Learn Direct has a database of
learning opportunities that can be accessed on the
following link: www.learndirect.co.uk
Laying Good Foundations?
Foundation Degree
Forward’s (fdf’s)
primary objective is to support the development of
high quality Foundation degrees. fdf works
in partnership with all relevant agencies, institutions,
organisations
and interest groups to ensure that the development
of Foundation degrees is driven by the needs of students
and employers, and satisfies the requirements of
all stakeholders. fdf is
a ‘needs driven’ organisation
and where information or skill gaps emerge in Foundation
degree development, fdf will
endeavour to work with interested parties to fill
them. For more information
on Fds including a complete listing of available
programmes and case studies from the South East region,
please visit the Foundation Degree Forward website
at http://www.fdf.ac.uk or contact the Regional Director,
Helen Thomas, on h.thomas@fdf.ac.uk.
Research has shown that it is difficult for Information,
Advice and Guidance (IAG) practitioners to keep up
to date with the plethora of new qualifications and
progression pathways that are available, including
Foundation Degrees, and that although good quality
information is available it is not always aimed at
practitioners' needs or the needs of particular groups
of clients.
fdf, Aimhigher, South East and GOSE are currently
supporting an initial scoping project to map provision
of IAG across the South East region, specifically
in the area of higher level skills. This project
seeks to build on other work that is ongoing in the
region, to support dissemination of existing good
practice and to identify gaps in provision that can
then form the focus of future work.
Preliminary work has identified this bulletin as
a key resource for practitioners and regional agencies.
The bulletin goes out to approximately 4000 (and
growing!) email addresses and appears to be forwarded
to a much wider audience through various networks.
As you will be aware, in its present form the bulletin
is designed to be primarily a source of information
and updating. Should we explore a more proactive
role that it could play in instigating real dialogue
on IAG issues and needs, and is this something you
the users would support?
Bob Digby, who is conducting the scoping of provision
of IAG in the South East region would like to hear
from you. Bob is particularly keen to explore if
a more interactive network of IAG practitioners can
be developed as a vehicle for identifying and addressing
current and future needs particularly around training.
Bob can be contacted at r.s.digby@btconnect.com
The following link is from The Learning Campus, which is a database
of information concerning Full/ Part Time/ Self Study courses. Although
the link is concerned with Milton Keynes , Oxford and Buckinghamshire,
there is also Berkshire information www.thelearningcampus.co.uk/atoz_learndirect.asp?sitemapid=131
The Berkshire Business Education Alliance Ltd is a consortium of organisations
across the Berkshire region that aim to foster closer links between
education and business through a variety of activities. The activities
include
work experience for young people and businesses mentoring young people.
More information is available on www.berks-bea.co.uk or
0118 901 5999.
Finance for learners
£140m
Available in Training Grants
Four-fifths of construction companies in the South
East have not been accessing training grants. Figures
released by ConstructionSkills show that last year,
2,200 construction companies accessed £12m
in grants to train their employees. However, an
estimated 9,000 other companies in the region did
not. From August 2007, £140m in Government
grants will be available to improve the skills
of workers in the construction sector. This includes
grants that cover a several years to ensure a longer-term
approach. Funds for apprenticeships have also risen
significantly in line with the Government’s
aim of having more young people continuing in training
and education until they are 18.
For further information about training grants, visit
http://www.cskills.org/grant
Source: Brighton Argus, 17th July 2007
For people starting their
first degree in a construction-related subject,
an Inspire scholarship of up to £9,000
over 3 years could be available. For further information,
visit http://www.bconstructive.co.uk/scholarship2007/
For information about grants for young adults, aged
between 19 and 30, who are studying more than 12
hours per week, see http://www.adultlearninggrant.com
For signposting for disadvantaged students to charities
offering funding for learning, see the Educational
Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) website, http://www.egas-online.org/fwa/index.html
For an online version of the Money to Learn booklet
targeting both individuals and advisers, see http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/moneytolearn/
The website covers a range of financial help for
students.
Free training for Adults under 25
From August 2007, adults aged less than 25 who have
not had education and training opportunities will be
able to get free tuition for a level 3 qualification.
This entitlement aims to help those who left education
early and want to improve their qualifications and
prospects. The entitlement is expected to benefit some
60,000 learners in 2007/08, enabling more young adults
to achieve higher level technical and professional
qualifications.
