Thematic Networking Event: Shaping the Future of Lifelong Learning in the UK

Posted: May 31, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Lifelong Learning Programme, Thematic Networking | 6 Comments

Thematic Networking event overview: ‘Reflecting on the Achievements of Thematic Networking & Aligning with Policy for the Future’, 24 May 2011.

For those of you with an interest in UK and European lifelong learning policy and practice, I’ve compiled an overview of last Tuesday’s Thematic Networking Groups (TNGs) event in Birmingham.

First of all, a bit of background. Hosted by Ecorys, the TNGs seek to integrate the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) into UK education and training at the planning level. They are made up of  stakeholders and policymakers at local and national level (the people responsible for setting the direction for the UK) and also senior managers at education and training provider organisations, including LLP project representatives (who are ultimately responsible for implementing policies through learning provision).

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European Year of Volunteering 2011

Posted: May 18, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Grundtvig, Leonardo, Transversal | Leave a comment

Each year the European Union has a year dedicated to the activities of the people within its Member States. This year is the European Year of Volunteering 2011 (EYV2011).

A celebration of commitment

The Year will celebrate the commitment of the millions of people within Europe who give up their time for free to help other people both in their own country and across Europe.

Over the course of the year a tour across the EU countries will take place with each stop on the tour bringing with it an opportunity to meet other volunteers, engage with policy-makers and to discuss key issues for the future of volunteering. Read the rest of this entry »

Cable applauds Anglo-Dutch Further Education partnership to reduce youth unemployment

Posted: May 12, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Centralised projects | Tags: | Leave a comment

Business Secretary Vince Cable congratulates project partners from the AoC and MBO Raad

In February youth unemployment soared to 20% in Britain- that’s 1m people. With Lifelong Learning Programme funding, the UK’s Association of Colleges will work with its Dutch counterpart to engage more young people in vocational learning, giving them the skills they need for the workplace. The team will focus primarily on learners who have been historically under-represented in education and training – such as black and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

‘New approaches, new skills, for social inclusion’, is a large-scale partnership between the UK’s Association of Colleges (AoC) and its Dutch counterpart, MBO Raad.

At the House of Commons launch event I attended on Wednesday (11 May), Business Secretary Vince Cable summed up the mood when he said:

“We need to treat our European neighbours as people we can learn from. This is an exciting and creative project and I wish it well.”

‘Learning from one another’ is the key point since the UK and the Netherlands have developed contrasting areas of best practice in reducing skills shortages and encouraging young people to undertake vocational training (and stick with it).

As an example, AoC Project Consultant Sue Parker explained that “the Netherlands hopes to learn how the UK supports people who lack basic skills, whilst the UK is very interested in how their Dutch colleagues support people in the first year after they gain a vocational qualification.”

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European projects support the UK’s entrepreneurship agenda

Posted: May 5, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Grundtvig, Leonardo, Transversal | Leave a comment

David Willetts throws down the gauntlet to would be entrepreneurs

Universities Minister, David Willetts has said: “if you can’t get a job, start a business.” Easier said than done, you might think. However, it is possible and the Government’s ultimatum made me think of some of the European projects that are supporting startups as they prepare to take the plunge.

Anniesland College in Scotland shared a fantastic case study from their Grundtvig Partnership (Women into Business). Former student Lisa Taylor has now fulfilled her dream of setting up her own beauty salon. Getting there wasn’t easy but it was worth it in the end, as she recalls:

“The first six months felt like I was working 24 hours a day. I needed to arrange a license from the council and there were a lot of health and safety requirements so this was all new to me. But now I can take a step back and I can come and go to suit my family commitments.”

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