Latest news with #SkillsAcademy
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Billingham Skills Academy closure a 'major blow to young people'
Closing an education service for teenagers would damage provision for "vulnerable learners" and threaten jobs, a union has Skills Academy, in Billingham, Teesside, is set to shut its doors this week and switch its services to Stockton Riverside College, at Thornaby, in University and College Union (UCU) is urging bosses to Education Training Collective (Etc.), a group of colleges and training providers which includes the academy, said "extensive plans have been put in place" to enable youngsters to continue their studies at Thornaby. With courses for school leavers as well as alternative provision for 14 to 16-year-olds, the Billingham site aims to help young people build their self-esteem and learn a range of father of one pupil said the announcement had come as a shock and that he was worried his daughter's progress would be affected having previously moved from a larger school where she suffered anxiety and was bullied. 'Damaging proposal' Echoing that view, UCU claimed the academy's closure "would be a major blow to young people who cannot thrive in mainstream education".General secretary Jo Grady said: "This is a short-sighted and damaging proposal which will serve to damage the group's reputation, take a lifeline away from the most vulnerable learners and families, and threaten the livelihoods of our members."Skills Academy is a vital and transformative educational experience for young people often disengaged from mainstream education within the Tees Valley region."There has been a lack of transparency from Etc. throughout this process, we now implore it to reconsider its position, protect jobs, and preserve the current learning environment, which allows young people to succeed." 'No loss of places' Etc. said eight jobs were at risk but that "10 potential opportunities for redeployment have been shared with the individuals affected".A consultation on the site's closure, that will run for 10 working days, is under way.A spokesperson added: "The Etc. is bound by its governance, as a publicly funded organisation, to consistently review effective spend balanced with ensuring provision meets the needs of its communities."While the Skills Academy building is proposed to close, the provision itself will not cease."Extensive plans have been put in place to ensure that the provision of education for 14-16 year olds, and a small number of 16-18 years who use this service, will relocate and that these learners can access outstanding education in industry-standard facilities at Stockton Riverside College."There will be no loss to the number of learner places as a result of this proposal." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
24-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Shock as Billingham's Skills Academy announces closure
An education service for teenagers is to close this week with its courses moved to a neighbouring Skills Academy, in Billingham, Teesside, will see its services switch to Stockton Riverside College, at Thornaby, in parent said the news had come as a Education Training Collective (Etc.), the group of colleges and training providers which includes the academy, said it was a "strategic move" which it admitted was "unsettling" for its staff and the 14 to 18-year-olds who attend. The news, which affects eight roles, comes weeks after Etc. scooped its first "outstanding" rating from Ofsted, with inspectors saying learners and apprentices "flourish across all parts of the group" and felt valued and respected. 'The rug's been pulled' Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the father of one pupil said he found out from a friend whose child was looking to attend the academy in added his daughter suffered anxiety and bullying in her previous school but had done well at the academy and he worried her progress could be affected."She doesn't want to go into a big environment with lots of people. Kids who come out of mainstream school because they don't want to be in an environment of 500 to 1,000 people go into an environment of 100 people and thrive there."She knew nothing about this, but has spent all weekend crying and saying she's not going to any other school."She was guaranteed a space in September. Now the rug's been pulled from underneath her."Her education could effectively be ruined because she's not guaranteed a place at Stockton Riverside College. Her anxiety is likely going to send her back to counselling and they've done this the last few days before they break up." 'Better preparing' pupils The school's website says its offering at Billingham is "a great place to learn for those who don't feel quite ready for a larger college environment".With courses for school leavers as well as alternative provision for 14 to 16-year-olds, it aims to help young people build their self-esteem and learn new skills.A spokesperson for Etc. confirmed it had made the decision to switch its Billingham courses to Thornaby and that it was also looking to redeploy its "exceptional staff".They said: "This strategic move is designed to ensure that students can access industry-standard facilities at Stockton Riverside College, thereby enhancing their educational experience and better preparing them for future careers."Though we understand that this change may be unsettling for the staff and students affected, we are fully committed to providing comprehensive support." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
King Charles III Reaffirms Commitment to Youth in Canada with The King's Trust Canada
OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ – During his first official Canadian visit as King, His Majesty King Charles III yesterday reaffirmed his lifelong dedication to young people as he met four Members of The King's Trust Canada's inaugural Youth Council; one 360 employment program participant; Mark Fell, Chair of The King's Trust Canada Board; Sarah Vickery, Director of Programming; and Cynthia Caron Thorburn, Interim Co-CEO. All from The King's Trust Canada party were at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where they had been invited to watch His Majesty and Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, plant a native species tree in honour of their visit. His Majesty spoke with the group, asking about their experience with The King's Trust Canada and specifically referencing the organization's Skills Academy program, a free program designed to equip young people with essential skills that employers are seeking. This interaction showcased His Majesty's steadfast commitment to improving the lives of young people, a cause he has championed for decades through The Prince's Trust in the UK and now globally through The King's Trust. Since 2011, The King's Trust Canada has created pathways to employment for young people facing barriers by providing free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities. 