Association of Learning Providers Conference

30-31 October 2007 Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire

The ALP is the leading trade association for vocational learning providers in Britain. The majority of its 430 members are individual private, not-for-profit and voluntary sector training organisations.

Membership is open to any provider committed to quality vocational learning and it includes over 60 Further Education colleges involved in work-based learning. This year’s conference will examine in detail the specific operational issues facing the work-based learning, e-learning and welfare to work sectors.

For more information see www.learningproviders.org.uk

Association of Colleges Annual Conference

20-22 November 2007 International Convention Centre, Birmingham

Shaping futures within the Further Education sector

This conference is the main event for all those involved in the Further Education sector – from principals, governors and managers to sector organisations, government officials and business and social partners.

Delegates will be debating the future of the AoC itself, as well as what lies in store for FE through self regulation and the future of learners.

For more information see www.aocannualconference.co.uk

Apprenticeship Awards

These awards, held and hosted by the Learning and Skills Council, are designed to recognise and reward both employers and apprentices.

Awards are given to apprentices whose contribution to the workplace has exceeded their employers’ expectations and resulted in measurable benefits, or who have overcome difficulties to succeed through their Apprenticeship.

Employers who are successfully using Apprenticeships to improve their business performance and tackle skills shortages are also recognised.

For more information see www.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards

National Business Awards

This leading awards programme, described by Prime Minister Gordon Brown as the “Business Oscars”, is designed to recognise excellence in business achievement, innovation and success in the UK. Now in their sixth year the awards are open to any company, public or private, regardless of size or industry.

City & Guilds is delighted to sponsor the Employer of the Year Award which celebrates organisations that are committed to discovering and developing the very best in their workforce.

Companies test themselves out through a programme of regional competitions, with all winners automatically entered into the national programme.

Companies in Scotland have the opportunity to compete with one another in the National Business Awards for Scotland programme.

All of the finalists will be able to celebrate their achievement at a prestigious awards ceremony in London on 13 November 2007.

For more information see www.nationalbusinessawards.com

National Training Awards

These awards, managed by UK Skills, are the UK’s number one accolade for businesses, organisations and individuals who have achieved lasting excellence and success through training and learning.

They highlight the significant benefits that can be gained from effective skills development.

Previous winners have demonstrated how a commitment to training has resulted in outstanding outputs both in terms of staff satisfaction and improved business performance.

Regional awards ceremonies, celebrating the best of UK training, will take place across the country during September, October and November, culminating in the national awards ceremony in London on 13 December 2007.

For more information see www.nationaltrainingawards.com

WorldSkills UK competitions

Promoting excellence through skills competitions

This is the UK’s premier set of skills competitions for students, trainees and employees. Designed by top industry experts the competitions capture the essence of skills at and for work.

They test the essential aspects of jobs and work roles to the standards found in the best and most successful businesses and organisations. Over 60 competitions are run in the UK, with regional competitions leading to national finals.

Some events offer the ultimate prize - the chance to represent the UK at WorldSkills, the world’s largest skills competition.

For more information see www.skillschallengecompetitions.co.uk