FERA Annual Conference 2011 highlights Advanced Apprenticeship agenda

18 Aug 2011

FERA Annual Conference 2011 - Winning the Battle for Students

Following the UK government acceptance of the recommendations of the Wolf report, a distinguished panel of speakers have been invited to review the viability of the current Coalition policy for further education. Central to the discussion will be recruitment challenges faced by colleges at a time of funding restriction and increased competition for 14-19 students through the creation of an increased diversity of provision including academies and growth of support for University Technical Colleges or Technical Academies. Consideration will also be given to Lifelong Learning either within the context of the recent Higher Education White paper or for those in community education programmes.

The current government focus is on skills for growth resulting in social mobility and increased involvement of the private sector in the further education sector. Within this context delegates will be invited to debate how FE colleges can attract students and provide service to the community. An opportunity will be provided to review and digest current changes and suggest ways in which institutions can make the most of a complex environment.

The forthcoming Further Education Research Association (FERA) conference will address the key factors in relation to recruitment to include

• The implications of the abolition of EMAs and the return to discretionary institute funding
• The government emphasis on Modern Apprenticeships
• The significance of current scrutiny on adult learning
• Student choice and decision making.

The confirmed speakers include:

Julian Gravatt, Association of Colleges

Professor Patrick Ainley, University of Greenwich

Professor Sue Maguire, University of Warwick

Professor Tom Schuller, Free-lance Consultant

Find further information at the FERA website at www.fera.uk.net