'Meeting His Majesty was such a special and meaningful experience,' said King's Trust Canada Youth Council member, Ahdithya Visweswaran, who also is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Visweswaran, an advocate for bilingualism through public education, went on to say about the royal visit, 'It was an honour to be part of the traditions and protocols that are so uniquely and authentically Canadian, especially at a time when we're reflecting on our identity and what it means to assert our sovereignty. His Majesty was so warm and genuinely curious, asking us about The King's Trust has impacted our lives – a memory I'll hold onto.' 'We are truly honoured by His Majesty's recognition of the work we do to close the skills, network, and experience gaps that many young Canadians face when they look for meaningful employment,' said Cynthia Caron Thorburn, Interim CEO of The King Trust Canada. 'To introduce members of our Youth Council and other programmes to His Majesty brings the journey of our young people full circle.' About The King's Trust Canada Founded by His Majesty the King Charles III, The King's Trust Canada is a national charity that creates pathways to employment for young people facing barriers by providing free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities. Follow TKTC today at The King's Trust Canada | LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
Cision Canada
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
King Charles III Reaffirms Commitment to Youth in Canada with The King's Trust Canada
OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - During his first official Canadian visit as King, His Majesty King Charles III yesterday reaffirmed his lifelong dedication to young people as he met four Members of The King's Trust Canada's inaugural Youth Council; one 360 employment program participant; Mark Fell, Chair of The King's Trust Canada Board; Sarah Vickery, Director of Programming; and Cynthia Caron Thorburn, Interim Co-CEO. All from The King's Trust Canada party were at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where they had been invited to watch His Majesty and Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, plant a native species tree in honour of their visit. His Majesty spoke with the group, asking about their experience with The King's Trust Canada and specifically referencing the organization's Skills Academy program, a free program designed to equip young people with essential skills that employers are seeking. This interaction showcased His Majesty's steadfast commitment to improving the lives of young people, a cause he has championed for decades through The Prince's Trust in the UK and now globally through The King's Trust. Since 2011, The King's Trust Canada has created pathways to employment for young people facing barriers by providing free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities. "Meeting His Majesty was such a special and meaningful experience," said King's Trust Canada Youth Council member, Ahdithya Visweswaran, who also is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Visweswaran, an advocate for bilingualism through public education, went on to say about the royal visit, "It was an honour to be part of the traditions and protocols that are so uniquely and authentically Canadian, especially at a time when we're reflecting on our identity and what it means to assert our sovereignty. His Majesty was so warm and genuinely curious, asking us about The King's Trust has impacted our lives – a memory I'll hold onto." "We are truly honoured by His Majesty's recognition of the work we do to close the skills, network, and experience gaps that many young Canadians face when they look for meaningful employment," said Cynthia Caron Thorburn, Interim CEO of The King Trust Canada. "To introduce members of our Youth Council and other programmes to His Majesty brings the journey of our young people full circle." Founded by His Majesty the King Charles III, The King's Trust Canada is a national charity that creates pathways to employment for young people facing barriers by providing free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities.
See - Sada Elbalad
12-04-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
ICESCO, UNDP Sign MoU to Strengthen Capacities in Knowledge Production
Mohamed Mandour The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to promote cooperation and pool efforts geared towards implementing pioneering initiatives in the fields of the knowledge economy, good governance, digital transformation, and analytical studies on sustainable development. The MoU was signed at ICESCO headquarters by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, and Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Arab States, in the presence of Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor and Director of the UNDP Knowledge Project, and Ms. Ilaria Carnevali, Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kingdom of Morocco. During the signing ceremony, Dr. AlMalik commended the distinguished partnership between ICESCO and UNDP, expressing his delight at signing this MoU. In this connection, Dr. AlMalik announced the launch of five ICESCO–UNDP initiatives, namely: the second phase of the ICESCO Skills Academy, 'The Learning Sprint'; the joint preparation of a panel on the impact of emerging technologies on the skills of the future, to be held during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly; a conference of higher education ministers on knowledge capacity-building strategies based on the outcomes of the Global Knowledge Index; a data capacity-building program in the Islamic world; and a joint program to support education in crisis-stricken countries. For his part, Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari expressed his pleasure at visiting ICESCO and signing the MoU, conveying his keen interest in exploring new horizons for constructive cooperation, in light of the significant development of UNDP activities in the Kingdom of Morocco. This development, he noted, provides wider opportunities for cooperation with ICESCO, especially in the field of artificial intelligence. He also highlighted other areas of cooperation, including exchanging and disseminating experiences to Member States, promoting knowledge-based economies, and developing their competitive potential at the global level. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
