Weekly Newsletter 07.11.2024

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.

ECONOMIC POLICY

Chancellor's Budget: Implications for Skills and Apprenticeship Sector

The Chancellor's Budget highlights a focus on skills development, with mentions of Skills England's role in addressing skills gaps crucial for economic growth. However, details remain sparse, particularly for independent training providers and apprenticeships. Employment costs are set to rise due to increased minimum wage and National Insurance, impacting training providers.

Significant investments are announced in various sectors, including education, but adult skills funding appears limited. The £40 million for the Growth and Skills Levy seems insufficient for transformative change. The potential for shorter Level 2 apprenticeships could enhance employability skills, yet uncertainty persists.

The Budget suggests a collaborative approach to reforming the levy, involving employers, providers, and learners. This indicates a listening government, offering hope for positive changes in the skills sector.

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

Apprenticeships: Unlocking New Career Opportunities for Young People

With only 7% of young people aware of alternatives to university, apprenticeships offer a powerful solution to the skills gap. The new Skills England initiative aims to boost training and productivity with flexible, paid foundation apprenticeships.

Companies like BAE Systems showcase the benefits, reducing youth unemployment and fostering workforce diversity. And apprenticeships aren't just for young people—20% of BAE’s apprentices are over 25. It's time to consider all career paths for a brighter future.

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.

EDUCATION POLICY

Government to Streamline UK Skills System for Future Growth

The UK’s skills framework needs a strategic refresh to meet future demands, says the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee. The current post-16 setup is too complex, and a clear, long-term strategy is overdue. The Government’s proposed Skills England aims to streamline efforts, but its exact role remains undefined.

Employers play a crucial role, yet their investment in training lags behind other countries. A new Growth and Skills Levy could give businesses more flexibility, with a stronger focus on young people and new starters. Local authorities, essential to executing local plans, will need proper funding to succeed.

A simplified, well-funded skills system is vital for economic growth and youth opportunity—focused initiatives with the resources to make an impact are key.

EDUCATION POLICY

Ofqual Introduces New Principles to Enhance Qualification Integrity

Ofqual has introduced principles for awarding organisations to enhance transparency, integrity, and public confidence in qualifications. These guidelines, part of Ofqual’s General Conditions, require honesty and ensure qualifications are purpose-fit. Breaches could bring penalties.

A consultation, open until 12 February 2025, weighs potential challenges but highlights long-term benefits. Chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham notes these principles will guide strategic and operational decisions, keeping standards high. The Federation of Awarding Bodies will evaluate the impact on the industry.