Steve Lee

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the public consultation on the proposed merger between Exeter College and Petroc, which would create the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC). Together, we aim to build the best place-based college group in England, strengthening opportunities for learners, staff, employers and communities across Devon. The consultation runs from 1 – 30 September 2025, and we welcome feedback from all stakeholders. Read the consultation document and share your views here: https://bit.ly/47k17E8

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🗣️ New Resource Alert: Growth and Skills Levy Updates 📋The Department for Education has launched a dedicated web page bringing together all the latest updates on the Growth and Skills Levy in one convenient location (https://lnkd.in/enQgTvd5)! Content includes guides on: 🎯 Foundation Apprenticeships - New Level 2 programmes launched in construction, engineering, digital, and health & social care sectors ⏰ Reduced Minimum Duration - Apprenticeships can now be completed in just 8 months (down from 12) 📚 Short Courses Coming - New levy-funded courses in digital, AI, and engineering from April 2026 ✏️ Simplified English & Maths - Adults (19+) can now demonstrate skills through real work tasks rather than formal qualifications 🎓 Refocused Level 7 Funding - Investment prioritised for young people aged 16-21 💡The page features a helpful video explaining how the apprenticeship budget works and how businesses of all sizes can access funding - perfect for clearing up common misconceptions! This builds on the existing apprenticeship levy (0.5% for employers with £3m+ payroll) whilst offering greater flexibility for employers and learners. A good source of high-level information for HR teams, L&D professionals, and business leaders planning their workforce development strategy. #GrowthAndSkillsLevy #Apprenticeships #SkillsDevelopment #EarnandLearn #WorkforcePlanning

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A new campaign to increase apprenticeship opportunities in small businesses, #ApprenticeshipsWork, led by Edge Foundation, launched yesterday in a bid to boost the number of apprenticeships in small and medium-sized enterprises. We’re calling for a simpler, fairer system that works for both SMEs and young people – connecting ambition with opportunity, and ensuring apprenticeships with small businesses deliver skills for growth across the UK. https://lnkd.in/e3QVGnhn

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Today marks the beginning of an exciting new partnership with Novus - Foundations for Change, a major provider of prison education services in England and Wales, which will create learning opportunities for our students and provide prisoners with an exhibition space to display their artistic works. Learn more 👇 https://lnkd.in/eTvm4Tsg

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Colleges combine on 'landmark' skills alliance “This partnership will only build on the strength of our educational institutions, creating even more potential for innovation and economic growth.” Education providers have joined forces in a “game-changing” £433 million alliance. Ten learning hubs have formed Colleges for North East England. Bosses say the move “signals a new era of collaboration, ambition and action to address the region’s most pressing skills challenges and opportunities”. They add the organisation – which includes Bishop Auckland College, Derwentside College and Gateshead College – will “drive economic growth, advance social justice and foster innovation”. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/exKW-yJ8 Kim McGuinness The North East Combined Authority Education Partnership North East Sunderland College Northumberland College Hartlepool Sixth Form College East Durham College Newcastle College New College Durham Tyne Coast College Jon R. Shaun Hope Ellen Thinnesen OBE David A. Andy Broadbent Toni Rhodes Scott Bullock Chris Todd Alison Maynard

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In a rapidly evolving jobs market, access to adult education is more important than ever. City College Plymouth offers sector-focused, flexible training for adults looking to upskill or reskill. View our latest guide: https://lnkd.in/eNXzZXJP #WeAreOurStudents #SkillsForLife #AdultSkills

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🚨 Big News from UK Skills Academy! 🚨 I’m absolutely thrilled to share that UK Skills Academy has secured £1 million in funding to deliver retrofit training across #England. 🎉 This means we can now offer heavily subsidised training for individuals and businesses — whether you’re #unemployed, #selfemployed, or #employed — making it easier than ever to step into one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. 👉 Enrolment is now open! Register your interest for an immediate call back here: https://lnkd.in/eGvXg6Sv More about our courses here: https://lnkd.in/e8juFr8H #WarmHomesSkillsProgramme This funding has been a long time coming, and we know so many people have been waiting for the opportunity to upskill, retrain, and secure sustainable careers in retrofit. We’re incredibly excited to be supporting so many individuals and businesses into this sector. The future is green 🌱 and the opportunities are here — let’s build the workforce to deliver it! UK Skills Academy Low Carbon Academy #Retrofit #SkillsForTheFuture #UKSkillsAcademy #GreenJobs #Training #WarmHomes

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Skills Bootcamps: a fresh approach to training to fast-track careers We’re excited to announce the launch of Skills Bootcamps, a new initiative designed to support career development and recruitment across West Sussex. Funded by the Department for Education, these flexible, industry-aligned training programmes are open to anyone aged 19+ who lives or works in West Sussex. With courses developed by local employers and leading training providers, Skills Bootcamps equip learners with the expertise employers are actively seeking – helping people step into new roles and helping businesses to close skills gaps. Key sectors include: Health & Social Care Creative & Digital Construction Horticulture & Viticulture Tourism & Hospitality Education & Early Years …and more Whether you're building your team or taking the next step in your career, Skills Bootcamps offer a fast, practical route to success. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eNwujitb #WSCCLife #SkillsBootcamp

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