18 APR 2024
This Week's FE & HR News: ONS Unemployment Data, Lecturer wins £44k Payout, minimising employee turnover and more.
Top stories from across the week include new ONS unemployment data, a Lecturer receives a £44k payout, 4 ways to improve employee satisfaction and much more:
11 APR 2024
FE & HR Weekly News: Strong confidence in Education, quiet quitting, answering emails on holiday
A collection of interesting and insightful stories from the world of FE, HR & beyond:
4 APR 2024
FE & HR News Highlights: New Skills Minister, Redundancy Laws, College VAT, Flexible Working
It's the Easter Holidays and as such, a quieter than usual week... grab a coffee and take a look at these interesting articles you may have missed:
27 MAR 2024
FE, HR & Skills News Roundup - March 2024
As we head into the Easter break, here's the top 10 most viewed articles from onlyFE and other news outlets from the past month.
21 MAR 2024
FE & HR Highlights: Pay increase demands, FE retention crisis, Neurodiverse Leadership & more.
Here are a selection of noteworthy FE, HR & Skills stories you may have missed over the past week.
14 MAR 2024
In the news this week: Salaries in job ads, AI, ONS employment figures, holiday pay guidance and more
A selection of FE, HR and industry news for the past week that may have passed you by:
7 MAR 2024
Spring Budget FE Reaction, Flexible Working, Student Engagement in 2024 Elections
Jeremy Hunts spring budget has been the big talking point this week. We've gathered a selection of stories with sector reaction, along with other noteworthy stories that you may have missed:
29 FEB 2024
This weeks FE & HR news: Colleges week, neurodiverse hiring, employee benefits and more.
A busy week of news stories, mostly dominated by Colleges Week. Here are a selection of noteworthy stories that you may have missed:
19 FEB 2024
This weeks FE & HR news: Job ghosting, over 50's opportunities, paternity leave & more
Here are a selection of noteworthy stories you may have missed during half term:
31 JAN 2024
HR Further Education & Skills News Roundup - January 2024
Where did January go? Here's a selection of the most viewed articles from onlyFE and other news outlets from the past month.
25 JAN 2024
One-off bonus payments. A potential solution to the cost of living crisis?
In the wake of the festive season, employees often face financial strain, making the allure of annual bonuses particularly strong. Bonuses, serving as a recognition of hard work, are crucial in sectors like financial services, where they significantly impact talent retention, as highlighted by recent ONS figures.
1 in 5 employees experience burnout as long-term sickness hits record highs
Recent research by Mental Health UK reveals a concerning trend: 20% of UK workers have taken leave due to stress-related issues in the past year, marking a significant rise in long-term sickness absence.
Skills shortages remain most pressing concern for education providers in 2024
Finding appropriate teaching talent is the highest priority for education providers in 2024, with more than half (56%) of senior education professionals ranking attraction and retention of staff as the biggest problem facing their organisation today and 59% saying they expect it to remain a priority throughout the year.
24 JAN 2024
5 changes experts suggest on AI in colleges
The Department for Education should fund trials of potentially effective AI to check if it does actually boost students’ outcomes, government experts have said.
17 JAN 2024
Government Initiatives to Boost Teacher Wellbeing and Recruitment
New measures to enhance recruitment and retention in the teaching profession have been announced by the government on Monday.
15 JAN 2024
The Future of Work: HR Trends Shaping 2024
Gartner's HR experts have identified critical trends shaping the workplace in 2024. HR leaders are navigating an evolving landscape, marked by generative AI's ascent and a shift from academic credentials to skills.
Coming back around: The rise of ‘boomerang’ workers
Ever lost a great hire? Well, as luck would have it, an increasing number of people are returning to their old employers. Meet “boomerang” workers.
10 JAN 2024
How can we attract and retain the next generation of FE staff?
As we enter 2024, recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers is a critical issue across the further education (FE) sector, particularly in vocational courses where both educators and assessors are in short supply.
How can HR help employees beat January blues?
As employees return to the office after the festive season, HR experts give advice on how to foster a positive start to a new year at work.
