"Provider input needed on design of new Tech Levels"

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has responded to the governments introduction of new vocational qualifications.

“We are in favour of rigorous and responsive vocational qualifications and they should lead to an apprenticeship or a job,” commented Stewart Segal, Chief Executive of the AELP.

“[However] care should be taken over removal of existing qualifications and employers and providers need to be involved in the discussions on this process. The provider voice on the formation of new qualifications is also important because providers can articulate the frontline views of their SME employer customers.”

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This infographic by eduemic takes a closer look at education in the UK.

Educations vs. unemployment, what does the public sector spend on education and how long do people stay in education and education?

For more infographics follow our Education and Employment board on Pinterst of  follow us @macleodassoc

Organisations are already concerned over the skills gap for IT and technology workers and the resulting “war on talent”. According to new employment data from the Association of Professional Staffing companies there is also a growing skills gap within the marketing and media sector.

Despite a growth in marketing job openings there has been a 21% fall in actual permanent placements – a sign of a marked skills shortage.

“Whilst the marketing and media sector is clearly booming as reflected in the increased number of job opportunities, it is concerning that staffing companies are struggling to source staff to meet the demand. Recruitment consultancies need to not only work with hiring organisations to help plug this gap now, but they also need to work closely to develop effective talent pipelining strategies to prevent further skills shortages in the long run.” - Ann Swain, Chief Executive of APSCo

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Prime Minister David Cameron has announces a new Government plan to produce 100,000 new engineering technicians by 2018.

This multi-million pound scheme aims to fill the ‘skills gap’ encouraging young people to take up an engineering apprenticeship.

“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our mission to rebuild the economy, giving young people the chance to learn a trade and to build their careers, creating a truly world-class, high-skilled workforce that can compete and thrive in the global race.” – Prime Minister David Cameron

This year the government has already invested £1.5bn in boosting high quality Apprenticeships. With latest labour market statistics indicating continued growth in scientific and workforce jobs, this additional engineering technicians will contribute significantly to the nations growing manufacturing and construction sectors.

“To help UK companies succeed in this ever-growing competitive global marketplace, we need people with the highest professional skills and abilities…This initiative will ensure that the UK has a growing stream of Engineering Technicians being developed to a level that is recognised and respected around the world.” - Stephen Tetlow, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

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The North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT) has secured an international contract to run the first women-only vocational training institute in Saudi Arabia.

Sunaina Mann OBE, Principal at NESCOT commented, “We are passionate about this opportunity as it will provide women across the city of Jeddah with the chance to gain vocational qualifications that will help them secure their rightful place within the Saudi workforce.”

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