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As Ofsted's new framework looms, teachers must demand better CPD

As the teaching unions’ conference season draws to a close, the call by the National Education Union to abolish Ofsted seems a legitimate way to dismantle the accountability framework that has driven the climate of fear for far too long. Sadly, systems rooted in and justified by distrust are part of a global phenomenon dominating all walks of life – though they are at their most dysfunctional in teaching. And, realistically, the inspectorate in some form is here to stay.But that doesn’t mean that accountability has to retain its current form.  Heads union ASCL has already made its views known on the inspection framework: on EBacc; on the new focus on curriculum; on Ofsted’s decision to ignore school-generated data; on whether there should be a two- or three-year key stage 3; and on a new focus on leaders taking more responsibility for workload while stopping their own spiralling out of control.Within such concerns lie genuine seeds of hope, of an obligation on the part of school leaders to reduce pointless admin – especially the mushrooming data collection. If Ofsted doesn’t value it, why produce it?  The vague but explicit expectation that leaders will take more seriously their responsibility for reducing teachers’ workload – and may be called to account for excesses – might just be sufficient motivation actually to implement the recommendations from the workload groups.

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Venbrook Launches National Higher Ed Division To Deliver Complete Risk Management Solutions for Schools, Students, And Staff; Alison Myers At The Helm

PR Newswire | October 12, 2023

Venbrook Group, LLC ("Venbrook"), one of the largest independent insurance distribution and services firms in the U.S., today announced the formation of a national Higher Education division to bring a holistic approach to risk management solutions for K-12 schools, universities, faculty, staff, and students for all their insurance needs. The new division falls under Venbrook's Employee Benefits vertical, led by Alison Myers ("Myers"), Executive Vice President. Venbrook's new Higher Ed division will tailor customized risk management solutions for campuses across the U.S., helping schools identify insurance needs and relieve staff from the complexity and administration of policy implementation. The new division brings together the expertise of Venbrook's risk management team for all lines of coverage for K-12, community colleges, and private and public universities nationally. The Division will also employ a fully integrated technology solution to assist with implementation, policy, and claims management, as well as providing an accessible member-facing portal focused on engagement and care management. Assisting Myers is Mike Conway, long time industry veteran, who joins Venbrook as the new Head of Strategy & Business Development. Conway has more than 20 years of experience in student insurance and was part of the student insurance team at Aetna, as well as being part of Anthem's student division. Conway will focus on the strategic direction of the division and help grow the national footprint of the company's Higher Ed offering. In my experience, one of the biggest challenges facing schools is reaching students to connect them to the right health, wellness and insurance programs they need, said Conway. We want to make health and wellness a priority, alongside school staff, so students reach their academic goal of graduation. And we want to make sure campuses and their staff's insurance needs aren't overlooked. This new program will bring a whole campus solution to schools and I couldn't be more thrilled to join Venbrook and bring this program to market. "We are excited about the launch of our Higher Ed division and bringing Mike on board to grow our platform," said Myers. "The market is in need of a holistic approach to insurance for schools, students, and faculty. Our investments in infrastructure and the build out of our new technology platform will help alleviate the administrative burden for schools, while providing a seamless solution for students." About Venbrook® Venbrook Group, LLC is a holdings company with subsidiaries engaged in retail broking, wholesale broking, specialty programs, and claims services. Venbrook caters to a national client base across myriad industries with divergent needs. Venbrook's team of experts and industry specialists' partner with their clients to manage their risks, create security, promote growth and add value by delivering best-in-class insurance products and programs.