From this August, free training under the scheme
will be available through colleges of further education
and other providers of high quality education and
training who have satisfied the Learning and Skills
Council quality assurance process. For further information
on the Level 3 Entitlement contact Kevin Street by
email: Kevin.Street@lsc.gov.uk
Source: GNN, 22nd May 2007
http://www.berkshire-iag.org.uk is a website that provides information,
advice and guidance for adults on learning and work.
Queen
Elizabeth's Foundation Training College provides
work-based residential training for adults with
disabilities or long term health problems, who
are hoping to gain sustainable employment. The
college offers 13 courses in commercial, technical
and trade subjects and its holistic approach helps
with confidence building as well as the opportunity
to achieve nationally recognised qualifications
(available on almost all courses). The college
begins with an assessment and offers continued
support throughout the training, following which
there is the opportunity to undertake a period
of work experience in the person's home area. A
limited number of non-residential places are available.
Application can be made via the Disability Employment
Adviser at Job Centre Plus and is available to
those on Incapacity Benefit, Income Support or
Job Seekers Allowance living in the UK.
Slough
The Slough Borough Council web page gives information
on adult and community learning. For more information,
visit: http://www.slough.gov.uk/services/845.asp
West Berkshire
The West Berkshire Council web page provides information
on adult and community learning. More information
can be accessed on http://www.westberks.gov.uk
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council
web page provides information on adult and community
learning. More information can be found on: http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/education_learning.htm
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Learning
Partnership aims to encourage more people into
lifelong learning, and to encourage businesses
to become involved in continuous development. http://www.discoversuccess.org.uk
Wokingham
The Wokingham Learning Partnership (WLP) comprises
more than fifty local organisations to encourage
adult learning at all levels. http://www.wokinghamlp.co.uk
This section is about learning opportunities
and support for HE in the area. For information
on Higher Education Funding visit the DfES webpage
by clicking
here
For profiles of UK universities
and FE colleges offering HE courses, see http://www.hero.ac.uk
For up to date information about the quality of higher
education in universities and colleges, see http://www.tqi.ac.uk
Year In Industry helps young people find paid, degree relevant work
placements in the year out before or during their university course.
To visit the website click here
UCAS
UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full
time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges. The website provides
a valuable source of information on course searches, applications,
finance, news, statistics and publications
and is a useful tool for young people, parents and carers and guidance
professionals.
Visit www.reading.ac.uk for
the University of Reading web page, which outlines everything you need
to know about courses, research opportunities,
and employment opportunities
Aim Higher South East promotes inclusion and access
to Higher Education. Follow the link to the South
East webpage for more information. Aim
Higher South East
For Aim Higher information for Berkshire click
here
A programme of summer schools to help young people
experience and prepare for university life is held
each year at various universities. Click
here
for details from Aim Higher South East about the
programme.
Summer School Programme Expanded For Gifted Children
A summer school programme for gifted and talented
children is being extended. The university-led
summer schools are to provide day and residential
courses for an additional 3,000 children during
this summer, rising to 22,000 next summer. Currently,
one in five secondary schools (700) do not take
part in the initiative, which has been running
for 5 years. Ministers are urging schools to register
their top 10% of students.
Universities in the South East running summer schools
include: Canterbury Christ Church University, Kingston
University, Buckinghamshire and Chiltern University,
The University of Winchester and Reading University.
Source: BBC Online, 15th May 2007
Thames Valley University offers a variety of
further education courses www.tvu.ac.uk
East Berkshire College Plans
to Redevelop Langley Campus
East Berkshire College is planning to improve its
Langley Campus, adding state-of-the-art buildings
and facilities. Preliminary plans were displayed
at the college on 25th and 26th July. The development
should start towards the end of 2008 and be completed
by 2012.
Source: East Berkshire College website, 24th July
2007
South
East Berkshire EBP
Mark Ridgway - Managing Director
The Open Learning Centre
Rectory Lane
Bracknell
Berks RG12 7GR
01344 307645 mark.ridgway@sebebp.org.uk
West
Berkshire EBP
Amanda Richards - Chief Executive
188 Main Street
New Greenham Park
Thatcham
Berkshire RG19 6HW
01635 279900 Amandar@wbebp.co.uk WWW: http://www.wbebp.co.uk/
East Berkshire EBP
Kate Smith – Managing Director (Joint)
c/o Berkshire College of Agriculture
Burchetts Green
Maidenhead
SL6 6QR
01628 820111
East Berkshire EBP (Windsor Slough EBP)
Sandra Wooledge – Managing Director
(Joint)
c/o GlaxoSmithKline
11 Stoke Poges Lane
Slough
Berks SL1 3NW
01753 502384
Citroen
UK’s advanced apprenticeship
programme is endorsed by the Learning Skills Council
and provides training for school leavers up to NVQ
Level 3. Courses offered include petrol and diesel
injection and electrical diagnostics and apprentices
are given the chance to work on the latest vehicles
on the production line. To find out more, click
here.
