Skillstories

McDonald’s, Flybe and Network Rail to offer ‘A-levels’

McDonald’s Flybe and Network Rail have won approval to offer courses which could form part of an A-level standard qualification.

TUC calls for pay increase to tackle apprenticeship ‘quality divide’

The Government should increase the minimum pay rate for apprentices to improve the quality of training and tackle apprenticeship dropout rates, says a new TUC report out today (Saturday).

Entry Level 3 tests launched online

Adults wishing to gain basic literacy and numeracy qualifications are now being offered more opportunities to do so through the launch of online Entry Level 3 Literacy and Numeracy tests by awarding body Education Development International Adults around t

RaW short story competition - last chance to enter

The closing date for the RaW short story writing competition is fast approaching - entries must be in by Thursday 31st January 2008. The competition is designed to attract adult learners who would like to improve their writing skills and is ideally suited to family learning - as the story must be a children’s story.

Vocational courses are bridging the skills gap - Ofsted

Post-16 vocational courses are providing students with the relevant skills to meet industry needs according to Ofsted’s post-16 good practice survey reports published today.

Employers urged to change attitude to training to keep staff happy

January is traditionally the time for new opportunities and challenges, with career improvements often featured in plans for the year ahead. A new survey conducted on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has found that we’re a nation with lon

National Skills Academy for Process Industries unveiled

Skills minister David Lammy has unveiled the National Skills Academy for the Process Industries.

Diploma warning from universities

Almost four out of 10 universities are unlikely to accept students applying with the new Diploma qualifications, says a survey of admissions officers.

Worldskills UK competitions open for entry

Do you have the skills to be a star of your trade? The best of the UK’s young skills talent is being called on to enter the 2008 WorldSkills UK competitions. If you excel in a vocational skill, the competitions are a chance to gain recognition, be awarded and represent your country on the world stage.

Entrants can be in employment, training or education and participation is free. The deadline for applications to the WorldSkills UK competitions is February 28.

Can John Denham overhaul adult education?

Adult education classes have taken a battering in recent years. Can the new minister reverse the trend?