News - from the College and the Students
November 22nd, 2007 - John Denham outlined the three strands of work that are percived to be crucial to the future of prosperity of Britain
Secretary of State John Denham, for the Department of innovation, Universities and Skills, Speech: Association of Colleges,
John Denham outlined the three strands of work that are perceived to be crucial to the future of prosperity of Britain he stated "We have to make the most of the skills and abilities of every single citizen; we have to undertake first-class research and scholarship; and we have to turn the results into innovative products, services and businesses; which in turns rely upon the skills of our people."
John Denham focused on the Governments education plan;
By 2010-11, total spending on education, employment and training for young people and adults will be £12.4billion a year compared to £6.5billion in 2001-02.
At the centre of the programme is a major expansion of apprenticeships with over £1billion of Government funding - enough to increase overall places from 250,000 today to more than 400,000 by 2010/11.
The skills entitlement will be backed by legislation:
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A right to basic skills training where needed, coupled with the biggest ever investment in this area with over 3.6 million learners on 'Skills for Life' courses over the spending review period.
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A right to free, first-time full level 2 adult training and provide over 800,000 places in 2010/11 - a 30 per cent increase on 2007/08.
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Over 500,000 full level 3 adult training places in 2010/11 - an increase of 148 per cent on 2007/08. And there will be a full legal level 3 right for those aged between 19 and 25.
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By 2010/11 Skills Accounts will help individuals access around £500 million's worth of adult learning, increasing to nearly £1.5 billion by 2015.
I have also asked the LSC to ensure that capital money will be spent on buildings of the highest environmental standards
The focus on education will be broad and extensive;
But we also need to develop FE college and provider capacity at Level 3 and above. Foundation Degrees will be an important part of this but there is also a general demand from employers for high-level technical skills.
I want to see a sector that can confidently bring its expertise and capacity to help answer that demand.
We have recently passed legislation allowing colleges to offer their own Foundation Degrees. Those who do will need to be clear about the nature of their offer. In particular how they ensure, on their own or in partnership with HEIs, that local employers can get what they need.
Qualifications
Developing the qualifications framework is crucial to employer engagement and employer confidence.
Ed Balls recently announced that QCA would be separated into a curriculum and qualifications development body and regulator entrusted with upholding standards.
SSCs will help to develop the content of qualifications and to ensure that they represent what employers need.
For many years employers have complained that we haven't recognised the best training that they offer to their employees. Employer accreditation is a vital step forward in the reform of qualifications. And by Christmas we expect to announce the first few who will have their training recognised in this way.
These changes will also improve the ability of colleges and providers to develop and award their own qualifications.
Of course, the big test for colleges and employers offering qualifications will be to ensure that learners gain transferable and recognisable skills they can take to other employers and conditions.
For more information please contact info@fccollege.co.uk
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