iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

I’m looking to recruit a Junior Software Developer to join our brilliant & growing development team. Please share with anyone you think would be suitable and interested. More details are available here: skillsfederation.org/careers/

skillsfederation.org

Careers - Skills Federation

Careers at Skills Federation. View our open roles and start your journey with Skills Federation.

042

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

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...

011

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Joe Dromey @joedromey.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

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

121

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

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

001

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

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...

charteredabs.org

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.

030

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

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.

060

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

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...

001

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

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?

000

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

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

001

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

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.

010

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Johnny Rich @johnnyrich.com · 16/02/2025

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...

114

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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

022

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

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.

0105

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

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

021

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

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

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.

011

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

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

bit.ly

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…

052

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

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...

wmca.org.uk

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:

031

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

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!

121

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Our World in Data @ourworldindata.org · 27/12/2024

In 2023, unemployment in the European Union declined to the lowest point in over three decades

314128

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

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...

feweek.co.uk

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

164

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

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

makeuk.org

Make UK’s Industrial Strategy Skills Commission Launches Call for Evidence

122

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

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.

040

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Matt Lent @mattlent.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

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:

123

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

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

120

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Skills are critical to achieving government missions and to enabling industry to deliver economic growth. Good to see @pmdfoster.bsky.social highlight the risk that Skills England will be underpowered for the task ahead.

000

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Pleased that the White Paper will include details of the governments Youth Guarantee. Frustrating but perhaps unexpected that media coverage focuses on sanctions and not on the measures to support young people into work. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

theguardian.com

Liz Kendall says young people who won’t take up work will lose benefits

Work and pensions secretary says she will transform opportunities as Starmer bemoans ‘bulging benefits bill’

022

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Looking forward to seeing the White Paper this week. Hoping for a move towards a public employment system that meets the needs of local people, places and employers.

020

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Great to be at the launch of the @ufitrust.bsky.social strategy yesterday. Fabulous ambition and approach to unlocking the full potential of technology to help more adults learn. ufi.co.uk

001

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Skills England are consulting on what training should be available through the Growth & Skills Levy, across the Industrial Strategy’s 8 growth-driving sectors and on construction and health & social care - via @feweek.bsky.social feweek.co.uk/priority-emp...

feweek.co.uk

Priority employers consulted on growth and skills levy

Skills England launches an 'initial engagement exercise' with priority sectors on what training should be funded through the new growth and skills levy.

074

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Skills issues pose a huge challenge for industry, so I'm pleased to be joining @makeukcampaigns.bsky.social #IndustrialStrategySkills Commission, where experts from industry & education will help shape Government's skills programme to support delivery of the #IndustrialStrategy. www.makeuk.org

030

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 13/11/2024

Thanks to @aoc-info.bsky.social for a fabulous conference dinner. Amazing food, wine and entertainment, courtesy of our great FE college students. And an inspirational set of award winners, showcasing the transformational impact of FE.

000

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

Looking forward to a packed few days ahead on all things FE, skills and colleges. Will be great to catch up with colleagues. You can also follow the discussion at #AoCConf24

020

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Skills Federation @skillsfederation.bsky.social · 08/11/2024

In the news today! Our CEO, Dr @fionaaldridge.bsky.social, shares her insights with FE News on the essential ingredients needed for a successful UK skills system. Read the full article to hear Fiona's thoughts. 👇 www.fenews.co.uk/exclusive/sk...

fenews.co.uk

Skills England: What’s Needed to Complete the Picture?

Fiona argues that Skills England can transform the struggling UK skills system by bringing together government, businesses, training providers and unions. Success depends on collaborative…

031

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Joshua J. Friedman @joshuajfriedman.com · 08/11/2024

At last, there's a searchable directory of Bluesky starter packs, courtesy of @mubashariqbal.com! Just one more way third-party developers are helping to make this place better. Search starter packs by keyword, and sort by "Uses" to see which ones people are finding the most helpful

blueskydirectory.com

All - Bluesky Directory

A curated collection of all things relating to the Blue Sky social media platform.

87456123017

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Declan Gaffney @greyskiesthinking.bsky.social · 13/08/2024

There's no angle from which this is anything other than terrible.

1615472

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 05/11/2024

Pleased to have contributed to a series of blogs for #LifelongLearningWeek, setting out why and how we need to make lifelong learning more accessible, affordable and attractive learningandwork.org.uk/news-and-pol...

learningandwork.org.uk

Breaking patterns for a decade of national renewal

For Lifelong Learning Week 2024, Dr Fiona Aldridge calls for lifelong learning to be a priority to realise ambitions for economic growth.

010

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 04/11/2024

Pleased to share my reflections on what the budget means for #skills in the WM, in this blog for Centre for the New Midlands. www.thenewmidlands.org.uk/time-for-ser...

thenewmidlands.org.uk

Serious about economic growth? Then it’s time to get serious about investing in skills – Centre for the New Midlands

000

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 30/10/2024

1/2 Skills Federation welcome the focus of today’s budget on stimulating economic growth and on long-term funding for growth-driving sectors. The evidence is clear – a government that is serious about achieving its economic growth ambitions also needs to be serious about investing in skills.

100

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Learning and Work Institute @learnworkuk.bsky.social · 17/10/2024

NEW: L&W report outlines how to better support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions into work. 📑 This research for Health Equals sets out recommendations for UK government, devolved national and regional administrations. learningandwork.org.uk/resources/re...

learningandwork.org.uk

What support helps disabled people move into sustainable work?

111

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 17/10/2024

Delighted to be speaking at the CDI National Conference 2024 on 26-27 November at The Studio, Birmingham. For the latest programme and to book your place, visit: ow.ly/irxK50TAbzq. Drop me a line if you want to catch up while you're there. #CDIConf2024

000

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 10/10/2024

Thankyou so much Antonia for leading such an important debate. Hope the briefing was helpful. Critical to the governments missions to get this right.

110

Reposted by Fiona Aldridge

Rebecca Florisson @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social · 08/10/2024

Heads up, the DWP's next release of employment figures (5 Nov) for disabled people will include info on job quality. This is a really good thing, as there's not only an employment gap, but also a pay gap and an insecure work gap — really important to track those differential outcomes.

13113

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 08/10/2024

Delighted to have been asked to join the judging panel for the #Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2025! Details on how to enter can be found here lnkd.in/e2N7cW2w. Deadline 20 Dec - get nominating!

000

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 07/10/2024

This opinion piece in @feweek.bsky.social argues that the independence of end point assessments is the cornerstone of employer confidence in the apprenticeship system and must be maintained. Interested in your views feweek.co.uk/labour-must-...

feweek.co.uk

Labour could be piloting EPAs into dangerous territory

The government's proposed trials for reforming end-point assesssments all carry significant risks

000

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 28/09/2024

‘Too many young people in the West Midlands are leaving school without the qualifications they need to move forward, whether that’s into further education, a good job or an apprenticeship' feweek.co.uk/mayors-power...

feweek.co.uk

Why I've asked for more mayoral powers over skills

The West Midlands region has been let down by Westminster. It's time for us to manage our own economy

000

Fiona Aldridge @fionaaldridge.bsky.social · 24/09/2024

Really enjoyable and stimulating Multiverse / Demos roundtable on growth and skills levy. Particularly impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of MPs Chi Onwurah and Lola McEvoy to use skills investment to stimulate economic growth in places and their key sectors. #Lab24

020