Fiona Aldridge
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social
Employment and skills; industry and sectors; people and places. CEO at Skills Federation, the voice of employer-led sector skills bodies (aka FISSS). NED at Youth Futures Foundation. Formerly at WMCA and Learning & Work Institute.
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
'For too long, vocational routes have been treated as second best'
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social of @skillsfederation.bsky.social on how we can get V Levels right
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social of @skillsfederation.bsky.social on how we can get V Levels right
V Levels are an opportunity for coherence if we get it right
V Levels will vocational education the credibility it deserves, if designed with clarity, consistency and collaboration
feweek.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 9:05 AM
'For too long, vocational routes have been treated as second best'
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social of @skillsfederation.bsky.social on how we can get V Levels right
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social of @skillsfederation.bsky.social on how we can get V Levels right
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
A new report highlights the scale of the challenge facing our sector: fragmented policy, chronic underfunding, and pathways that don’t always lead to occupational competence.
Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, Chief Executive of Skills Federation, has responded:
www.fenews.co.uk/skills/furth...
Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, Chief Executive of Skills Federation, has responded:
www.fenews.co.uk/skills/furth...
September 23, 2025 at 11:08 AM
A new report highlights the scale of the challenge facing our sector: fragmented policy, chronic underfunding, and pathways that don’t always lead to occupational competence.
Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, Chief Executive of Skills Federation, has responded:
www.fenews.co.uk/skills/furth...
Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, Chief Executive of Skills Federation, has responded:
www.fenews.co.uk/skills/furth...
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
The government has pledged to reform the failed Apprenticeship Levy.
Join us next week for the launch of new @thefabians.bsky.social research setting out the changes we need to boost growth and unlock opportunity 📈👷♀️
www.fabians.org.uk/event/launch... @cipd.bsky.social @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
Join us next week for the launch of new @thefabians.bsky.social research setting out the changes we need to boost growth and unlock opportunity 📈👷♀️
www.fabians.org.uk/event/launch... @cipd.bsky.social @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
August 5, 2025 at 12:08 PM
The government has pledged to reform the failed Apprenticeship Levy.
Join us next week for the launch of new @thefabians.bsky.social research setting out the changes we need to boost growth and unlock opportunity 📈👷♀️
www.fabians.org.uk/event/launch... @cipd.bsky.social @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
Join us next week for the launch of new @thefabians.bsky.social research setting out the changes we need to boost growth and unlock opportunity 📈👷♀️
www.fabians.org.uk/event/launch... @cipd.bsky.social @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
In response to the Industrial Strategy published by the government today, Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, Chief Executive of Skills Federation said:
#Investment #Government #Skills #IndustrialStrategy #Strategy
#Investment #Government #Skills #IndustrialStrategy #Strategy
June 23, 2025 at 3:27 PM
In response to the Industrial Strategy published by the government today, Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, Chief Executive of Skills Federation said:
#Investment #Government #Skills #IndustrialStrategy #Strategy
#Investment #Government #Skills #IndustrialStrategy #Strategy
Looking forward to contributing to today’s Apprenticeship, Growth and Skills symposium. I’ll be joining a panel to reflect on what the new Growth & Skills Levy means for employers, and how Business Schools can best support them to meet workforce skills needs charteredabs.org/events/appre...
Apprenticeships, Growth and Skills Symposium, Manchester, 17 June 2025
This event will support senior professionals managing the delivery of apprenticeships in UK business schools and provide insights to the changes to level 7 apprenticeship funding.
charteredabs.org
June 17, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Looking forward to contributing to today’s Apprenticeship, Growth and Skills symposium. I’ll be joining a panel to reflect on what the new Growth & Skills Levy means for employers, and how Business Schools can best support them to meet workforce skills needs charteredabs.org/events/appre...
Delighted to be joining the #SkillsEngland Board, helping ensure that skills policy and delivery meets the varying needs of sectors and places within a coherent national policy framework.
🚨Leaders from training providers, colleges, trade unions, businesses and local government have been announced as members of Skills England's board
feweek.co.uk/skills-engla...
feweek.co.uk/skills-engla...
