Skills Commission

“Any rumours on the launch date?”

For months, in conversations among members of FE and HE, often over warm orange juice and cold croissants at sector conferences and panels, the launch of the Government’s Post-18 Review of Education and Funding has been anticipated. For those who are tired of hearing themselves quip – “let’s see what Augar recommends…” – the report has finally landed.

Maja Gustafsson | Researcher Education and Skills

It is well known that the FE and skills sector faces multiple aims and targets. Within the sector, there is a significant variety of providers, engaged age groups, and statutory and local requirements. This means – unsurprisingly – that a common and singular purpose for the sector is hard to identify.

Apprenticeships – Helping Young People at Risk?

Maja Gustafsson | Researcher Education and Skills

Dame Martina Milburn is the Government’s preferred choice for chair of the Social Mobility Commission and was grilled by the Education Select Committee this week. This is a crunch point for the commission as it seeks to reboot after the resignation of Alan Milburn.

The government has been at pains to emphasise that they will not make a final decision about the appointment until receiving feedback from the committee, although Damien Hinds referring to Alan Milburn as ‘her predecessor’ already might somewhat undermine these protestations.