Apprentice Employers can make up to 10 new reservations

by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills

From 1 April 2021, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will reset reservation levels for employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy.  This will enable employers to make up to 10 new reservations to fund new apprenticeship starts in the financial year 2021-22.  ESFA will continue to monitor the number of reservations used by employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy and will keep this under review.

Funds transferred from employers who pay the levy to other employers through the apprenticeship service are not included when measuring the number of reservations.  Employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy can reserve funds for training and assessment in the ‘finance’ section of their apprenticeship service account.  They can also give training providers permission to do this on their behalf.  Find out more

Employers can reserve funds up to 6 months in advance.

From 1 April 2021, we are extending the reservation period for employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy from 3 to 6 months.  This means that from 1 April, these employers will be able to reserve funds up to 6 months before an apprenticeship is planned to start.  This will give employers greater flexibility when planning their apprenticeship programmes and reassure them that funding for apprenticeships is available for a longer period.  Find out more

Construction Leadership Council Skills Plan and Stem Ambassadors

by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills

Build UK, supported by CITB, joined forces with STEM Ambassadors last year to showcase careers in construction and help to attract talent.  Build UK are delighted to see the commitment to recruit 7,000 Construction STEM Ambassadors included in the CLC’s Industry Skills Plan, and they encourage all Build UK members to sign up and volunteer their time and experience to inspire young people to join the industry.  FIS are members of Build UK.

The CLC skills plan emphasises collaboration between industry and Government and prioritises action in four areas:

• Careers ‐ creating an industry that is attractive and inclusive, whilst supporting direct employment
• Standards and Qualifications ‐ modernising qualifications to boost transferrable skills and embed digital technologies
• Training, Education and Development ‐ developing high‐quality routes into the industry and strengthening links between further and higher education and employers
• Culture and Working Environment ‐ retaining talent in the industry through upskilling and improved career development.

Skills and Training Lead, George Swann says “Construction Stem Ambassadors are a great way of promoting the careers on offer in the finishes and interiors sector.  These individuals often provide the first introduction to the construction industry for young people who are considering their future career.”

Ofqual Summer 2021 Qualifications Explainer Tool

by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills

This Summer 2021 Qualification Explainer Tool (ofqual.gov.uk) shows what’s happening with vocational, technical, and other general qualifications this year.  Ofqual have identified it is not viable for some exams and assessments to take place this year due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Ofqual has been working with awarding organisations to ensure that as many learners as possible are able to receive a result this summer and progress with their plans to continue their education, go into the workplace, or further their career.

The explainer tool shows how qualifications will be assessed and awarded in the period up to 31 August 2021.  It covers qualifications regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively).  The information about how each qualification will be assessed and awarded, included in this ‘qualification explainer tool’, has been provided by awarding organisations.  If you believe the information to be incorrect, please contact the relevant awarding organisation.

In addition to the information provided in this explainer tool, further details about the approaches awarding organisations are taking to the assessment and awarding of qualifications in 2021 can be found on their websites.  If you are a learner outside England, Northern Ireland or Wales, you will need to check with your awarding organisation, or your college, training provider or school about the approach being taken for your qualification.  More information is provided in the questions and answers.

Level 3 qualifications now free for some adults

by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills

On 1 April nearly 400 Level 3 qualifications became free to access for over-24s without A-levels, an advanced technical diploma or equivalent.  This is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, and includes qualifications in construction trades like Occupational Work Supervision, Site Carpenter, painting and decorating and several others.

You can find out more about free courses here.

Sunday 11 April is the Levy proposals consultation deadline

by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills

This is another reminder to you that CITB’s consultation on the Levy Proposals 2022-25 closes on Sunday 11 April.  CITB registered employers can have their say on the way they raise the Construction Industry Levy for the next three years, and give feedback on their plans for supporting construction recovery here.

FIS Skills and Training Lead, George Swann says “this is an opportunity to influence what is to come and you know what they say about not voting…if you didn’t vote you cannot complain.  Let’s all vote so we all have grounds to complain”.