Changes in government funding arrangements over the last year have led both Proskills and NSA MPS to review their activities, finding ways to maintain key services to the sector whilst improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills Minister John Hayes launched a new service which will transform careers advice by combining highly-trained advisers with an interactive website, helping people to reach their potential.

The government is introducing student loans for learners aged 24 and above in further education and training studying at Level 3 and above, including Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships.

The Departments for Business, Innovation & Skills and Education appointed Doug Richard, serial entrepreneur and early investor, to lead an independent review into the future of apprenticeships.

Proskills is pleased to announce that it has secured development funding from the UK Commission For Employment and Skills (UKCES) under via the Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) to explore the feasibility and business case for establishing a Guild for employees to support the various and diverse trades within the process industries, including employees in Coatings, Paper, Printing, Glass, Building Products/Ceramics, Wood and Furniture.