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Government announces outcomes of the Review of Qualifications Reform in England

The Department for Education (DfE) has yesterday announced the outcomes from the Pause and Review on the reforms to qualifications at level 3 and below.  

Celebrating EPA success, together

Leading the way in EPA certifications in partnership with our employers and providers.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ named as one of Accredible’s top 10 digital credential issuers for 2024

Celebrating an impressive start to a new phase of our digital credential delivery.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’ latest podcast identifies lifelong learning as key to productivity

As part of our mission to empowering individuals, organisations, and economies through skills development, we investigate the key issues impacting on the skills sector through our ‘Navigating the UK’s Skills Challenges’ podcast series.

The impact of T Levels: Benefits for learners and industry

Four years on from the introduction of T Levels, how are the programmes benefitting learners and closing industry skills gaps?

New solar PV and electrical energy storage qualifications: Upskilling electricians for the energy transition

Discover new Â鶹ÊÓƵ level 3 qualifications, aligned to the latest industry standards and the Electrical Plus framework

6 strategic workforce development tips to boost organisational productivity

Don’t slip off the productivity path – prepare for change today with actionable skills-oriented advice from our specialists.

Future-proofing engineering: four critical skills areas shaping the future of the industry

Explore how digital transformation, sustainability, workforce diversity and future talent development are driving change across the sector – and why it’s essential to invest in these areas.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ wins major MoJ Prison Education Contract

At Â鶹ÊÓƵ we are proud that for almost 150 years we have collaborated with people, organisations, and economies to help them identify and develop the skills they need to thrive. We understand the life changing link between skills development, social mobility, prosperity, and success so everything we do focuses on developing and delivering high-quality training, qualifications and credentials that lead to jobs and meet the changing needs of industry.

Latest Â鶹ÊÓƵ Insight Podcast explores the need for improved menopause support in the workplace

As part of our mission to identify and tackle skills shortages facing the UK, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’ ‘Navigating the UK Skills Challenges’ podcast series provides insights from experts and sector leaders on best practice and innovations - helping employers, trainers and individuals to meet current and future skills challenges.

Celebrating the start of the second year of the Agriculture, Land Management and Production T Level

How a new T Level option is already showing results for learners and colleges in the agriculture, environment and animal care space.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and hundo deliver employability skills support to young people

Â鶹ÊÓƵ is proud to announce a new collaboration with hundo, the award-winning platform focused on addressing youth unemployment, to deliver a new employability skills pilot programme. Supported by the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Foundation, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in the modern workforce.

Driving a greener future for transport with electric vehicle charging qualifications

How the right skills solutions can take electric vehicle adoption to the next level.

Making Skills Work: Â鶹ÊÓƵ Productivity Report champions skills as key to unlock UK growth

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’ report finds acute regional skills disparities across the UK and calls for the new government to place skills policy at the heart of its growth strategy.

Celebrating our learners’ achievements: Our new Skills Change Lives campaign

Celebrities from the worlds of TV, fashion and journalism explain how skills training helped them on their path to success, in a series of exclusive interviews with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.

Jay Blades MBE Resignation

Jay Blades MBE Resignation

Measuring the impact and value of skills development

How the right training evaluation can make the case for L&D investment.

Onsite Construction & Building Services Engineering T Levels

T Level contract update

Results day 2024

Congratulations to all learners receiving their Â鶹ÊÓƵ qualifications.

What five key things should the new Labour government be targeting to improve the UK skills system and boost growth?

Discussing skills shortages, small businesses and apprenticeship reform at the Employment and Skills Convention

Department for Education announces pause and review of post-16 qualification reforms in England

The defunding of qualifications that overlap with T Levels has been paused.

Driving forward an ambitious skills agenda and plans for education

The new UK Labour government has set out plans to expand high-quality education, employment and training routes.

Green skills training: Why it's essential to meet industry demands for a green workforce

As the world strives towards net zero goals, education providers and businesses are prioritising the development of green skills to prepare people for a growing number of green job opportunities.

Important updates regarding the Livestock Production Occupational Specialism (OS) within the Agriculture Land Management Production (ALMP) T Level

From September 2024, pig skills will be introduced into the Livestock Production OS pathway.

Why it’s time to address the health and wellbeing crisis facing the construction sector

How training providers and employers can create a construction industry that is safer and healthier for everyone.

5 skills development tips to grow your business: From strong leadership to AI

Ensure you’re investing in the right skills for your organisation with key insights from HR and L&D professionals, as explored in our Skills Discovery Sessions.

