Building Bridges: Enhancing employability through practically-based higher education
Practically-based university models enhance graduate employability by embedding industry collaboration, real-world skills and confidence-building into curricula.
Policy area: Skills, employability and civic
Skills England will be in a battle for relevance from day one
With Skills England expected to formally begin operating next month, a new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) shows that this government agency is likely to face an uphill struggle as it seeks to become a credible and respected organisation both within and outside government. Written by Tom…
When Skills England calls, will anybody answer the phone?
The creation of Skills England marks the UK government’s latest attempt to reform the post-16 skills system, aiming to better align education, training, and industrial priorities to drive economic growth. However, the new agency faces significant challenges, including limited autonomy, complex cross-departmental coordination, tensions between national and local priorities, and…
#ShoutOutForGerman – A case for language learning and German at British Universities
This HEPI blog was kindly authored by colleagues at the German Embassy in London and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). #ShoutOutForGerman – this is the title of a week-long campaign from 17 to 21 March to showcase all things German across the entire UK and inspire learning German. The…
The Graduate Route — the most undervalued tool at the Treasury’s disposal to drive growth in the UK.
The HEPI blog was kindly authored by James Pitman, Chair of IHE and Managing Director U.K. and Ireland, Study Group The Graduate Route has been extraordinarily powerful in driving international education value in the UK. Although all the surveys show students choose universities and courses for their reputation or fit,…
Level 7 Apprenticeships: Babies and Bathwater
Last September, the Prime Minister announced a “rebalancing” of funding from the apprenticeship levy (shortly to become the Growth and Skills Levy). Employers’ ability to use the funds for postgraduate-level apprenticeships would be restricted in the hope of shoring up lower levels. A couple of months later, Skills Minister Jacqui…
International Student Aspirations Increasingly Align With The Skills Needed To Propel UK Growth, ApplyBoard’s Internal Data Shows
International student interest in UK courses surged in late 2024 and early 2025, with growing demand for Health, Engineering, and Science fields driving trends.
Ask not what you can do for engineering…
The UK’s school curriculum neglects engineering, missing an opportunity to develop creativity, practical skills, and inclusive, real-world learning.
The Timpson university
Richard Brabner reviews The Happy Index by James Timpson, exploring its lessons on leadership, workplace happiness, and social purpose in business.
How might HEIs and government build collaborative advantage to address climate change
Universities must enhance collaboration with government and industry to accelerate innovation and drive the transition to a net-zero economy.