8 JAN 2024
Ofsted inspections to restart
Inspections of schools and further education providers in England will begin from 22 January, following mental health awareness training for all lead inspectors.
30 NOV 2023
Green Skills Crisis - New Research Shows Most Young People Don't Know What Net Zero Means
The Prince’s Trust and Public First have today launched a report into young people’s perceptions of the green economy, finding that awareness and interest in green jobs is worryingly low.
22 NOV 2023
Trust us to shape FE and Skills for the future, urge sector leaders in new report
The UK’s FE and Skills sector will deliver the workforce this country needs if given greater autonomy, a clearer funding framework and better guidance on emerging technologies, according to a new report written by leaders in further education.
Autumn Statement 2023: Key Points
Aimed at building a stronger and more resilient economy, the Chancellor set out a plan to unlock growth and productivity by boosting business investment by £20 billion a year, getting more people into work, and cutting tax for 29 million workers – the biggest tax cut on work since the 1980s.
21 NOV 2023
Record wage boost for nearly 3 million workers next year
Biggest ever increase to the National Living Wage, worth over £1,800 a year for a full-time worker, fulfils manifesto pledge to end low pay.
13 NOV 2023
Women’s Earnings Pause Compared to Men
Equal Pay Day 2023: The Fawcett Society, a UK gender equality charity, marks 22nd November as Equal Pay Day. This date symbolises when women effectively stop earning compared to men, owing to a 10.7% gender pay gap.
11 NOV 2023
£165 million allocated to 40 colleges as part of the local skills improvement fund.
The UK Department for Education (DfE) has allocated £165 million to forty colleges as part of the local skills improvement fund. These grants, ranging from £2.4 million to £10 million, aim to develop new facilities and courses in line with local skills needs identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). The funding is spread over two financial years, with £80 million allocated for the current year, split between revenue and capital, and £85 million designated for capital only in 2024-25.
6 NOV 2023
The Untapped Potential in Art and Culture for SEND Youth
In a society where young individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) face systemic challenges, there's a beacon of hope that shines from the realm of art and cultural education. Recent discussions have shed light on the power these disciplines hold in reshaping the futures of 16-25-year-olds with SEND, offering them pathways that are both inclusive and enriching.
The Evolving Career Path: Gen Z Predicts 3x Industry Changes in a Lifetime
A survey by Resource Solutions involving 2,000 working adults highlights a significant shift in career perceptions among Generation Z (Gen Z) workers.
29 OCT 2023
College pension contributions to rise
The government has announced a 5% increase in employer contributions to teachers' pensions, affecting both state and private educational institutions. The contributions will rise from 23.6% to 28.6%, effective from April.
16 OCT 2023
Employee absence rates soar to record 10-year high
A recent CIPD study has brought to light some concerning statistics: UK workers are taking more sick days than they have in the past decade!
Strikes Loom as College Staff Seek Fair Pay
Staff at 32 colleges have voted to strike over low pay – but half of those balloted for national action failed to meet the turnout threshold.
15 OCT 2023
The Power of HR: 10 TED Talks to Motivate Your Team
In the ever-evolving landscape of the business world, Human Resources stands as the backbone, ensuring not only the efficient functioning of organisations but also nurturing the very essence of what makes them tick: people.
4 OCT 2023
The Menopause Dilemma in Workplaces: What's Missing and Why It Matters
Recent research reveals a startling oversight in workplaces when it comes to understanding and supporting women undergoing menopause.
Nurturing Employee Well-being This Winter: A Guide for HR
Winter’s chill might be settling in, but that doesn't mean employees' well-being should be left out in the cold. As HR professionals, it's our duty to ensure that our teams remain happy, healthy, and productive, even when the days get short and the temperatures drop.
2 OCT 2023
Standing up for older workers in the North
The economic inactivity of individuals aged between 50 and 64 is becoming a serious concern in the UK, especially in the northern regions. A staggering 1 million people from this age bracket are currently out of the workforce. But why?
