprenticeships →

Labour’s Techbacc and Apprenticeships.

Martin Allen argues that Labour's manifesto leaves as many questions as it provides answers Claiming to offer a new alternative for young people at the upper end of secondary school and in Further Education, Labour’s election manifesto retains some old themes –particularly in its policies for vocational education where it wants to introduce a Technical Baccalaureate and … Continue reading Labour’s Techbacc and Apprenticeships. →

Labour’s Fees Promise

PATRICK AINLEY WELCOMES ‘LABOUR’S FEES PROMISE – AS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’ IN LATEST ISSUE OF POST-16 EDUCATOR Introduction: a decision at last! Labour’s long awaited promise of a reduction for all English undergraduate student fees to £6,000 from 2016-17 (so many applicants may defer entry this year) will require speedy legislation in … Continue reading Labour’s Fees Promise →