Skills England board members revealed
Leaders from colleges, training providers, businesses, trade unions and local government have made the list
feweek.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Delighted to be joining the #SkillsEngland Board, helping ensure that skills policy and delivery meets the varying needs of sectors and places within a coherent national policy framework.
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
We’re proud to share that our CEO, Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, will be joining a key panel at Lifelong Learning 2025, the Lifelong Education Institute’s annual flagship conference on the 29th of April.
More information 👉 www.lifelongeducation.uk/event-detail...
More information 👉 www.lifelongeducation.uk/event-detail...
April 24, 2025 at 10:16 AM
We’re proud to share that our CEO, Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, will be joining a key panel at Lifelong Learning 2025, the Lifelong Education Institute’s annual flagship conference on the 29th of April.
More information 👉 www.lifelongeducation.uk/event-detail...
More information 👉 www.lifelongeducation.uk/event-detail...
Thanks to @feweek.bsky.social for inviting me to share my views on the government’s proposals for shorter #apprenticeships. Let me know what you think?
💳 'We're likely to be better served by flexing what can be funded through a reformed growth and skills levy'
⬇️ Dr Fiona Aldridge of @skillsfederation.bsky.social
⬇️ Dr Fiona Aldridge of @skillsfederation.bsky.social
feweek.co.uk
March 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Thanks to @feweek.bsky.social for inviting me to share my views on the government’s proposals for shorter #apprenticeships. Let me know what you think?
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Skills Federation’s brand-new website!
With a fresh new look, our website is designed to better amplify the voice of our members and the vital work they do in driving the development of skills across their industries.
#SectorSkillsBodies
With a fresh new look, our website is designed to better amplify the voice of our members and the vital work they do in driving the development of skills across their industries.
#SectorSkillsBodies
March 13, 2025 at 12:01 PM
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Skills Federation’s brand-new website!
With a fresh new look, our website is designed to better amplify the voice of our members and the vital work they do in driving the development of skills across their industries.
#SectorSkillsBodies
With a fresh new look, our website is designed to better amplify the voice of our members and the vital work they do in driving the development of skills across their industries.
#SectorSkillsBodies
Great to be representing @SkillsFed at #ATC2025. Looking forward to contributing to workshop discussions on the role of employers in apprenticeships and training, and to speaking to delegates on how #ACE360 can help manage your EPA processes. Drop by our stand in the exhibition hall.
March 10, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Really excited to see this new podcast, #StephOnSkills, hosted by Steph McGovern and powered by @skillsfederation.bsky.social member, #Enginuity.
A great listen for those interested in #skills, #innovation, and the future of #engineering and #manufacturing.
Listen here: bit.ly/3EHKIx3
A great listen for those interested in #skills, #innovation, and the future of #engineering and #manufacturing.
Listen here: bit.ly/3EHKIx3
Steph on Skills: Powered by Enginuity | Podcast
Enginuity podcast hosted by renowned broadcaster Steph McGovern about skills, innovation, and the future of engineering and manufacturing. Listen now.
bit.ly
February 18, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Really excited to see this new podcast, #StephOnSkills, hosted by Steph McGovern and powered by @skillsfederation.bsky.social member, #Enginuity.
A great listen for those interested in #skills, #innovation, and the future of #engineering and #manufacturing.
Listen here: bit.ly/3EHKIx3
A great listen for those interested in #skills, #innovation, and the future of #engineering and #manufacturing.
Listen here: bit.ly/3EHKIx3
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
The Lifelong Education Institute Annual Conference on 29/4/25 has a tremendous speaker line-up: @fionaaldridge.bsky.social @tombewick.bsky.social @stephenevans.bsky.social @tom-richmond.com @benrowland.bsky.social, Baroness Alison Wolf & more...
Register at www.lifelongeducation.uk/schedule/lif...
Register at www.lifelongeducation.uk/schedule/lif...
February 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Lifelong Education Institute Annual Conference on 29/4/25 has a tremendous speaker line-up: @fionaaldridge.bsky.social @tombewick.bsky.social @stephenevans.bsky.social @tom-richmond.com @benrowland.bsky.social, Baroness Alison Wolf & more...
Register at www.lifelongeducation.uk/schedule/lif...
Register at www.lifelongeducation.uk/schedule/lif...