12 SEP 2023
Building Bridges in the Workplace: Tackling Performance Anxiety Together
In today’s fast-paced work environment, performance anxiety has become an all-too-common hurdle many employees face, often manifesting as jittery nerves before a presentation or a meeting. While it might seem minor, this anxiety can actually be a stumbling block that prevents individuals from showcasing their true potential. However, by fostering a workplace where psychological safety is a priority, we can pave the way for healthier, happier, and more productive teams.
11 SEP 2023
Competition for UK jobs peaks at highest level since January 2021
Traditionally, August tends to be a slower month in terms of recruitment activities, but this year has bucked the trend significantly. The data presented paints a picture of a job market that is bustling with activity, as applicants scramble to secure positions in various industries.
9 SEP 2023
Crafting Age-Inclusive Job Adverts: A Step Towards a Diverse Workforce
In today's dynamic working environment, fostering a multigenerational workforce is becoming an essential facet for businesses worldwide. As the landscape changes, it is imperative for companies to align their recruitment strategies with inclusivity, thus not missing out on any prodigious talents, especially from the older age demographic.
4 SEP 2023
Over-50s 'returnerships' announced in spring budget AXED...
The UK government has announced that it will not be proceeding with the 'returnerships' program aimed at encouraging individuals over 50 to re-enter the workforce, despite initially introducing the initiative in the spring budget. Education minister Nick Gibb confirmed that older workers will instead be directed to existing training schemes and resources, such as the Department for Work and Pensions Midlife MOT website and apprenticeships designed for young people. This decision comes as government data reveals that over 280,000 more workers in the over-50s category have become economically inactive since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developing a ‘Green Skills’ curriculum in your college
Green Skills are high on the government’s agenda and there are vast opportunities for colleges to ensure that their technical skills provision is responsive to local labour market demands and Education for Sustainable Development is embedded throughout the curriculum
Key findings - DfE's Workforce Data Release
The Department for Education has released its first-ever data on the Further Education workforce for the 2021/22 academic year. This release, as promised in the Skills for Jobs white paper, sheds light on several key aspects of the FE sector, including ethnic diversity among leaders, gender pay gaps, salary disparities, and more. In this analysis, we will summarise the eight key findings from this data release, providing insight into the state of the FE workforce.
21 AUG 2023
Businesses Embrace Shift Towards Apprenticeship Hiring
The landscape of hiring practices in UK businesses is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing interest in incorporating apprenticeships into recruitment strategies.
Embracing Flexible Learning to Elevate Future Digital Skills
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the acquisition of robust digital skills has become an imperative for individuals and businesses alike.
A-Level Results Day 2023: Sector Response
A-Level Results Day 2023 has brought a mix of emotions as students eagerly awaited their academic fate.
14 AUG 2023
Heritage Skills Funding: A Multi-Million Pound Boost for Apprentice Wages
In a groundbreaking move that promises to transform the landscape of heritage skills training, a multi-million pound donation has been announced to fund apprentice wages. This radical approach, outlined in a recent article by FE Week, signifies a pivotal shift in how the heritage sector nurtures its future workforce.
12 AUG 2023
Summer Childcare Struggles: Working Parents Use Annual Leave
A study conducted by IWG found that a significant portion of working parents experience stress when arranging childcare during the summer break. Around 62% of respondents reported this stress, leading to 55% using their annual leave to address childcare responsibilities, and 12% utilising their entire annual leave entitlement for this purpose.
Agriculture Lecturer crowned Wales’ Woman Farmer of the Year 🚜
Katie-Rose Davies, Lecturer in Agriculture at Bridgend College, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Welsh agriculture, receiving the title of ‘Woman Farmer of the Year’.
7 AUG 2023
Third Of UK Workers Suffer From FOOC: Fear Of Offending Colleagues
A new research study by Reed.co.uk, reveals that almost a third (32%) of British workers feel unable to be their authentic selves at work.
30 JUL 2023
One in four don’t feel trusted at work, research finds.
A research study conducted by technology provider Slack reveals that one in four desk workers do not feel trusted at work, despite the majority of them meeting or exceeding managerial expectations.
29 JUL 2023
Working hours still falling after four-day week pilot
HR Magazine reports on the outcomes of a four-day week trial conducted by 4 Day Week Global, where working hours decreased from 34 to 33 hours per week after six months.
