Further education and skills

Sixteen outstanding further education and skills providers from across England have been appointed to lead phase 2 of the Technology Exemplar Network, designed to help colleges and learning providers use technology more effectively. This builds on the overwhelming success of the Network and, along with the latest research findings [due to be published 19 November 2009] from Becta, signifies dramatic growth in the number of organisations striving to develop the best use of technology.

The Technology Exemplar Network was launched in 2008 with 62 members and is jointly led by government technology partner Becta and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). It works to share best practice for using technology between different learning providers across the country.

The exemplars announced today will receive funding to help develop their use of technology and share their successes with others. Eight of the providers have been awarded continued status from last year and eight new learning providers from across the FE and Skills sector have joined them.

Becta is calling on other FE and skills providers to join the network and work alongside current members to improve and develop technology across the sector to benefit learners and organisations. Becta is making this call at a time when the FE and skills sector is becoming increasingly confident in its use of technology. Its 2008/09 research [due to be published 19 November 2009] shows that 35% of colleges, 37% of work-based learning providers and 31% of adult and community learning providers are now mature in their use of technology (up from 25%, 35% and 20% in 2007).

Jane Williams, Becta’s Executive Director for Further Education, Skills and Regeneration said:

“Used effectively and creatively, technology makes a real difference to the lives of learners, their local communities and employers. This is why Becta is committed to putting technology at the heart of the learning experience. As the Technology Exemplar Network expands, it demonstrates that more organisations in the FE and skills sector are recognising the benefits ICT can bring, such as higher attainment and greater efficiency.

“The exemplar providers chosen this year are shining examples, and over the coming 12 months will share their expertise and help others follow in their footsteps. This will ensure the effective use of technology is embedded across the sector. Our latest research about technology in the FE and skills sector is very encouraging, but there are still too many colleges and providers that aren’t taking full advantage of technology. We are keen to grow the network in phase 2 to around 120 members and would like to hear from providers with the drive, knowledge and leadership to further their own use of technology to benefit their learners and to inspire others.”

Louise Proctor, LSC Director of Lifelong Learning, said:

“The LSC is delighted to support a second year of the Technology Exemplar Network in partnership with Becta.

“What has been evident from the first year is that practitioners and managers in our first batch of exemplars have made real progress in building on their advanced status in this critical area and cascading that experience and expertise to their colleagues in the network. This partnership approach has made a real difference to the learner experience and we are pleased that the grants have improved the overall infrastructure and facilities available for practitioners and learners.

“We congratulate our new exemplars on achieving this status, following a challenging selection process, and we look forward to building on the success of the first year.”

Graham Hoyle OBE, chief executive of the Association of Learning Providers (ALP), said:

“Work based learning providers can see the very encouraging impact that technology is making with learner retention and achievement rates. ALP would actively encourage more of its members to apply to join the Technology Exemplar Network.”

Applications are open now for new members of the Technology Exemplar Network at www.becta.org.uk/feandskills/exemplarnetwork.

The exemplars

• Alton College
• BL Hairdressing Training
• Brockenhurst College
• City and Islington College
• Derwen College
• Gloucestershire College
• Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
• Lincoln Academy T/A ISIS Training
• Middlesbrough Council Community Learning Service
• National Star College
• North Warwickshire and Hinckley College
• The Oldham College
• Priestley College
• South Devon College
• The College of West Anglia
• Xaverian 6th Form College

Notes to editors

About the Learning and Skills Council

The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. They are responsible for ensuring the availability of high-quality education and training for everyone. They have a single goal: to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to world class standards. Their vision is that young people and adults in England have knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce. They work nationally, regionally and locally to deliver this ambition on behalf of learners and employers.