Skillstories

Train to Gain celebrates two years of success

Home improvement retailer B&Q has become the 100,000th company to sign up to Train to Gain, as the flagship service marks its second year of helping to boost the nation’s skills. 

Quality of ESOL provision improving says Ofsted

The quality of English-language teaching for migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers is improving, according to a new report by the education watchdog Ofsted. However, it warns that a lot more needs to be done to ensure standards are lifted beyond “satisfactory” levels, and makes a series of recommendations to protect and enhance services.

Ministerial Changes at DIUS

Following the government reshuffle, there have been a number of ministerial changes within DIUS.

Another UK Team achieves gold - 8 gold medals won at EuroSkills 2008

Only a month ago the country was celebrating the success of Team GB in Beijing, but now another UK team has picked up medals in an international competition.  A team of 16 young people achieved eight gold medals at the first ever EuroSkills, a three day competition in skills ranging from farriery to cleaning.

Graduates ‘short on skills’

Business leaders have criticised the quality of university graduates, complaining they lack basic organisational skills.

Government Promises Action to Bolster Skills and Training in the Construction Industry

North West Development Agency (NWDA) Funds Major New Skills Project for Textiles Sector

Investment in skills within the Northwest’s Advanced Flexible Materials sector has been given a boost with almost £400k from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

Denham and Balls Announce Increase to Minimum Apprenticeship Earnings

The minimum weekly earnings for all apprentices in England will be increased from £80 to £95 a week next year, Skills Secretary, John Denham and Children’s Secretary Ed Balls announced today. 

Skills Shortages Forces Up Price of Oil

Runaway costs and an acute shortage of skilled workers are putting future oil developments at risk and could keep upward pressure on the oil price, the chief executive of Total said yesterday.

Jobs Outlook Weakest for Nine Years

The outlook for the UK jobs market is the weakest for almost a decade with employers freezing new recruitment as business confidence plummets, according to worldwide research published on Tuesday.