Multimillion-pound competition launched for net zero training
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched a multimillion-pound competition to subsidise specialist net zero courses in retrofitting and energy efficiency in England.
23 JUL 2023
The reality of UK’s wage increases
The latest salary data from UK's leading independent job board, CV-Library, presents a sobering reality for UK professionals amidst the welcome news of lower-than-expected inflation in June at 7.9%.
22 JUL 2023
Vocational T-levels offer England’s students poor value, Ofsted says
The Ofsted report, commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), has raised strong criticism of T-levels, England's vocational qualifications intended to be equivalent to A-levels.
20 JUL 2023
Millions to benefit from new flexible working measures
The Flexible Working Bill has achieved Royal Assent, granting millions of British workers increased flexibility in their work arrangements.
17 JUL 2023
7 ways to make your recruitment strategy more age-inclusive
Ageism is not only debilitating for the individuals involved but also means that companies aren’t reaping the benefits that a multigenerational workforce can bring. This includes improved productivity and problem-solving, enhanced company culture, and better customer service and engagement with the brand.
A key step in encouraging age diversity in the workplace is to ensure that companies are adopting age-inclusive processes at every stage of the recruitment process – from the application stage right through to daily working practices once a hire is made.
Boosting Staff Pay in Colleges: Government's £500 Million Investment
In a significant move to support the further education (FE) sector, the UK government has committed to injecting nearly £500 million into colleges over the next two years. The additional funding aims to finance pay rises for college staff, marking a positive development for the education landscape. This blog post explores the implications of this investment and its potential impact on colleges, educators, and students.
FE students hit by ‘extreme poverty’, report finds
A report by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for students reveals that further education (FE) students in England are experiencing extreme poverty due to a decade of cumulative funding cuts. The lack of resources in FE colleges has resulted in students working excessive hours in insecure jobs to support themselves and their families, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
10 JUL 2023
Growth in Sustainability Qualifications Reflects Workforce Demand
Are you interested in joining the sustainability revolution? Well, you're not alone! According to a recent article on FE News, the demand for sustainability qualifications is on the rise, reflecting the increasing need for professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges.
Discover the Most Desired Employee Perks in 2023 – and it’s not a C2W scheme
As the workplace continues to evolve, so do our expectations and desires as employees. Gone are the days when a simple cycle-to-work scheme would satisfy our craving for enticing perks. A recent study has shed light on the employee benefits that truly resonate with today's workforce. Prepare to be surprised as we explore the exciting findings that reveal the most sought-after perks of 2023.
9 JUL 2023
Starmer Proposes Education as the Key to Breaking the Class Ceiling
In a recent move that has sparked widespread discussions, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled his vision to shatter the class ceiling through education reform. In a speech delivered at a local college, Starmer emphasised the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background. With a strong focus on empowering individuals and tackling social inequality, Starmer's proposal has garnered both support and skepticism from various quarters.
3 JUL 2023
Summer Fridays: does your college need them?
Summer Fridays, a practice where employees leave early on Fridays during the summer months, have been gaining popularity in various companies. The positive impact on productivity and employee retention has been observed in organisations such as Kellogg's, Asos, and PwC. As more companies recognise the benefits, it raises the question: should your workplace adopt this practice?
2 JUL 2023
Are fully digital exams are on the horizon?
Ofqual, the exams regulator in the UK, is collaborating with the Department for Education to explore the feasibility of transitioning GCSEs and A-levels to fully digital exams.
1 JUL 2023
NHS workforce plan = huge news for the FE sector
The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, recently launched by NHS England, presents a significant opportunity for further education (FE) colleges and training providers to expand their delivery of apprenticeships. The plan highlights the importance of apprenticeships and skills training in the NHS's workforce strategy, benefiting both the health service and the FE sector.