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
FISSS is now Skills Federation, reflecting our strengthened commitment to championing skills, training and workforce development across the UK. As the voice of our members, we drive change across the skills system: skillsfederation.org
February 12, 2025 at 10:33 AM
FISSS is now Skills Federation, reflecting our strengthened commitment to championing skills, training and workforce development across the UK. As the voice of our members, we drive change across the skills system: skillsfederation.org
We all understand that public budgets are tight, but hard to see how government can achieve any of its missions unless it invests in the education and skills of its people.
✂️Adult education budgets cut in DfE savings spree
Fury as DfE cuts adult education budgets
Combined authorities told to expect reductions in 'already deeply diminished' adult skills funding
feweek.co.uk
February 6, 2025 at 10:15 PM
We all understand that public budgets are tight, but hard to see how government can achieve any of its missions unless it invests in the education and skills of its people.
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
The ACE360 by Skills Federation team are delighted to be exhibiting at the upcoming ATC conference on the 10th and 11th of March!
Join us at the ACC Liverpool at booth A77 to meet the ACE360 team and stop by Alison Morris' Workshop and AELP's panel discussion including @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
Join us at the ACC Liverpool at booth A77 to meet the ACE360 team and stop by Alison Morris' Workshop and AELP's panel discussion including @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
January 29, 2025 at 1:10 PM
The ACE360 by Skills Federation team are delighted to be exhibiting at the upcoming ATC conference on the 10th and 11th of March!
Join us at the ACC Liverpool at booth A77 to meet the ACE360 team and stop by Alison Morris' Workshop and AELP's panel discussion including @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
Join us at the ACC Liverpool at booth A77 to meet the ACE360 team and stop by Alison Morris' Workshop and AELP's panel discussion including @fionaaldridge.bsky.social
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
The DfE has rejected calls to merge CITB & ECITB after an independent review.
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social highlights the need for a joined-up approach: "Employer perspectives will be critical to shaping a skills system that meets sector needs."
🔗 Read more: feweek.co.uk
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social highlights the need for a joined-up approach: "Employer perspectives will be critical to shaping a skills system that meets sector needs."
🔗 Read more: feweek.co.uk
FE Week | Further Education, Skills & Apprenticeships news
The leading digital newspaper covering the Further Education, Skills and Apprenticeships Sector. FE Week is the trusted source for the latest FE news.
feweek.co.uk
January 31, 2025 at 10:19 AM
The DfE has rejected calls to merge CITB & ECITB after an independent review.
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social highlights the need for a joined-up approach: "Employer perspectives will be critical to shaping a skills system that meets sector needs."
🔗 Read more: feweek.co.uk
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social highlights the need for a joined-up approach: "Employer perspectives will be critical to shaping a skills system that meets sector needs."
🔗 Read more: feweek.co.uk
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
The skills landscape is changing fast, bringing both challenges and big opportunities. But where should training providers, employers, and policymakers focus to stay ahead?
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social explores key trends shaping skills & workforce development on @fenews.bsky.social.
bit.ly/4hqutTi
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social explores key trends shaping skills & workforce development on @fenews.bsky.social.
bit.ly/4hqutTi
A turning point for skills? key opportunities ahead
At the start of 2025 the UK is at a critical juncture, with recent government actions signalling a renewed focus on tackling the pressing skills…
bit.ly
February 5, 2025 at 10:36 AM
The skills landscape is changing fast, bringing both challenges and big opportunities. But where should training providers, employers, and policymakers focus to stay ahead?
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social explores key trends shaping skills & workforce development on @fenews.bsky.social.
bit.ly/4hqutTi
@fionaaldridge.bsky.social explores key trends shaping skills & workforce development on @fenews.bsky.social.
bit.ly/4hqutTi
Delighted to join the Mayor's Council of Experts to support his focus on 'Jobs for Everyone' - bringing insight & ideas from my experience within the region & from my current role working with employers & sector bodies to understand & meet the skills needs of industry www.wmca.org.uk/mayor-of-the...
