Menu
15/11/2011
Future Universities Tailored For Business – Hayes
Universities will need to change to meet the needs of employers, under proposed "radical" changes by the Further Education Minister on Tuesday.
Speaking at Tuesday's Association of Colleges Annual Conference, Skills Minister John Hayes set out a vision for a "stronger, more flexible and more independent" further education sector.
Mr Hayes said that under his new measures, colleges will take on "simplified governance" and data-management arrangements so they are able to react quickly to meet the skills needs of local employers, including those in new industries.
The plan will mean Universities are able to draw down student funding for programmes that meet a particular employer skill need whilst simultaneously developing a qualification.
The Minister said: “Further education is moulding the future of communities and the country. Over the last year we’ve seen remarkable progress. But there are still too many rules putting the brakes on progress and stifling innovation.
“I want to liberate colleges to be free to do what is right for their communities now. The changes we propose are radical, and by the end of this Parliament will transform the further education landscape.”
The University and College Union (UCU) has responded to the proposed changes saying they were concered at the "dangers" of for-profit higher education providers.
The UCU backed calls for the government to urgently reconsider the plans, which the union described as allowing "for-profit higher education providers access to increased public funds without passing regulatory standards".
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'We are not alone in our concerns about for-profit education providers having access to more of taxpayers' money without facing the same regulations as our public universities.
"A cursory glance across the pond to America details the extent of the problems we may face without proper regulation of those seeking to make a fast buck out of our education system."
(DW)
Speaking at Tuesday's Association of Colleges Annual Conference, Skills Minister John Hayes set out a vision for a "stronger, more flexible and more independent" further education sector.
Mr Hayes said that under his new measures, colleges will take on "simplified governance" and data-management arrangements so they are able to react quickly to meet the skills needs of local employers, including those in new industries.
The plan will mean Universities are able to draw down student funding for programmes that meet a particular employer skill need whilst simultaneously developing a qualification.
The Minister said: “Further education is moulding the future of communities and the country. Over the last year we’ve seen remarkable progress. But there are still too many rules putting the brakes on progress and stifling innovation.
“I want to liberate colleges to be free to do what is right for their communities now. The changes we propose are radical, and by the end of this Parliament will transform the further education landscape.”
The University and College Union (UCU) has responded to the proposed changes saying they were concered at the "dangers" of for-profit higher education providers.
The UCU backed calls for the government to urgently reconsider the plans, which the union described as allowing "for-profit higher education providers access to increased public funds without passing regulatory standards".
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'We are not alone in our concerns about for-profit education providers having access to more of taxpayers' money without facing the same regulations as our public universities.
"A cursory glance across the pond to America details the extent of the problems we may face without proper regulation of those seeking to make a fast buck out of our education system."
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2003
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
09 December 2003
Adult skills courses face severe cutbacks in 2004
The organisation representing Further Education Colleges in the UK, the Association of Colleges (AoC) has warned that many adult improvers will suffer due to an emphasis of government plans on basic skills for adult learners. The AoC claim that around 70,000 places will be lost as government cuts local college funding in the next year.
Adult skills courses face severe cutbacks in 2004
The organisation representing Further Education Colleges in the UK, the Association of Colleges (AoC) has warned that many adult improvers will suffer due to an emphasis of government plans on basic skills for adult learners. The AoC claim that around 70,000 places will be lost as government cuts local college funding in the next year.
31 January 2012
'Not Too Late' To Apply To Uni - Willets
The Education Minister has told school leavers it's not too late to apply to university, after figures showing a 9% decrease in applications was released on Monday. Responding to the figures, Mr Willets said that even with a reduction in applications, it would still be a "competitive year" like any other.
'Not Too Late' To Apply To Uni - Willets
The Education Minister has told school leavers it's not too late to apply to university, after figures showing a 9% decrease in applications was released on Monday. Responding to the figures, Mr Willets said that even with a reduction in applications, it would still be a "competitive year" like any other.
09 September 2011
NI Uni Fees Frozen
Following on from the universities call for a decision to be made on the issue of tuition fees, it has been announced that fees for Northern Ireland students attending universities here are to be frozen. The decision means fees will remain at around £3,500 per year.
NI Uni Fees Frozen
Following on from the universities call for a decision to be made on the issue of tuition fees, it has been announced that fees for Northern Ireland students attending universities here are to be frozen. The decision means fees will remain at around £3,500 per year.
08 September 2010
£50 million Investment Announced For Colleges
Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the 149 colleges across England that will benefit from funding of £50 million in Government funding to invest in new buildings and renovate existing ones.
£50 million Investment Announced For Colleges
Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the 149 colleges across England that will benefit from funding of £50 million in Government funding to invest in new buildings and renovate existing ones.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