28 JUN 2023
Two in five HR leaders need three years to prepare for AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to bring significant changes to the workplace, but HR leaders in the UK believe they need a minimum of three years to prepare for its impact. A recent survey conducted by Yoho Workplace Strategy reveals that 40% of HR managers and directors surveyed require three years or more to prepare for the introduction of AI, while only 15% anticipate being fully prepared within the next year. The study, which polled 600 HR professionals, sheds light on the current state of AI adoption, concerns, and anticipated benefits in the HR sector.
27 JUN 2023
Embracing Age Diversity: Support for over 50's
A recent report by Aviva, a leading UK Insurance, Wealth, and Retirement company, highlights a positive shift in employers' attitudes towards retaining employees over the age of 50. The study reveals that one in ten employers have implemented support systems in the past year specifically designed to accommodate and retain older workers. These initiatives range from apprenticeship programs and mid-life MOTs to job-sharing and partial retirement options. The report emphasises the value of older employees and the need for tailored support to recognise their individual needs.
26 JUN 2023
The Struggles of Working Mothers: Inequality in Pay, Promotion, and Support
A recent survey conducted by recruitment firm Robert Walters sheds light on the challenges faced by working mothers in the UK. The survey reveals significant disparities in pay, promotion opportunities, and support received by working mothers compared to their male counterparts. These findings underscore the urgent need for employers to address the barriers hindering the progress of working mothers.
21 JUN 2023
Managing Workplace Stress: 5 Strategies for Employers to Enhance Workforce Wellbeing
Workplace stress is a significant issue leading to lost productivity and negative impacts on employees' mental health.
20 JUN 2023
New AI tool "Prepper" provides interview coaching
The recent launch of Adzuna's AI tool, Prepper, aims to assist jobseekers in preparing for job interviews by generating relevant questions and offering coaching on responses.
14 JUN 2023
DfE call for evidence - AI in education
Education secretary Gillian Keegan is launching a call for evidence on using artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT in education “to get the best” out of the new technology.
World Blood Donor Day 2023
Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.
12 JUN 2023
Working in a heat wave: health and safety guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to employers to prioritise the safety of workers during periods of extreme hot weather.
6 JUN 2023
Climate + Education = Change: Empowering a Sustainable World
The challenges posed by climate change are the most pressing issues of our time. As we face the consequences of global warming, we know we need transformative solutions to mitigate its impacts and create a sustainable future.
5 JUN 2023
How to write the perfect job advert
Are you struggling to craft captivating job adverts that attract the right candidates?
Exam board look at ‘Duolingo-style’ test for GCSE re-sitters
The largest exam board in England, AQA, is considering the possibility of introducing an on-screen, on-demand test similar to the language learning app Duolingo to help students who repeatedly fail GCSE maths and English.
1 JUN 2023
Ballot set for country-wide college strikes
Unless colleges come up with a ‘decent’ pay offer, ballots will begin in September
24 MAY 2023
Careers Guidance: Benefiting Both Young People and Adults
When reminiscing about careers advice, one may recall the school days when they patiently waited outside a borrowed classroom on an uncomfortable plastic chair, anticipating their turn with the careers counsellor. Memories might include the discussions about future prospects and the definitive list of qualifications deemed necessary to confidently pursue a chosen occupation.
23 MAY 2023
Government Calls for Employers to Include Salary Information in Job Ads
In a recent open letter, the UK government has urged employers to include salary information in job advertisements. This move is aimed at promoting transparency and addressing pay inequality issues within the workforce. The government's call is in response to an ongoing campaign by the Young Women's Trust and the Fawcett Society, both of which have been advocating for greater salary transparency to bridge the gender pay gap.
22 MAY 2023
7 steps to an all-star LinkedIn profile 🌟
Want to attract the right attention and discover great job opportunities in Further Education? Maximising your online presence is crucial, and the best platform to do so is LinkedIn. By optimising your LinkedIn profile, you can increase your search appearances, connection requests, and catch the eye of Colleges hiring. Follow these concise steps to create a standout LinkedIn profile:
17 MAY 2023
A great collaboration story to boost green skills in FE 🌱🤝
East Anglian colleges have put aside competition and joined forces to deliver a greener future.