Retail Apprenticeships With Tesco
Tesco offer a retail apprenticeship for workers in
their stores. The programme starts every September
in selected stores and participants work towards
NVQ qualifications in retail. For more information
on the scheme and to find out if your local Tesco
store is running the apprenticeship click
here
Waitrose Retail Management Training Scheme
Waitrose are looking for applicants for their Retail
Management Training Scheme. The scheme is open
to anyone who is educated to A Level standard or
equivalent.
The first stage of the training prepares applicants
for Section Management roles and leads up to Department
Management Roles. The deadline for applications
is 31st July 2007. For more details and to apply
click
here
John Lewis Retail Skills Training Programme
John Lewis offers a retail skills training programme
at their stores. Participants first complete a
Personal Development Programme (PDP) and then they
have the
opportunity to gain an NVQ in the following areas:
Customer Service, Visual Merchandising and Display,
Security Guarding, Distribution and Warehousing
and Business Administration. For more information
click
here
BMW Apprenticeships
BMW offer a number of apprenticeships. Trainees
need to have or expect to have four GCSEs or equivalent
including English, Maths and a Science subject.
For more information click here
Year In Industry
Year In Industry helps young people find paid, degree
relevant work placements in the year out before
or during their university course. To visit the
website click
here
JTL Training Provider
JTL is a training provider that manages apprenticeships
in electrical installation, plumbing, engineering
maintenance and heating and ventilation. For more
information, visit http://www.jtltraining.com or
call 0800 085 2308.
Kwik-Fit Apprenticeship
Kwik-Fit is currently recruiting for their new intake
of apprentices. They offer a two year apprenticeship
scheme for young people aged 16-18 with an interest
in cars. For more information, visit http://www.kwik-fit.com/apprenticeships.asp or call 0845 601 1888.
SEAT Advanced Apprenticeship
SEAT offer an Advanced Apprenticeship Programme which
takes three years and is aimed at 16-19 year olds.
Each year apprentices spend up to seven weeks at
the Volkswagen Group Apprentice Training Centre.
For more information click
here.
The AA offers Advanced Apprenticeships to those
interested in a career in the motor industry. They
are looking for people ideally aged between 16
and 19 who have an interest in motor vehicles,
at least three good GCSEs and the ability to work
in a team. For more information on how to apply
visit http://www.aa-academy.com/who.html
Barclays Bank has an 18 month Modern Apprenticeship
programme aimed at 16 to 24 year olds who are looking
for a career in banking and finance. For more information
call their recruitment hotline on 0870 787 4393
or click
here.
For details of The Royal Mail Apprenticeship scheme
click
here
Renault has a three year apprenticeship scheme
to develop technicians who are needed for the future
of the Renault Dealer Network. The scheme is aimed
at school leavers who are interested in becoming
Renault Technical Experts, Parts Consultants or
Paint and Vehicle Body Repair Specialists. For
further information visit http://www.renault.co.uk/apprentice_ApprenticeshipProgramme.aspx
http://www.apprentices.co.uk/home.html is
a website for engineering apprentice recruitment.
It gives
general information on engineering apprenticeships
as well as allowing you to search and apply for
engineering apprenticeships in your region.
Landrover is currently one of the largest employers
of apprentices in the automotive industry. They
recently came runner-up in the Employer of the
Year award at the Apprenticeship Awards 2006. To
find out about their current apprenticeship programme
visit http://www.landroverapprenticeships.com/
Slough-based A C Controls has apprenticeship opportunities
for security engineers. The programme is designed
for school leavers between 16 to 18 years old.
Candidates need at least 3 GCSEs Grades A-C or
Standard Grades 1-3. Training involves working
with qualified and trained engineers to learn the
skills and techniques for installing intruder alarms,
CCTV and access control systems. Apprentices also
attend college either on a day release or block
release basis. Further information is available
on: http://www.accontrols.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships.html
Network Rail is recruiting
for their three year Advanced Apprenticeship
Scheme. Prerequisites include
being aged 17 in early September, and having four
GCSEs in English, Maths and Science at grades A-C.
