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
Learndirect service is extended in Wokingham and Bracknell From October 25, the Learndirect service is being rolled out to Winnersh
Library in Wokingham district. Working collaboratively with Bracknell
Forest Borough Council, the service is also available at Whitegrove
Library in Bracknell and at Crowthorne Library later in 2006. This
expansion
follows setting up the service at Wokingham Library and then at two
outreach locations in Woodley and Lower Earley libraries in February
2006. The
Learndirect outreach lets people try out learning packages and get
more information about courses.
For more information on the Learndirect service
at the Wokingham centre or any of the outreach locations,
contact Wokingham Learndirect enquiries on (0118)
978 8069.
(Source: Wokingham Council website 16/10/06)
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
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.
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
West Berkshire Lifelong Learning Partnership is
made up of a number of public, business and voluntary
organisations exclusively serving West Berkshire,
with representatives from all sectors of the community
working together to further opportunities for lifelong
learning. http://www.eezeeweb.org/modules/standard/viewpage.asp?id=1
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
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
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.
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
BT Apprenticeship Scheme
BT are looking to recruit 600 apprentices across the
UK, in the areas of Technical, Information Technology,
Business Management and Fleet Service. These are advanced
apprenticeships working towards NVQ Level 3. The deadline
for applications is 31st May 2007. For more information
and to apply online visit http://www.bt.com/apprentice
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/
British Gas currently employs 650 apprentices.
It has recently been named as an Employer of the
Year at the Apprenticeship Awards 2006. For information
about British Gas training schemes and apprenticeships
visit http://www.britishgasacademy.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=185
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.
VOLUNTEERING 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