15 MAY 2023
Celebrating a Principal's 30 Year Legacy: Tributes Pour in After Sudden Passing
The education sector is mourning the loss of Cirencester Colleges Principal Jim Grant whose remarkable thirty-year legacy has left an indelible impact on the lives of students and colleagues alike. Following the sudden and tragic news of his passing, heartfelt tributes are pouring in, celebrating the dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education that defined this remarkable individual.
The Importance of Workplace Mental Health Awareness
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and it’s great to reflect on how far everything has come on this topic.
12 MAY 2023
From Garage to Classroom: Sparking Their Imagination
Engineer Dominic Whelan can fix planes, trains, and automobiles. Now he’s sharing the skills he’s learnt by teaching in FE. With his extensive experience in the automotive industry, Whelan is determined to bridge the gap between practical skills and academic learning, creating a new model that prepares students for real-world success. In this blog post, we delve into Whelan's inspiring journey and the transformative impact he is making in the field of vocational education.
8 MAY 2023
Education Secretary addresses the Education World Forum
Gillian Keegan celebrates the role of international education and promotes the benefits of embracing Artificial Intelligence in education
5 MAY 2023
DfE selects 6 'gold standard' green apprenticeships to mark the Coronation 👑
The six sustainable apprenticeships reflect The King’s “longstanding commitment to ensuring natural assets endure for future generations, integrating renewable energy sources into our everyday lives, and applying sustainability into every aspect of our economy”
2 MAY 2023
14 million jobs worldwide will vanish in the next 5 years. 🤖
"Future of Jobs Report 2023" by World Economic Forum highlights the urgent need for individuals and educators to address the skills gap to prepare for the changing job market.
3 APR 2023
FE Colleges Launch Sustainable Skills Revolution 🌳
As we look to build a more sustainable future, it has become increasingly clear that green skills will be essential for the next generation to thrive. That's why it's so important that we provide green skills training in a further education setting, particularly in the UK.
30 MAR 2023
New report reveals dire state of pay in FE colleges
A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has highlighted the extent to which college teachers in England are suffering from low pay and high turnover rates. College teachers are leaving their jobs at a faster rate than other public sector occupations, as they have experienced an 18% real terms pay cut.
21 FEB 2023
Tax breaks and "sweeteners" to aid skills shortage
A new report published today by Think Tank ResPublica, has called on the government to look at tax breaks for employers and sweeteners for teachers in skills shortage areas as part of measures to address the recruitment crisis.
5 DEC 2022
The Top 7 Employee Benefits In 2022
In a candidate driven market, employee benefits play a huge role in being able to attract and retain the top talent. In a new hybrid working environment though, we look back at what benefits that really mattered to employees in 2022?
1 JUN 2022
How education can help save our planet
When UNICEF was established as a means of providing aid to children worldwide in 1946, the world was reeling from the aftermath of a shattering world war in a new atomic age.
30 MAR 2022
Why you should always state salary in your job ads
Salaries always have and always will be a hot topic. Whether we are looking at living wages, tax allowances, or opportunities to progress, the subject of money can often be a contentious one and tricky to navigate. Ultimately, everyone has bills to pay, and lives to live, so why the eggshells around money?
7 FEB 2022
Winter Olympics 2022: what HR can learn from practice makes perfect
Upskilling and reskilling continues to take the top spot on organisations' list of goals and needs for 2022 and the opening of the Winter Olympics today is a good opportunity to reflect on the role that practice plays in the learning process.
College barber courses to run suicide prevention training
'I’ve had people sit in my chair and tell me about everything... the affairs, the redundancies, the funerals. We are part of people’s lives'
31 JAN 2022
10 Mental Health Tips for Online Students
A bout of depression, family history of anxiety, or a nagging doubt that something isn’t quite right are all incentives to take care of your poor mental health; here are nine key areas to focus on
Is sustainability the new functional skills?
It was impossible to not be aware of #COP26 and the clear momentum gained across the world, as our leaders finally embraced the real climate challenges laying ahead of us. And COP27 is hot on its heels.
27 JAN 2022
Apprenticeship starts recovering to pre-pandemic levels, DfE data shows
Apprenticeship starts appear to be recovering to pre-Covid levels, according to new Department for Education data.