Update on new Annual Fee, minimum spend and price review

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and ILM revised pricing will start to be available in Walled Garden from July 2024 – understand the revised plan.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ brand Kineo announces launch of new ESG training offering

Kineo look to revolutionise corporate training and handling of Environmental, Social and Governance responsibilities with new suite of courses.

DfE announces reformed qualifications approved for funding from August 2025

The Department for Education (DfE) set out changes to level 3 and below qualifications following the post-16 qualification review in England. DfE has now published a list of Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) that have been approved for public funding at level 3 from 1 August 2025, including new Â鶹ÊÓƵ qualifications.

Apprenticeships plugging the digital skills gap

How Baltic Apprenticeships and Â鶹ÊÓƵ are working together to deliver essential digital skills training.

Meet the Â鶹ÊÓƵ customer support teams

Find out who to go to with questions and issues in our support team Q&A.

Innovative prison-based hospitality training helps prisoners develop in demand skills

How The Right Course and Â鶹ÊÓƵ are upskilling prisoners through practical experience and quality education.

Scaling skills and employment opportunities to reduce reoffending

Â鶹ÊÓƵ was delighted to host our event, ‘Scaling skills and employment opportunities to reduce reoffending’ at HMP Highpoint recently.

Celebrating the power of skills focused prison rehabilitation and new beginnings this spring

How Â鶹ÊÓƵ is supporting skills development for prisons and prison leavers

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Foundation - Rehabilitation Collaboration Event

On 28 February the City & Guilds Foundation brought together industry leaders and representatives from charity partners to build relationships and share insights and experiences of promoting education and training in prison.

International Women’s Day 2024: In conversation with Cecilia Harvey

To mark International Women’s Day 2024 and highlight this year’s theme of ‘inspire inclusion’, we interviewed our very own women in STEM champion, Â鶹ÊÓƵ’ Chief Operating Officer, Cecilia Harvey, about her career experiences in the largely male-dominated world of IT and technology.

Could creating more regionalised skills development strategies be the solution to closing our growing skills gaps?

How Local Skills Improvement Plans are changing the adult skills landscape

New approval charge and price changes from 1 September 2024

As part of our annual pricing review, Â鶹ÊÓƵ and ILM will be reducing the minimum spend level and introducing a new annual approval charge from the next academic year.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Joins forces with Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance to spearhead Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Apprenticeships and Skills

Â鶹ÊÓƵ, the global skills organisation, is proud to announce today the formation of a new alliance with the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance (MAA), that will provide much-needed support to learners, allowing them enhanced access to a wider range of apprenticeships and other vocational training opportunities.

Interview with Â鶹ÊÓƵ CEO Kirstie Donnelly and Seema Malhotra MP, Labour’s Shadow Skills & Further Education Minister

Â鶹ÊÓƵ CEO Kirstie Donnelly met with the Labour Party’s Shadow Skills & Further Education Minister, Seema Malhotra MP for a relaxed interview at the beautiful Stationers' Hall near to St Paul’s

Podcast: Exploring the opportunities and challenges in green careers

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Green Edge podcasts navigates the critical role of green skills in shaping our economy.

5 ways that T Levels prepare learners for apprenticeships

How T Level qualifications bridge the gap between apprenticeships and full-time education.

The benefits of apprenticeships to employers: In conversation with Balfour Beatty

We spoke with Balfour Beatty’s Head of Engineering Craig Jolly about why apprenticeships are important to the business and the future of industry.

From classroom to career: An engineering apprentice's path to success

Engineering apprentice Millie Norman shares how on-the-job training launched her career and why apprenticeships offer great options for aspiring engineers

Is now the perfect time to train as an electrician?

The demand for skilled electricians is expected to be higher than ever as the UK pushes to meet net zero targets.

Rhoi cydnabyddiaeth y Cynnig Cymraeg i City and Guilds am ymdrechion i wella’r gwasanaethau Cymraeg

Mae City and Guilds (1 Tachwedd 2023) wedi derbyn cydnabyddiaeth arbennig y ‘Cynnig Cymraeg’ gan Gomisiynydd y Gymraeg, i gydnabod ymrwymiad y sefydliad i gynnig gwasanaethau yn y Gymraeg.

Cynnig Cymraeg recognition awarded to Â鶹ÊÓƵ for efforts to improve Welsh language services

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has (1st November 2023) been awarded the prestigious ‘Cynnig Cymraeg’ from the Welsh Language Commissioner, in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to offering services in the Welsh language.

