News

The Register of Training Organisations

Following an extensive review and evaluation of the Approved College and Training Organisation Register (ACTOR) during 2011, a new register, the Register of Training Organisations, has been launched by The Skills Funding Agency.

Plan of action for Skills for Life

In the recently published 'New Challenges, New Chances: Further Education and Skills System Reform Plan', the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS) sets out plans to re-establish the terms ‘English’ and ‘Maths’ for adults, to prioritise young adults who lack English and Maths skills and those adults not in employment, and to fund GCSE English and Maths qualifications from September 2012.

2011 Skills for Life Survey

This report presents the initial headline findings from the 2011 Skills for Life Survey. Some key findings are: overall 57 per cent of respondents achieved a Level 2 or above score in literacy, which is a large increase from 44 per cent in 2003. However, 85 per cent of respondents achieved Level 1 or above in literacy, with 15 per cent performing at Entry Level 3 or below. This represents no significant change since 2003. There has also been a small decline in numeracy levels.

Review of research and evaluation on improving adult literacy and numeracy skills

This Review, published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, finds that learner progress in literacy is greater where teachers have qualified teacher status, and in numeracy where teachers are qualified in maths to Level 3 or above (irrespective of qualified teacher status). Another key finding is that the growing range of demands and contexts for reading and writing, and for using and manipulating numeric data, is further evidence in favour of a focus on functional skills.

Wales: a guide to funding for adult learners

This guide from the Welsh Government aims to help adult learners find out about the funding for education and training that is available to them.

Growth and Innovation Fund: Phase Two

The Growth and Innovation fund helps employers develop their own innovative, sustainable skills solutions with the potential to transform growth in their sector, region or supply chain. The government will be providing £34 million for 2012-13 and there is still £29 million available to bid for.

Half of all young people in cities without Maths and English GCSE A* to C

The report, 'Learning Curve: Schooling and skills for future jobs' from Centre for Cities shows that between 2007 and 2010 an average of almost 50% of pupils in cities left the education system without A* to C grades in GCSE Maths and English.

157 Group launches adult literacy learner voices

The 157 Group has published a collection of eight learner voices highlighting the value of its member colleges' adult literacy work.

Changes to part-time study repayment system

From 2012 eligible part-time students will be able to borrow the full cost of their tuition fees for the first time. Changes have now been announced that will mean students will not have to start repaying their loan until at least four years after they have started their studies, rather than after three years as previously planned.

The transfer of learning from workplace basic skills courses

The New Zealand Department of Labour has published a study into learning transfer following workplace basic skills courses. The focus was on how literacy, language and numeracy (LLN) skills are learned, and what helps or hinders trainees in transferring their learning to their jobs.