24 JAN 2022
The good and the bad of the great resignation
The recent pandemic has caused people to reassess their lives and we are seeing people move jobs in record numbers
The UK has just launched a four-day working week pilot
First it was working from home. Now it is the four-day working week that is shaking business life in ways that would have seemed unthinkable before Covid-19.
20 JAN 2022
Pay rises fail to keep up with the cost of living
Average pay rises are failing to keep up with the rise in the cost of living, the latest official statistics show.
17 JAN 2022
DfE says over 550 ex-teachers answer Covid call to arms
But no figures on how many have actually rejoined the classroom.
11 JAN 2022
Environmental education for NetZero
To achieve #NetZero 2050, the building blocks of Social Transformation need to be in place now, and one of the main pillars of those building blocks is environmental education.
15 OCT 2021
Jobs Recovery Tracker: Job advert numbers rise by over 600,000 since the end of August to new record high
Job advert numbers rise by over 600,000 since the end of August to new record high
6 OCT 2021
Why you need to start selling your College.
According to ONS figures, job vacancies have hit a record high as the economic recovery continues.
The number of vacancies in the three months to August rose above one million for the first time since records began in 2001. And with that, demand for experienced, qualified staff is fierce.
22 AUG 2020
Remembering Sir Ken Robinson
In February 2006, author and educator Sir Ken Robinson stepped on to the TED stage and posed a provocative question: “Do schools kill creativity?“
19 JUL 2019
Search & Approach
Sometimes your advert will need a helping hand. To maximise applications, our experienced team search and approach candidates, who may not even be actively looking for your opportunity, but who might just be the perfect fit.
11 JUL 2019
onlyFE assist Fareham College to create a bespoke awareness / brand building campaign
Over the last decade onlyFE have built solid relations with a number of Associations, one in particular The Institute of Engineering & Technology, which means we are able to create unique campaigns on your behalf – all the benefits and none of the hassle!
9 JUL 2019
Why you need to be flexible in your approach to Recruitment
We work collaboratively with clients to provide strategic advice on the best method for each vacancy. “One-size-fits-all” approach isn't, what we are about. From experience we understand that specific skill sets and senior posts require a different tactic, we will work with you to recommend the best solution.
South Gloucestershire and Stroud College required assistance to hire multiple staff within their Construction Department, full time, part time, and casual Lecturer’s / Assessors across the Multi-trade skillsets.
2 APR 2019
Become a FE Engineering Teacher: An overview
Whether you’re facing retirement, no longer want to deal with the personal liabilities of industry, or you crave a creative outlet, teaching offers a fantastic opportunity to try a new career that makes use of your existing skills.
22 NOV 2018
Are you promoting your College benefits?
Benefits, benefits, benefits!!! Don’t hide them, shout about them!
When comparing to industry, College salaries do tend to be below market rate – so make sure you are advertising your staff benefits!
11 SEP 2018
Google For Jobs… What is it?
Back in July, Google released its new job search tool in the UK. Although we knew the UK launch would happen after its success in the US, the official release date was a closely guarded secret. As usual, with little fan fair, Google quietly unveiled Google For Jobs.
14 AUG 2018
Encouraging more young women to study construction in a bid to boost numbers in the industry
MidKent College is encouraging more young women to study construction, in a bid to break down gender stereotypes and boost numbers joining the industry.
20 JUN 2018
Is that even a real job title? Why you need to keep it real, simple and relevant.
I’m sure we’ve all seen some job titles in the past and thought ‘what does that actually mean?’. Trying to stand out from the crowd with a unique, creative, or simply over-complicated title, can actually have the direct opposite effect. Your unusual title is likely to at best confuse and put off perfectly suitable candidates and at worst never even be seen by them.
12 JUN 2018
Nailing best-practice candidate experience to secure the best people for your FE College.
You may think the term ‘candidate experience’ is just another fluffy recruiting buzzword with no substance or meaning. But trust us, this is one concept that you really need to master in order to not only fill your current roles, but also make a great head start in lining up future candidates and boost the reputation of your Further Education College.
