The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) followed up its earlier work on Traineeships suggesting that there is still a long way to go and pointing to actions, including:

– A review of how growth requests are managed

– More public support and backing from Government

– More engagement and access to direct funding for Traineeship subcontractors

– Removal of some unhelpful ‘success measures’ 

–  Tackling the disjoint between the recognised and accepted aims of the programme and how provider performance is currently being measured

Download the Briefing Paper Here

A Guide for Employers, and Providers of ESOL and Apprenticeships by the Learning & Work Institute

Drawn from interviews with employers, ESOL providers and apprenticeship providers, this guide has been designed to raise awareness of ways in which ESOL learners can benefit from and progress to
employment as an apprentice. It also illustrates how a focus on meeting ESOL learners’ needs in the workplace can benefit employers and training providers.

Access the Guide Here

 MHFA came to England in 2007 and was launched under the Department of Health: National Institute of Mental Health in England (NIMHE) as part of a national approach to improving public mental health.

MHFA training courses were first developed in Australia in 2001. In the years since it has evolved into a global movement with licensed programmes in 24 countries and counting. Over two million people have been trained in MHFA skills worldwide.

They have numerous free resources to download on their website tailored to schools, workplaces and universities.

For example, their  Line Managers Resource is an increasingly valuable tool for line managers across the spectrum of private, public and third–sector organisations. Exceptionally practical, the resource offers a step-by-step framework for creating healthier workplaces and has traditionally focused on key areas such as how to spot an employee experiencing mental ill health, and how to manage and support them at work, while they are off sick, and when they return after sickness absence. The resource also provides signposts to relevant employment legislation and further sources of help for both the individual and the organisation.

To view their full range of resources Click Here

The mission of Career Girls is for all girls to reach their full potential and discover their own path to empowerment through access to inspiring career role models and supportive girl-centric curriculum.

Based in the United States, CareerGirls.org is a video-based career exploration tool for girls, with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers. It’s free to use and free of commercials.

It includes over 7,000 video clips featuring more than 400 women role models. These successful women work in different careers—ranging from astronaut to musician to veterinarian—all over the United States.

CareerGirls.org is unique. It provides inspirational and educational videos of real women who have made it in their chosen fields—and combines these videos with other useful tools for both girls and educators. As well as the videos, their site also includes a range of free resources which you may be able to adapt to your own information, advice and guidance environment.

Visit the Careers Girls website HERE

icould is a small, dynamic charity, providing career inspiration and information for young people.

They show what is possible in work and offer different ways to think about careers through free access to over 1000 personal video stories, detailed job information, plus practical tips, insight and advice. 

Take a look at:

• Career videos – from carpenters to city traders, care workers to celebrities, our real-life storytellers offer an inside view of their current job and a personal account of how they got there.
• Job information – see details of average salary, qualifications, skills, past and future employment levels, and more below every video.
• Articles –apprenticeships, astronauts or applying for jobs – our articles cover all things career-related, from people sharing their experiences to advice from career experts.
• Focus On – this series offers ideas and information around key decision points, such as Choices at 14, 16 and 18 and highlights opportunities in particular job areas such as the music industry, the NHS and engineering.

The Canada Career Information Partnership (CCIP) developed a Career Development Resource for Parents to help parents support teens as they explore their options and make decisions. The goal is to provide parents with some practical ideas and resources to use with their son or daughter.

It includes hints and tips, ideas, activities and guides – all aimed at helping parents play an active and positive role in the career choices of children. For example, it includes the High Five messages that have been developed by career planning experts to help parents focus on the keys to success in career/life planning.

Change is Constant: Change has become a constant force in both life and work. However, opportunities often arise during times of change. Flexibility, versatility and adaptability are important keys to career building success.

Learning is Continuous:  Learning, in all contexts, is a continuous life process. Learning, skills development and work are intertwined activities that we all will engage in as a continuous cycle of career building experiences.

Focus on the Journey: Life is a journey of experiences, and destinations are only stopping points along the way. Career building requires paying attention to both the goals being set and all that occurs as one travels toward their goals.

Follow Your Heart: One always does their best when doing what they love or have a passion for. The pursuit of dreams provides motivation, direction and helps to clarify what is important. Career building requires a consideration of what is felt in the “heart.” Read more

DWP has published 5 short videos to help give people an overview of the process of claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

As part of the government’s commitment to continuously improving our services, today (26 April 2018) the Department for Work and Pensions has launched 5 short videos to help give people an overview of the process of claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The videos offer more choice to people who may prefer to consume information about PIP through online channels, as and when they want it.

The films aim to support claimants at each stage of the PIP claim. They provide a clear and simple overview of the process – so that people understand what to expect at each step of the way and what they need to do when making a claim.

Each can be watched as a standalone film or together in sequence. So, whether someone is thinking about making a claim for PIP and wants to find out more before they decide, or if they need some more information about how long things may take and what they need to do next, the films can provide guidance.

These videos are in addition to the range of support going through the claims process, such as GOV.UK information and the PIP Enquiry phone line on 0800 121 4433.

What the videos are about

1. Is PIP for you or someone you know?

This film focuses on the steps before the claim and an overview of who might be eligible. Read more

The Department for Education has published guidance to support schools with data protection activity, including compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

AbilityNet is a leading global authority on the use of digital technology to help disabled people.

Thier free expert resources are of use to people with any disability of any age, as well as their employers, family, friends, colleagues and anyone else with an interest in helping disabled people achieve their goals.

AbilityNet’s Factsheets are free to download and provide advice and information about how computers and other digital technologies can help people with a range of conditions and impairments.

My Computer My Way is AbilityNet’s easy to use guide to the accessibility features built into your desktop PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Vision – help with seeing your screen

Hearing – help with sounds and audio Read more

The following may be of interest to any clients thinking of setting up their own business.

Find out what HMRC, Companies House and Intellectual Property Office need you to do when starting a limited company? 

By joining this interactive webinar, you will have the unique opportunity of asking questions to each of the three organisations. Your responsibilities when incorporating your company will be explained, including important deadlines and where you can get further help and support.

Tuesday 20 March – 11am to midday and 1pm to 2pm Book Here

HMRC also have a  YouTube channel with helpful, informative videos