Bulletin 11/04: 19 October 2004

TUC OUTLINES PLANS FOR A UNION ACADEMY

The Trade Union Congress has published new plans for a Union Academy, which will offer working people learning where and how they want it, commissioning courses from colleges, universities and other providers.  Set up, owned and run by unions, the Union Academy aims to transform access to learning for people at work.

 

In a consultation document, the TUC sets out its vision for a new Union Academy that will help employers meet skills needs, help working people get on at work and in their personal life, and spearhead the drive for the nation to overcome chronic problems, such as the five million people with basic skills difficulties.  According to the TUC, the Union Academy will also play a leading role in promoting social mobility and social justice, equipping individuals to take a fuller part in public and civil life.

 

FINANCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

 

A Treasury report entitled "Supporting young people to achieve" was published alongside Budget 2004.  It launched a consultation on the Government's long-term vision of a single, coherent system of financial support for 16-19 year olds.  The first event in this consultation series has taken place with a group of young people who were asked for their ideas and views on how particular aspects of the new system of support should work.  Topics included:

      which activities should be eligible for support from the Government and under what conditions?

      when should a young person be treated as independent by the financial support system?

      what streams of support should be included in a new integrated system?

INCOME INEQUALITIES IN THE UK

 

A new survey by The Work Foundation shows that the majority of UK adults support the idea of more income equality, but important differences exist.  Women, people with black Caribbean ethnic routes and those living in Wales and Northern Ireland are most supportive of income equality.  Conversely, entrepreneurs, managers, the retired and those living in the South East are least likely to support the idea.  The report, "The desire for income equality amongst the UK adult population", was based on a survey of 22,000 adults.

 

NEWS FROM US!

 

Power-gen Asia

 

AFAQ-ETA exhibited with Empower Training Services Ltd at the Power-gen Conference in Bangkok on 5 – 7 October.  The conference was attended by power companies throughout Asia and Europe.  One of the main themes was the UK’s experience of renewable power.

 

AFAQ Meeting of Asian Offices

 

After the Conference there was a two day meeting of the AFAQ Asian offices.  The agenda included how to license AFAQ-ETA’s suite of management quality training programmes and make money!  Senior Quality Audit staff from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia. Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Pakistan and the UK attended this strategic meeting of hub offices.  It was agreed to hold courses to train the trainers in April or May for companies wishing to be involved in the course licensing business.  Interested companies should contact Bill Fenton at bill.fenton@afaq-eta.com

 

Staff Changes

 

Trevor Wilmer has retired from his position as Managing Director of AFAQ-EAQA Ltd. Alister Dalrymple from AFAQ Group France is the new Managing Director as from 1 October.  Trevor will still work part-time on special projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACK TO TOP