There has been much excitement surrounding Sir Vince Cable’s return to FE. The former business secretary has been recruited to head up a National Union of Students (NUS) research project, which aims to develop a blueprint for a learner-friendly FE sector.
Of course, Vince “Twinkle Toes” Cable’s other claim to fame was appearing on the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2010, his first year in the coalition government.
So, at the end of an interview with him and NUS vice-president for FE Shakira Martin, FErret forced FE editor Stephen Exley to ask the question on everyone’s lips: what does Cable think about the performance of that other politician-turned-quickstepper, Ed Balls? “Well’s he’s obviously popular with the public, but his dancing isn’t progressing quite as well,” he responded.
“He’s showing a nicer side to his character because he wasn’t a very popular politician. He came across as a bit aggressive and cold. But [now] he’s come across as a human being. I’m voting for him.”
Praise indeed. But this line of questioning led to an even more sensational revelation from Martin: if the research project proves successful, the pair will perform a celebratory foxtrot.
FErret suggests there would be no better place for this spectacular performance than at the Oscars of FE: the TES FE Awards ceremony, to be held on 24 February 2017. Martin and Cable, over to you…
Drawing levy conclusions
It can be quite a struggle for even experienced further educationalists to get their heads around the subtle intricacies of the apprenticeship levy.
So one college has come up with a novel way of explaining the levy to a new audience: a comic strip. Hart Learning and Development (a spin-off from North Hertfordshire College) has produced its own illustrated guide.
The new guide tells the heartwarming story of Harry, a petrol station attendant who is dreaming of his big break. Another character, Lizzie, works for a company struggling to figure out what to do about the levy.
Lizzie bumps into Harry while filling up her car, and is impressed by his enthusiasm. But how can she help him to broaden his horizons?
Enter Lucy, the helpful adviser from (you’ll never guess) Hart Learning and Development, who explains how the levy can help. Lizzie puts together an apprenticeship proposal, wows her company’s board and goes back to Harry to offer him the chance of a lifetime. All together now: “Ahhh…”
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