6 JUN 2018
Stand out from the College crowd - Target a wider audience when advertising your FE jobs
In today’s competitive teaching employment market, it is more important than ever to ensure your recruitment advertising campaign for your Further Education College considers all the resources available to it in order to create far reaching awareness of your vacancy.
16 AUG 2016
TED Talks for the Summer Holiday
As the summer holidays are one of the few chances we get to really recuperate, today we are following up our post about the many ways you can make the most of your summer holidays with a collection of TED Talks that we think will help you to push this even further.
10 MAY 2016
Social Media and Electronic Comms Guide for FE Lecturers
As we demonstrated in our recent post 5 reasons to increase our use of technology in FE, there are some great reasons to bring more technology into Further Education classrooms
27 APR 2016
5 TED Talks on How to Inspire Your Students
With the Easter Holiday now behind us and exam season looming large on the horizon, we thought you may appreciate a little pick me up post, full of ideas to inspire yourself and your students.
18 MAR 2016
National Apprenticeship Week 2016 - A Roundup
As many of you will know, this week has been National Apprenticeship Week 2016 (NAW 2016). There have been so many employers pledging to take on apprentices and trainees and so many NAW events going on that we thought a little recap was in order!
11 MAR 2016
FE Professionals - How To Maximise Your Easter Break
Those who don't have much experience with the Education Sector would probably read the title of this blog and let out a big sarcastic "HA!" before grumbling that 13 weeks holiday a year is a ridiculous luxury (as they rapidly turn a deep envy-green.)
19 FEB 2016
5 reasons to increase our use of technology in FE
I don't know about you, but I've been pretty unconvinced by lots of the arguments I've come across for increasing the use of technology in FE.
12 JAN 2016
Our Predictions for Further Education in 2016
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and are ready and raring to go for 2016!
5 JAN 2016
7 Top Tips To Make Your Job Portal Accessible
Equality, diversity and accessibility have been big topics for Further Education in 2015, with the sector demonstrating it has high ambitions to come up to the top standard in these areas.
9 DEC 2015
A world of difference – taking the courage to go beyond equality and diversity
It’s Sunday night, and across the country teachers will be busily working on lesson plans, marking books and turning the house upside down looking for post-it notes (actually that last one could just be me).
24 NOV 2015
5 TED Talks To Help You Drive Your Career To New Heights
Having a 'great' career is something many of us aspire to, fostering a desire to be 'successful' and influential, to work for something, and to be respected in our field. However despite this shared aspiration, in today's society there is extremely high career dissatisfaction, with at least a quarter of UK workers wishing they had a different career entirely.
25 SEP 2015
Sir Ken Robinson - Bring on the Learning Revolution! [TED Talk]
Since discovering Sir Ken Robinson's 2006 TED talk 'Do Schools Kill Creativity' a while back and enjoying it immensely we have been big fans of his
14 AUG 2015
Our Pick of Ken Robinson's Favourite Talks on Education [VIDEOS]
TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. There are over 2000 to choose from, and the vast majority are engaging, inspirational and educational all in one!
7 JUL 2015
Difference beyond diversity
Since I started working in HR, what seems like many moons ago, I have noticed a shift in how we talk about the topic of Equality and Diversity.
21 MAY 2015
The Best Way To Write & Create An Online Job Advert
Over the years, as you can imagine, we have worked on a vast amount of Further Education job adverts.
12 MAY 2015
The untapped market ALL FE Colleges NEED to know about
With the Conservatives winning a shock victory in last week’s election, many people in Further Education, particularly those in the Finance Departments, may be a little worried.
5 MAY 2015
What You Need To Know About STEM in FE - The Background
Hello and welcome to the first of our 'STEM in FE' blog series - it's lovely to have you here and we hope you enjoy the posts!
1 JUL 2014
The Further Education Network
Earlier this year, onlyFE launched “The Further Education Network”. A LinkedIn group reserved exclusively for Leadership & Management, Heads of Department, Lecturers, Teachers and Assessors within the Further Education sector.
15 OCT 2013
Troops to Teachers!
onlyFE are proud to partner with JobOppO a dedicated ex-Military job board.