This noticeboard would be in addition to the one already there providing opportunities with all our local providers. I feel this is important given that we now have an all age apprenticeship system and there is some anecdotal evidence to indicate that graduates are turning to apprenticeships as an alternative to post graduate study.
There will be an opportunity for schools to celebrate the success of their past pupils who opted for the apprenticeship route by actively participating in the National Apprenticeship Week February 7th to 11th 2011. The aim will be to highlight the talent and skills of your apprentices. Your event can be highlighted on the site read more
To help you plan activities etc there is a list of suggestions and ideas on this site. You can click on the relevant links - employers; apprentices; colleges; training providers; stakeholders; for more themes/ideas/suggestions. You can even download a toolkit!
In addition, you can keep abreast of what's happening nationally and review events from 2009 and 2010. No doubt you are aware of the current government's emphasis on vocational education and the Skills Minister, John Hayes (who recently spoke in Belfast at the ICG conference) has an interesting speech on skills needs in the UK (November 2010) available to download from the site.
In keeping with my recommendation to post national apprenticeship opportunities on the school noticeboard I have included a recent advert from BT to post on your board
New Customer Engineering and Delivery Apprenticeships Open
BT are looking for new apprentices read more The Careersbox site has a number of interesting videos on the work within BT.
If you are not familiar with Careersbox you can get more details here read more
Applicants for BT's most recent position need to have 5 A* to C GCSEs including English language and Maths as well as a full UK manual driving licence, permanent right to work in the UK and be able to pass a colour recognition test.
BT are recruiting with start dates from January 2011 so applications need to be completed as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Interested students should go to read more
I have included this short article from the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) July 2010 to indicate how government are emphasising the importance of vocational education
'The future is vocational' say UK employers
McDonald's, Whitbread, Merseytravel and Clugston Construction were among 100 leading employers who came together last week to campaign for greater recognition of vocational qualifications and discuss the positive impact they have on their businesses.
Over four million vocational qualifications (VQs) were awarded last year according to new figures released today to mark VQ Day, the annual nationwide celebration of vocational qualifications. The overall number of VQs achieved has risen over 11 per cent from last year - a rise welcomed by the employers.
Co-hosted by independent education foundation Edge and Business in the Community, the
'Is the future vocational'?'
debate took place at the Royal Horticultural Halls earlier today and included representatives from BT, Vue Entertainment, BAE Systems, J Sainsbury, Capgemini and Orange. Employers discussed how businesses can make the most of vocational qualifications, called for vocational qualifications to be more highly regarded across industry and backed a call for more defined career progression at higher levels for vocational careers.
Employers also discussed the benefits vocational learners bring to the business citing improved confidence, enhanced performance, reduced recruitment costs, increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Participating employers again reinforced their commitment to developing staff at every level of the organisation and across sectors.
John Hayes MP, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning added his voice to the debate and backed a vocational future. Speaking at the national VQ Day event at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Hayes said:
"This year, University Technical Colleges - pioneered by Edge chairman Lord Baker and the late Ron Dearing - have propelled vocational education to the top of the political agenda. My ambition is that at each VQ Day, every year, we celebrate a new triumph for vocational learning."
Copies of 'Vocational Qualifications in the UK; 2010 update' are available at read more
Key findings were:
o The biggest sector growth area is Science and Maths (33 per cent increase) followed by Leisure, Travel and Tourism qualifications (24 per cent increase),
o Higher level VQs are increasing with foundation degrees growing strongly in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 18,850 were awarded across the UK compared to 15,000 the previous year
o Health, Public Services and Care was the biggest single sector for VQs in the UK in 2008-09, with over a million qualifications achieved
o Workplace qualifications are also increasing with 959,000 National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications achieved, an increase of over 24 per cent on the previous year
Lesson idea
Why not arrange your own special VQ day in the school for pupils and Parents and employers before the end of 2011. For more information about VQ Day, please visit read more
Skills Minister John Hayes welcomes IBM Apprenticeship Scheme 3rd Dec 2010
Skills Minister John Hayes met apprentices at the London launch of IBM's first apprenticeship scheme, aimed at school leavers.
Information Technology is one of the many sectors set to benefit from the Government's expanded apprenticeships programme. An extra £250m government funding a year will be put into apprenticeships by 2014/15 compared to previous spending levels.
John Hayes said:
"This government recognises that skills training must keep up with the fast pace of technological change. That's why the Government is not just expanding the apprenticeships programme by investing an additional £250 million, but also improving the scope and quality of apprenticeships so they deliver the more advanced learning and practical experience that firms like IBM demand.
"IBM's new apprentices will gain invaluable skills that will help them take forward their own careers in the ICT sector. And every firm that makes this investment in its people will help ensure its future prosperity as well as that of the wider economy.
"I am determined to seed apprenticeships in every part of the country, to spread opportunity, grow the nation's economy and produce a bigger society."
Stephen Leonard, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland said:
"IBM is continually looking to develop and invest in its future leaders and the Apprenticeship Scheme is a great opportunity to engage with a new pool of talent.
"We recognise that studying for a university degree isn't for everyone. The scheme is a way for individuals who are keen to dive straight into the world of work to join a vibrant and forward thinking company whilst still working for a recognised qualification."
Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Government's skills strategy, launched this month. By 2014-15, the government will expand the numbers of adult apprenticeships available by up to 75,000, leading to in excess of 200,000 starts a year.
The Government is working with employers, through Sector Skills Councils and other representative bodies to ensure that all apprenticeship frameworks meet the needs of the real economy. Re-shaping the apprenticeships programme so that more learners achieve Advanced Apprenticeships and above will help deliver the technician level skills that a modern, dynamic industrial economy needs.
The IBM apprenticeship scheme in the UK is aimed at school leavers, and will take students with 8 GCSEs plus two 'A' levels who would like to go into work rather than go to university. IBM's 15 new apprentices will receive two year's training as IT specialists and will be offered permanent employment.
IBM is being supported in its initiative by e-skills, the government Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology.
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