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Corporate Learning Systems

SkyHive Powering Learning-platform Fuse With Real-time Labor Market Data

Business Wire | October 03, 2023

SkyHive®, the recognized leader in generative AI applications for companies and governments on their reskilling journey to build capable and future-proof workforces, today announced that its real-time labor market data is partnering with Fuse, the SaaS-based AI-powered learning experience and management (LXP/LMS) platform for workflow learning. SkyHive ingests 24TB of raw data daily from over 180 countries, which spans job types, skills, salary, and labor economics. Using SkyHive’s data, Fuse can map customers’ skill gaps to learning opportunities to deliver more personalized experiences that allow organizations to reskill and help individuals achieve their desired career goals. “We’re thrilled that Fuse will be taking advantage of SkyHive’s unique insights,” says SkyHive Founder and CEO Sean Hinton. “Both our companies are committed to reskilling, and Fuse getting this level of skills insights is a natural fit.” Fuse is a recognized leader in learning and development transformation for businesses on a global scale, partnering with a diverse range of global brands, including Panasonic, Mazda, Avon, IHG, Dropbox, and others. Through its AI powered platform, it fosters a dynamic learning culture that encourages everyday learning moments, while seamlessly integrating learning, knowledge, and communication directly into the workflow. This integration allows organizations to enhance workforce capabilities, keeping teams consistently updated with the latest learning and knowledge, enabling them to complete tasks efficiently. "By combining SkyHive's powerful skills platform with Fuse's expertise in learning, we are creating a comprehensive solution that transforms skills mapping, personalized learning, and career development,” says Steve Dineen, CEO of Fuse Universal. “This partnership enriches the learning experience, helps bridge skills gaps effectively, and provides our customers with a more data-driven approach to skills development and career advancement." SkyHive is learning-platform agnostic and can integrate into platforms like Fuse that are interested in advanced, AI-driven learning experiences. Learn more about Fuse and SkyHive’s partnership during the October 3 webinar. About SkyHive SkyHive is a Certified B Corporation and generative artificial intelligence software company that rapidly reskills companies and communities worldwide. SkyHive is recognized as a top AI innovator by Forbes, and a World Economic Forum Global Innovator. Gartner named SkyHive a "Cool Vendor" in HCM and in its 2023 "Hype Cycle" reports for HR Technology, Talent Acquisition Technology, and Workforce Transformation. Leading enterprises and innovative government organizations use SkyHive’s cloud-based applications, Human Capital Operating System™, and SkyHive’s Quantum Labor Analysis® to power the future of work at its most granular level: skills. In addition, SkyHive has been recognized by the World Economic Forum, GPAI, RAII, and others for leading efforts in ethical AI and its positive impact on labor economies worldwide. For more information, visit www.skyhive.ai. About Fuse Fuse started with fuseSchool, a charitable foundation started by Steve Dineen that empowers millions of learners around the globe by giving them access to a world-class education for free-anytime, anywhere. It currently has more than 10 million learners with a goal of 100 million in 2023.

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Corporate Learning Systems

Vector Solutions acquires PATHWAYos to close skills gap for students entering the workforce