Preparing for green jobs – new podcast explores skills for a sustainable future

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Green Edge podcast navigates the critical role of green skills in shaping our economy

Money and Pensions Service – Assured case study

Supporting financial wellbeing through their Assured Money Guidance training programme.

Supporting the ColegauCymru conference as Headline Sponsor: Addressing the issues and opportunities facing skills development in Wales

Additional funding for Functional Skills reflects the importance of maths and English skills for individuals and for our economy.

Cefnogi cynhadledd ColegauCymru fel y Prif Noddwr: Mynd i’r afael â’r materion a’r cyfleoedd y mae’r maes datblygu sgiliau yn eu hwynebu yng Nghymru

Yng nghynhadledd ColegauCymru yng Nghaerdydd ar 12 Hydref, daeth cyflogwyr, darparwyr hyfforddiant a llunwyr polisi at ei gilydd i drafod dyfodol addysg Gymraeg

Functional Skills Funding Announcement

Additional funding for Functional Skills reflects the importance of maths and English skills for individuals and for our economy.

Training Trends 2023: Unlocking investment, realising potential

Are internal barriers to L&D leading to wasted training investment in training?

New Maths and English report highlights key priorities and challenges for providers

From managing quality to learner engagement, recent research from Â鶹ÊÓƵ shares key provider insights.

ISB Manifesto: A vision for a Future Skills Development System – serving People, Places and Productivity

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Industry Skills Board (ISB) have launched their Policy and Business Coalition Manifesto which gives solution-based proposals to achieve change in the skills sector.

Reflecting on EV World Congress 2023: Fostering collaboration and skills development for sustainable mobility

The recently concluded EV World Congress 2023 brought together industry leaders and policymakers to collectively shape the future of the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape. On the 10th and 11th October, against the backdrop of Novotel London West, the event underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in moving the EV sector forward.

Celebrating World Menopause Day with community group M-Powered

How a team of Menopause Wellbeing Champions have created a safe space to share stories and affect change at Â鶹ÊÓƵ

It’s time to close the green skills gap and create the net-zero workforce of the future

How we can use education and skills development to promote sustainability and meet net-zero targets

Â鶹ÊÓƵ bring first Skills Hub to the political party conferences

Every year in late-September and early October the UK political parties hold their party conferences in cities across England. These present an opportunity for Members of Parliament, party members, businesses and associations to gather, discuss and debate the key issues of the day in meetings and through set speeches.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ celebrates partnership with skills focused charity Bounce Back

How the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Foundation is helping Bounce Back bring practical skills training to the people who need it most

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Impact Report 2023 reinforces commitment to meaningful change

Showcasing the difference we make to over 3.5M people, the organisations we work with, and the economies we impact.

Five ways to engage with T Levels as an employer or industry expert

From qualification validation to hosting industry placements, find out how you can get involved to ensure that T Levels meet the needs of industry.

Building the future: How T Levels could change the face of construction

The new technical qualifications will be crucial to developing construction’s next generation but they will need employing organisation input to succeed.

Making the case for investment in training to drive business outcomes

Why should businesses prioritise skills development to adapt and thrive?

Driving a greener future for transport with electric vehicle charging qualifications

How the right skills solutions can take electric vehicle adoption to the next level.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ launches partnership with The Green Edge

We are excited to announce a new collaboration with sustainable business analysts, The Green Edge, to produce a bespoke podcast series, designed to help us respond to the latest developments in green skills markets

Improving apprenticeship completions: Secure success from start to finish

How can providers help reduce apprentice dropout rates? In a new guide, Â鶹ÊÓƵ highlights common challenges and solutions, with tips to support apprentices from onboarding to EPA.

Results day 2023

Congratulations to all learners receiving their Â鶹ÊÓƵ qualifications today! We wish you every luck in the future.

53 Princess Royal Training Awards across UK and Ireland for achieving positive impact through skills development

Now in its eighth year, The Princess Royal Training Awards continue to honour organisations showing exceptional commitment to learning and development. Among this year’s 53 award-winning recipients, are a mix of small not-for-profit organisations and large multinationals, each showcasing a refreshing display of diverse and innovative approaches to learning and development.

Update on our annual price increase - effective from 1 September 2023

In March 2023 we notified customers that as part of our annual review there will be a price increase from September 2023.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ have issued more than 500,000 digital credentials!

Celebrating a key milestone on our journey to digital certification.

