As members are aware there are two consultations which are crucial to the future of the sector.

To access them click

·         Skills for Sustainable Growth: a consultation on the direction of skills policy (www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/docs/s/10-1073-skills-consultation)

or

·         A Simplified Further Education and Skills Funding System and Methodology (www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/docs/f/10-1070-fe-funding-consultation.pdf)

The Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) have been put forward by the coalition government as replacements for Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). This is a fast moving and changing policy area and one that is still lacking a number of clear details. The Government has said they will be private sector led and will be responsible for leading on local issues that promote economic growth including housing, planning, local transport and infrastructure, employment and enterprise and the transition to a low carbon economy as well as having a key role in the identification lof local priority sectors. Then proposed balance is  50% Civic Leaders and 50% Business with a business person chairing. It states that they are to be based on "functional economic areas". There will be a Board to oversee the activity.  It is important for training providers to engage with these new bodies if they are to have a say on local skills needs.

For the Devon proposal please see attached

The ‘ForSkills’ online, Functional Skills courses are now available through the DCTPN VLE. Three providers have already signed up, putting their learners through at discounted rates. Trials indicate that the learners are finding it easy to follow with some very positive feedback.

Administration and instructions are all available under the ‘Online Courses’ section of the VLE along with a downloadable version for pcs, laptops and how to make a portable version using a memory stick.

Click here to go directly to the ForSkills Information and resources

If you would like more information please contact Craig.