PRWeb | October 25, 2023

Vector Solutions, the leading provider of training and software solutions dedicated to helping schools make their communities safer, smarter, and better, today announced it has acquired PATHWAYos, the leading platform for connecting K-12 schools and students to work-based learning opportunities. The acquisition expands Vector Solutions' footprint at the intersection of education and industry with a move into the Career and Technical Education (CTE) market. The transaction brings together two companies passionate about providing best-in-class technology to support building a stronger and more successful workforce. As the lines between education and employment increasingly blur, Vector Solutions and PATHWAYos aim to support students on their chosen career paths and bridge the gap between education and workforce-ready skills. Today, Vector Solutions provides skills and safety training to over 2,000 industry customers, who use that training to ensure their workforce has the necessary skills to perform their jobs effectively. Together with PATHWAYos career-connected learning software, Vector Solutions will be able to offer CTE courses, industry-recognized credentials, and safety training content to K-12 students, districts, intermediaries, state agencies, and colleges. In the future, Vector Solutions plans to use the PATHWAYos platform to connect its industry customers with trained talent, supporting customers in addressing skills gaps and labor shortages by providing a direct 'skills-based' talent pipeline. Our acquisition of PATHWAYos reaffirms our commitment to helping students excel on their chosen career paths, said Jonathan Cherins, Chief Executive Officer of Vector Solutions. The combined power of our offerings will serve to bridge the skills gap between students seeking more training and work-based learning opportunities and industry customers looking to build a skilled workforce. PATHWAYos was established in 2017 with a mission to unlock work-based learning opportunities for all. Its mission is to change how students view their options, how educators see their workload, and how the industry considers its growing talent pool. Work-based learning (WBL) prepares students for the job market and helps build a pipeline of skilled workers, all while lowering recruitment and training costs for employers, and expanding economic development in local communities. The company's WBL programs have impacted over 800,000 students across 2,000 schools in 30 states, leading to more than three million work-based learning hours logged. "Joining forces with Vector Solutions catapults us to an ambitious new era, where we can serve as an unrivaled catalyst for Career and Technical Education," said Cecilia Retelle Zywicki, CEO of PATHWAYos. "Our aim is nothing short of empowering students at scale by unlocking paths towards the future they want, and granting access to economic mobility that often is reserved for an exclusive subset of students. Together, we aspire to impact countless students, breaking barriers between education and the workforce, and reshaping the landscape." Vector Solutions serves over 24,000 customers and thirty-one million end users across the Education, Commercial, and Public Sector markets. With an increased focus on CTE, Vector Solutions will accelerate its presence in this critical market. The company will support students no matter what path they choose to take into the workforce and enable industry customers to access a pipeline of skilled talent. Post acquisition, PATHWAYos will be a product under a new business unit within Vector focused on CTE. The combined expertise and resources will strengthen Vector Solutions' CTE offerings and solidify its position as a leader in the industry. About Vector Solutions Vector Solutions is the leading provider of impactful technology solutions dedicated to driving safer, smarter, better decision-making in the world's most critical industries. Embedded into daily workflows to drive improvements in compliance, safety, performance, and preparedness, our software includes training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, risk communication, operational readiness, and more. Vector's unique combination of information and technology - delivered when and where it is needed - is integral to our more than 34 thousand clients looking to achieve better outcomes and safeguard lives. Vector is committed to providing resources to support those who need them most and launched a collection of free courses on critical mental health and safety topics through Vector Cares. For more information, visit http://www.vectorsolutions.com. For access to free Vector Cares courses visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/about-us/vector-cares/. About Vector Solutions for K-12 Education Vector Solutions for K-12 Education is a leading provider of training, software and professional development solutions committed to creating safer, smarter and better school environments. Trusted by more than 5,000 K-12 districts in the United States, Vector's award-winning suite of products save administrators time, improve compliance, and streamline administrative processes. Vector trainings on imperative topics like safety and compliance; inclusive instruction; mental health and well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and cybersecurity enable students and teachers alike to make schools safer, more inclusive, and more effective places to work and learn. For more information about Vector Solutions for K-12 Education, visit http://www.vectorsolutions.com/k12. About PATHWAYos PATHWAYos® is the innovative software at the center of all career-connected learning. School districts, states, and career centers can now collaborate with businesses to expand work-based learning programs. The software streamlines processes while allowing partners to provide numerous opportunities that enhance the development of skills required by the workforce of the future. The world-class platform is quickly becoming a household requirement for innovative school districts.

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Continuing Education

Venbrook Launches National Higher Ed Division To Deliver Complete Risk Management Solutions for Schools, Students, And Staff; Alison Myers At The Helm