New report says energy sector upskilling crisis is damaging UK's chances to hit net zero goals

Our research explores the readiness of the UK energy sector workforce to meet the Government's ambition to decarbonise the energy system by 2035

How to create a workplace learning culture that drives growth

Discover how learning and development professionals are putting their teams in the driving seat to establish a learning culture that leads to growth

Jay Blades MBE appointed as Vice President of Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has appointed award winning TV presenter, and one of the UK’s most well-known craftspeople, Jay Blades MBE, to the role of Vice President.

South Bank Colleges – Functional Skills Maths Success for ESOL Learners

South Bank Colleges have undertaken an innovative project to develop the wider skills and aspirations of ESOL learners.

Enhancing skills development in Hong Kong through Assured accreditation

In East Asia, the demand for skilled professionals is rapidly growing as industries evolve and adapt to new technologies and challenges

National Numeracy Day

The King's commitment to crafts and skills

Why electricians should do an EV charging qualification

From electrical vehicle charging point installation to design, these new qualifications are meeting the demands of the industry.

Earth Day: Small Steps, Big Impact - Why It Matters to Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Join our Going Green campaign and make a pledge to reduce your carbon footprint

Harnessing employability skills to succeed in an ever-changing environment

The evolution that we’ve seen occur over the past few years in the global workplace is perhaps the biggest that all working generations have seen. While the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly a primary catalyst of such change, there are other factors that contribute significantly, such as the 4th industrial revolution as a result of the massive progression of technology and AI.

Our annual price increase will be effective from 1 September 2023

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and ILM are reviewing prices for the next academic year

The FE sector has a key role to play to support gender equality in the workplace

Kirstie Donnelly sets out the case for going further to support young women into higher-earning careers, and three steps to start delivering gender equity.

Neurodivergent employees impacted by lack of training and support in the workplace

New research from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ, and neurodiversity experts Do-IT Solutions finds that employers are currently failing to support neurodivergent employees with a lack of training and awareness available in the workplace.

How can the land-based sector become a dream career destination for young people in England?

Raising awareness of opportunities in sectors from livestock production to ornamental horticulture and closing the land-based skills gap.

Celebrating the milestone of 50,000 end-point assessment certifications

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Managing Director David Phillips celebrates a key milestone for apprenticeships and reflects on our EPA journey so far

Join us at the Annual Apprenticeships Conference 2023 in Birmingham

We are proud to be the Headline Sponsor for this year’s AAC event, that’s bringing together key organisations and individuals within the apprenticeship sector.

How retrofitting could help resolve the UK energy crisis

Could the solution to rising energy costs be closer to home than we realise?

What are T Levels and how can they help close the skills gap?

Learn about the technical qualifications that are helping to equip learners with the practical skills and experience needed by industries facing skills shortages.

Our commitment to sustainability – help us to transition to digital certification

As a responsible business Â鶹ÊÓƵ is transforming the way we operate by finding more sustainable ways of working.

How apprenticeships help learners build careers for the future

With the cost of living continuing to rise and the heavy burden of debt attached to the university route, is it time for more young people to consider apprenticeships?

Only 4% of employers are spending their full apprenticeship levy funding

New research from Â鶹ÊÓƵ, the skills development organisation, and workplace learning advocates The 5% Club finds that the government's apprenticeship levy is currently not working as many employers perceive it should.

Use your expertise to help develop qualifications

Part of the solution – the essential role of industry in technical qualification development

New platform for e-Functional Skills support resources

We’re excited to launch Boost, a new and improved platform for our e-Functional Skills support resources.

Youth Misspent: Uncovering the harsh realities for Britain’s young people in today’s job market

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’ research finds that the odds are being stacked against young people’s futures and career aspirations – particularly the most disadvantaged.

Championing quality and support in apprenticeships

Continued commitment and investment in apprenticeships is more important now than ever but embedding a quality learning journey and offering continued support is crucial to get the best outcomes for learners and industry - says David Phillips, Managing Director of Â鶹ÊÓƵ

T Levels: the gold standard in technical qualifications

It’s now been two years since the roll out of T Levels began and as more programmes are being introduced, including three Engineering and Manufacturing T Level pathways as well as the Management and Administration T Level just this year, are you up to speed on what they are and how they can benefit learners or have an impact on skills shortage?

Number Confidence Week

Number Confidence Week is a great time to put a spotlight on the challenges we face with numeracy levels across the UK and the opportunities we have to make a difference, for individuals, employers and the economy.

EPA price increases will be effective from 1 February 2023

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and ILM prices for end-point assessment will increase from next year.

Powering up the energy sector’s skills strategy

The Energy sector is one of the most critical industries in the country and has dominated headlines in recent months – how is the sector evolving and what opportunities can a career in the sector offer?