Train to Gain, Functional Skills and New Opportunities
Life in the learning world is more hectic and busy than usual. There have been major changes in the Government departments. In June 2007 the Government divided the DfES and created the new-
• DCSF- Department for Children, Schools and Families with responsibility for children's services, families, schools, 14-19 education, and the Respect Taskforce.
• DIUS- Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. The new Department is delivering the Government’s long-term vision to make Britain one of the best places in the world for science, research and innovation. The aim is to ensure that the UK has the skilled workforce it needs to compete in the global economy. Download their response to Informal Adult Learning
Functional Skills
There has been a national pilot for the last year for Functional Skills qualification (FS) run by Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA). The focus of the new qualifications is functionality and mastery of the real skills we need to function in the real world and build a more inclusive society. There are no compensatory marking schemes and limited multi option questions. These qualifications are in English, Math and ICT.
For further Information please visit the LSC/QCA/LSIS websites or download the Functional Skills for Adults booklet from Quality Improvement Agency (QIA).
TRAIN TO GAIN AND THE THIRD SECTOR. Hot off the press- the requirement for volunteers to be active for 16 hrs weekly to be eligible, this has just been relaxed and all that is required is evidence form the organisation that the candidate volunteers, how wonderful is that!
Download the briefing paper from Conservatives on Opportunities Agenda on this page to find out their views.
