Our sector is incredibly diverse, which is one of its many strengths. We all have a lot in common, too - and it's important that we have a clear voice to represent our shared interests. By bringing everyone in the sector together under one identity we can create the strong image we need to be recognised and appreciated.
FE Works has been created by the Further Education Reputation Strategy Group (FERSG) to enhance the reputation of the FE sector on a national level.
The Further Education Strategy Group welcomes the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills's report Measuring the Economic Impact of Further Education published today. It presents further proof of the FE and Skills sector's contribution to the economy, businesses and the community as well as the fundamental importance of improved employment prospects for the individuals undertaking learning.
Alison Birkinshaw, FERSG's chair, comments: "Our sector gives excellent value for money to the public purse. Up and down the country, colleges, private sector training providers and the voluntary, and charity further education providers are proving themselves to be indispensible to the local and national skills agenda.
"FERSG welcomes the research's recognition of work-based programmes' cost effectiveness. We also appreciate BIS's committment to assisting people in seeking sustainable employment through college-based programmes and the evidence of a number of 'wider' social benefits to adult learning."
To read the full report go to: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=418914&NewsAreaID=2