ETF Launches Ambitious New Strategy for FE Sector

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF), the expert body for professional development and standards in Further Education (FE) and Training in England, has unveiled its ambitious new strategy, titled 'Together We Transform'. Launched recently, this initiative outlines the ETF's plans to champion the crucial role of educators and leaders within the FE and skills sector, ultimately aiming to transform the lives of learners aged 14 and over.

With a renewed commitment to collaborative partnerships, the strategy sets out a bold ambition to drive professionalism, improve teaching and learning, champion inclusion, and enable sector-wide change for a thriving FE and skills landscape. This move comes at a critical time for the FE sector, which faces ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention, inconsistent pedagogical approaches, and the need to embed essential skills like English, maths, and digital literacy.

Dr. Katerina Kolyva, CEO of the ETF, emphasised that the strategy puts the sector first, working in partnership to drive professionalism and build a strong professional identity for all those working in FE and skills. The strategy was developed following extensive consultation with sector organisations and practitioners, reflecting a commitment to addressing the real-world needs of trainers.

Key Pillars of the 'Together We Transform' Strategy

The 'Together We Transform' strategy is built upon four core strategic goals, each designed to address critical areas within the FE and skills sector:

  • Drive Professionalism: The ETF will champion professionalism and expand the evidence base of education and leadership practice, positioning FE and skills as a rewarding career destination. This includes developing and enhancing professional standards and a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework.
  • Improve Teaching and Learning: Ensuring consistency in learner experience is paramount. This goal involves setting clear competencies and conduct required to enter and maintain professional status within FE and skills. The ETF's Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers, updated in May 2022, serve as a vital framework for self-assessment and continuous professional development, co-designed with the sector in 2014 and revised to reflect the evolving educational landscape.
  • Champion Inclusion: The strategy aims to tackle inequalities within the FE and skills workforce, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment. This includes supporting routes to employment and career development by providing lifelong learning to all, and strengthening support for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
  • Enable Sector Change: By supporting high-quality leadership and governance, and embracing technological advancements, the ETF seeks to facilitate systemic change for a robust FE and skills system. This also involves working to address the national skills gaps, particularly in areas like digital and green skills, as highlighted by recent data from the Department for Education (DfE).

The ETF's commitment to enhancing professional development for FE trainers is long-standing. Their Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers, updated in May 2022, serve as a vital framework for self-assessment and continuous professional development. These standards define what high-quality teaching and training look like and support educators at every stage of their career to reflect on their practice and plan development.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see TAQA assessor courses or explore IQA verifier qualifications for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

Ongoing Initiatives and Impact on Trainer Development

Beyond the new strategy, the ETF continues to drive several key initiatives that directly impact the quality of training across the FE sector:

  • Digital Skills Enhancement: The ETF continues to drive digital skills enhancement across the workforce. Their EdTech Professional Development programme saw over 15,000 FE professionals engage with its resources by late 2023, crucial for integrating technology into teaching and learning. The 'Enhance Digital Teaching Platform,' launched in 2019, offers free online training modules based on the ETF's Digital Teaching Professional Framework, with 24 modules currently available and more being added regularly.
  • Professional Status and Qualifications: Through the Society for Education and Training (SET), a growing number of educators are achieving Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status and Advanced Teacher Status (ATS). As of March 2023, 629 individuals with industry expertise were recruited into the sector through the 'Taking Teaching Further' programme. In 2024-25, 615 FE and Skills practitioners were awarded QTLS status, and 16 professionals achieved ATS, with 99% of QTLS recipients reporting a positive impact on their teaching practice.
  • T Levels Support: As T Levels become more established, the ETF offers extensive support for providers and trainers involved in their delivery. This includes subject-specific CPD, guidance on industry placements, and resources to help integrate the academic and vocational elements effectively. The T Level Professional Development (TLPD) programme saw over 11,800 engagements from more than 6,300 individuals in 2024-25, with 92% reporting improved knowledge.
  • Partnerships and Research: The ETF collaborates with various organisations, including Saïd Business School at Oxford University, to produce reports that outline opportunities for change, innovation, and improvement within the FE and Skills sector. These partnerships contribute to enhancing the quality and impact of Further Education, ensuring it meets the dynamic needs of the UK economy and society.

The ETF's work directly impacts the quality of training across the FE sector. By providing structured professional development, it assists trainers in meeting regulatory requirements set by bodies such as Ofsted in England and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in Ireland, both of which stress the importance of ongoing development for teaching staff.

Trainers seeking to further their professional development and stay abreast of the latest industry standards can find valuable resources and accredited courses through organisations like Abertay Training. Abertay Training offers a comprehensive range of train-the-trainer courses across the UK and Ireland, covering various specialisms such as first aid, manual handling, and health & safety. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.