All the latest glass sector and skills news:
December is fast approaching and as the year comes to a close, it's now time to start thinking about how to make positive changes for 2009. Not a day goes by without more depressing statistics in the news about the economy or drastic measures some companies are taking to ensure their survival. Now is the time to think about future-proofing your company as analysts forecast further downturn in the New Year.
Glass Training Ltd would like to know what problems you are facing so that we can work together to ensure that 2009 is a positive year for our sector. We've received an impressive response so far to our Glass Industry Survey and the problems raised will help shape our focus for next year and give us a good indication of what our conference ought to be addressing. Many thanks to those who have taken the time to get the survey back to us.
If you haven't already filled in and returned our survey, a copy of it can be found HERE
GTL's November Newsletter
To download the November issue of our newsletter, click HERE.
£12 billion - to help young people and adults get and keep jobs
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has just announced their budgets next year and the funding available for all kinds of learners has seen a marked increase. The Train to Gain pot alone will increase by 16%
to £925 million.
To read more, see HERE
Why businesses need to invest in disabled employees
The Independent has an interesting article about how disabled employees can make a positive contribution to the workplace and should give employers something to think about as they search for the best person to fill a particular role.
To read more, see HERE
FE Benefits Economy
As the first Colleges Week is launched, a report produced by Economic Modelling Specialists Inc. (EMSI) states that the economy has been left £28 billion richer thanks to the students who have been through the college system in the last 15 years.
The report states that: "Compared to those with no formal qualifications, workers with a level 3 qualification receive £6,400 more in annual earnings, or about £196,400 over the course of their career."
Students gaining level 3 qualifications are also shown to have higher business output and therefore, better career opportunities.
To read more, see HERE
Qualification and Credit Framework Launched
Business leaders have warmly welcomed the announcement of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework.(QCF) which seeks to offer a more flexible way of gaining vocational qualifications. Each qualification will be broken up into small and easily-manageable units which can be easily transferred if an employee moves jobs or decides to undertake a different area of qualification.
It will also allow learners to take the qualifications at their own pace as learning options will no longer have to be taken in a full block, allowing employers to ensure their staff are concentrating on work during the busy times and allowing employees to balance their learning with other responsibilities.
Mark Haysom, Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) said: "I am delighted by the announcement today that, after two years of tests and trials, the new qualifications and credit framework is going to be implemented. Against the backdrop of the current economic climate we need now, more than ever, an employer-led flexible and responsive qualifications framework where individuals can achieve in smaller steps and where that achievement can lead to re-engagement or to upskilling."
To read more, see HERE
For more information about anything contained within this e-briefing or for any details about the services GTL can provide, please contact us.