Further information is available on 0800 0191 996
or http://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers.
Waitrose Volunteers Provide
School with New Play Facilities
Wokingham School Keephatch Primary has seen its
garden being given a make over, thanks to a joint
initiative with Waitrose supermarket. As part of
Wokingham Borough Council’s Better Places
to Play Project, the Ashridge Road school has been
provided with a range of new play facilities. The
play area was tidied up by staff from the head
office of Waitrose, in Bracknell. Waitrose has
also provided the school with a bench made from
recycled plastic bags, perfect for story time sessions.
Plants and gardening materials were also provided
by the supermarket giant, to help the children
study butterflies and bees. The project is a part
of Waitrose’s Time Bank Scheme, where a team
of volunteers gets involved in projects in the
local community. Employees from the Wokingham branch
contacted the Borough Council to see if there was
anything suitable for them to get involved in.
Source: icberkshire website, 24th July 2007 Volunteers Could Gain Academic Credits
The Prime Minister’s public service review
has proposed that university students should be
given credits towards their degrees for time spent
volunteering. The Russell Group of prestigious
universities has welcomed the recommendations.
Source: Montrose reports, 20th March 2007
To find
out more about volunteering opportunities for 16
to 24 year
olds, visit the Millennium Volunteers website: http://www.mvonline.gov.uk/
NCVYS supports voluntary and community organisations
that work with young people. Its website offers
information about training opportunities and other
information. To find out more, visit http://www.ncvys.org.uk/docs/index.html
The Community Service
Volunteers (CSV) has schemes to encourage all
types of members of the community
to volunteer, including a Retired and Seniors
Volunteer Programme (RSVP) for older people.
For more information,
go to http://www.csv.org.uk/Volunteer/Senior+Volunteers/
Reach matches the skills of individuals to local
community volunteering opportunities. For more
information see http://www.volwork.org.uk/index.htm
i-to-i offers a variety of volunteer projects
and training to teach abroad as well as working
holidays. For further details, go to http://www.i-to-i.com/
Volunteer Centres
can provide information to organisations seeking
volunteers as well as details of current
volunteering vacancies. For more information visit
the Volunteer
Development Agency website or contact one
of the centres.
Voluntary Service Overseas – no
longer the preserve of school leavers, the average
age for
volunteers on the postings (usually 2 years) is
38.
Volunteers can be aged between 20 and 75 years
old and must have a formal qualification and some
work experience. Volunteers are provided with accommodation
and a local level allowance as well as air fares
and insurance.
See the website for more information http://www.vso.org.uk/
Volunteer England - Website for those that manage
volunteers as well as those who wish to volunteer. http://www.volunteering.org.uk/
The Euroguidance network helps guidance professionals
and others to understand opportunities for learning
and careers in Europe. For more information,
visit http://www.euroguidance.net/En/Welcome.htm
The PLOTEUS portal provides information about
life-long learning in Europe, supplying information
about studying in Europe to students, job seekers
and guidance professionals http://europa.eu.int/ploteus/portal/home.jsp
European Vocational Training Association (EVTA)
aims to promote pan-European training. For further
information, visit: http://www.evta.net
The Socrates programme offers a range of projects
for adult learners, teachers and trainers. For
further information, visit http://www2.britishcouncil.org/Socrates
The Leonardo da Vinci project offers vocational
work placements across Europe for people of all
ages. Placements are a minimum of 3 weeks. For
more details, see http://www.leonardo.org.uk
Careers Europe provides help and advice to guidance
professionals. For more information, visit http://www.careerseurope.co.uk
Eurodesk provides information about European
opportunities and funding for people under 30.
For further details, visit: http://www.eurodesk.org
For learning opportunities beyond Europe:
Raleigh International
Raleigh International is a charity which organises
overseas and UK programmes which are designed
to help young people develop skills and self-confidence
in a fun and challenging environment. For more
information click
here
UK NARIC – The
National Academic Recognition Information Centre
gives details about the compatibility
of British and overseas qualifications, see http://www.naric.org.uk/
The Association of Commonwealth Universities
has a large collection of information about study
in Commonwealth countries. For further information,
visit http://www.acu.ac.uk
The Fulbright Commission is the first point
of contact for those wishing to study in the
USA. For further details, visit http://www.fulbright.co.uk/eas