Council of Experts
The Mayor Richard Parker has laid out an ambitious vision to transform the region, focusing on four key priorities that will make a real difference in people’s lives. He wants to focus on:
www.wmca.org.uk
January 28, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Delighted to join the Mayor's Council of Experts to support his focus on 'Jobs for Everyone' - bringing insight & ideas from my experience within the region & from my current role working with employers & sector bodies to understand & meet the skills needs of industry www.wmca.org.uk/mayor-of-the...
Congratulations to all those receiving new years honours - and to the many thousands of brilliant people across FE and Skills that they represent. Great to see the sector celebrated in this way!
🏅 20 CBEs, OBEs, MBEs and a damehood have been awarded to FE and skills figures in the 2025 new year honours list
Find out more 👇
Find out more 👇
New year honours 2025: Who got what in FE and skills?
College leaders, governors and a leading apprenticeships researcher among 19 recognised
feweek.co.uk
December 31, 2024 at 9:04 AM
Congratulations to all those receiving new years honours - and to the many thousands of brilliant people across FE and Skills that they represent. Great to see the sector celebrated in this way!
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
In 2023, unemployment in the European Union declined to the lowest point in over three decades
December 27, 2024 at 6:15 PM
In 2023, unemployment in the European Union declined to the lowest point in over three decades
Read my piece for @feweek.bsky.social on whether this week’s White Paper really was a ‘#devolution revolution’ for #skills, or just another small (and welcome) step on a long journey. feweek.co.uk/a-devolution...
Devolution revolution? Not quite, but a welcome evolution
The white paper is a hop and a skip forward, but there's still a big jump to go, says Fiona Aldridge
feweek.co.uk
December 19, 2024 at 6:23 AM
Read my piece for @feweek.bsky.social on whether this week’s White Paper really was a ‘#devolution revolution’ for #skills, or just another small (and welcome) step on a long journey. feweek.co.uk/a-devolution...
The @makeuk.bsky.social #IndustrialStrategy Skills Commission has launched a call for evidence! As a Commissioner, I want to hear your views on #skills needs, challenges, existing initiatives etc. Contribute to this important work by responding here: makeuk.org/insights/pub... #UKmfg
Make UK’s Industrial Strategy Skills Commission Launches Call for Evidence
makeuk.org
December 9, 2024 at 5:48 PM
The @makeuk.bsky.social #IndustrialStrategy Skills Commission has launched a call for evidence! As a Commissioner, I want to hear your views on #skills needs, challenges, existing initiatives etc. Contribute to this important work by responding here: makeuk.org/insights/pub... #UKmfg
Great meeting yesterday discussing #skills policy, #industrialstrategy, #devolution & the skills needs of #sectors. Brilliant opportunity to share thoughts on Skills England, Growth & Skills Levy, support for young people entering the labour market, & how we develop the skills needed for growth.
December 6, 2024 at 9:16 AM
Great meeting yesterday discussing #skills policy, #industrialstrategy, #devolution & the skills needs of #sectors. Brilliant opportunity to share thoughts on Skills England, Growth & Skills Levy, support for young people entering the labour market, & how we develop the skills needed for growth.
Reposted by Fiona Aldridge
The DWP today published their plans to #GetBritianWorking, driving down unemployment & economic inactivity, of which a significant proportion of effort is focussed on young people. You can read it here: bit.ly/3ZmwQQB
If you are interested in #YouthEmployment, the 4 most relevant plans include:
If you are interested in #YouthEmployment, the 4 most relevant plans include:
November 26, 2024 at 3:14 PM
The DWP today published their plans to #GetBritianWorking, driving down unemployment & economic inactivity, of which a significant proportion of effort is focussed on young people. You can read it here: bit.ly/3ZmwQQB
If you are interested in #YouthEmployment, the 4 most relevant plans include:
If you are interested in #YouthEmployment, the 4 most relevant plans include:
Really pleased to see that Gov't has today set out its strategy to help employers recruit, retain & develop the skilled workforce they need. The focus on supporting more people into work is the right one - for people & places, and for employers who need to fill vacancies. 1/4
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
November 26, 2024 at 4:54 PM
Really pleased to see that Gov't has today set out its strategy to help employers recruit, retain & develop the skilled workforce they need. The focus on supporting more people into work is the right one - for people & places, and for employers who need to fill vacancies. 1/4