PR Newswire | October 12, 2023

Venbrook Group, LLC ("Venbrook"), one of the largest independent insurance distribution and services firms in the U.S., today announced the formation of a national Higher Education division to bring a holistic approach to risk management solutions for K-12 schools, universities, faculty, staff, and students for all their insurance needs. The new division falls under Venbrook's Employee Benefits vertical, led by Alison Myers ("Myers"), Executive Vice President. Venbrook's new Higher Ed division will tailor customized risk management solutions for campuses across the U.S., helping schools identify insurance needs and relieve staff from the complexity and administration of policy implementation. The new division brings together the expertise of Venbrook's risk management team for all lines of coverage for K-12, community colleges, and private and public universities nationally. The Division will also employ a fully integrated technology solution to assist with implementation, policy, and claims management, as well as providing an accessible member-facing portal focused on engagement and care management. Assisting Myers is Mike Conway, long time industry veteran, who joins Venbrook as the new Head of Strategy & Business Development. Conway has more than 20 years of experience in student insurance and was part of the student insurance team at Aetna, as well as being part of Anthem's student division. Conway will focus on the strategic direction of the division and help grow the national footprint of the company's Higher Ed offering. In my experience, one of the biggest challenges facing schools is reaching students to connect them to the right health, wellness and insurance programs they need, said Conway. We want to make health and wellness a priority, alongside school staff, so students reach their academic goal of graduation. And we want to make sure campuses and their staff's insurance needs aren't overlooked. This new program will bring a whole campus solution to schools and I couldn't be more thrilled to join Venbrook and bring this program to market. "We are excited about the launch of our Higher Ed division and bringing Mike on board to grow our platform," said Myers. "The market is in need of a holistic approach to insurance for schools, students, and faculty. Our investments in infrastructure and the build out of our new technology platform will help alleviate the administrative burden for schools, while providing a seamless solution for students." About Venbrook® Venbrook Group, LLC is a holdings company with subsidiaries engaged in retail broking, wholesale broking, specialty programs, and claims services. Venbrook caters to a national client base across myriad industries with divergent needs. Venbrook's team of experts and industry specialists' partner with their clients to manage their risks, create security, promote growth and add value by delivering best-in-class insurance products and programs.

Read More

Corporate Learning Systems

SkyHive Powering Learning-platform Fuse With Real-time Labor Market Data

Business Wire | October 03, 2023

SkyHive®, the recognized leader in generative AI applications for companies and governments on their reskilling journey to build capable and future-proof workforces, today announced that its real-time labor market data is partnering with Fuse, the SaaS-based AI-powered learning experience and management (LXP/LMS) platform for workflow learning. SkyHive ingests 24TB of raw data daily from over 180 countries, which spans job types, skills, salary, and labor economics. Using SkyHive’s data, Fuse can map customers’ skill gaps to learning opportunities to deliver more personalized experiences that allow organizations to reskill and help individuals achieve their desired career goals. “We’re thrilled that Fuse will be taking advantage of SkyHive’s unique insights,” says SkyHive Founder and CEO Sean Hinton. “Both our companies are committed to reskilling, and Fuse getting this level of skills insights is a natural fit.” Fuse is a recognized leader in learning and development transformation for businesses on a global scale, partnering with a diverse range of global brands, including Panasonic, Mazda, Avon, IHG, Dropbox, and others. Through its AI powered platform, it fosters a dynamic learning culture that encourages everyday learning moments, while seamlessly integrating learning, knowledge, and communication directly into the workflow. This integration allows organizations to enhance workforce capabilities, keeping teams consistently updated with the latest learning and knowledge, enabling them to complete tasks efficiently. "By combining SkyHive's powerful skills platform with Fuse's expertise in learning, we are creating a comprehensive solution that transforms skills mapping, personalized learning, and career development,” says Steve Dineen, CEO of Fuse Universal. “This partnership enriches the learning experience, helps bridge skills gaps effectively, and provides our customers with a more data-driven approach to skills development and career advancement." SkyHive is learning-platform agnostic and can integrate into platforms like Fuse that are interested in advanced, AI-driven learning experiences. Learn more about Fuse and SkyHive’s partnership during the October 3 webinar. About SkyHive SkyHive is a Certified B Corporation and generative artificial intelligence software company that rapidly reskills companies and communities worldwide. SkyHive is recognized as a top AI innovator by Forbes, and a World Economic Forum Global Innovator. Gartner named SkyHive a "Cool Vendor" in HCM and in its 2023 "Hype Cycle" reports for HR Technology, Talent Acquisition Technology, and Workforce Transformation. Leading enterprises and innovative government organizations use SkyHive’s cloud-based applications, Human Capital Operating System™, and SkyHive’s Quantum Labor Analysis® to power the future of work at its most granular level: skills. In addition, SkyHive has been recognized by the World Economic Forum, GPAI, RAII, and others for leading efforts in ethical AI and its positive impact on labor economies worldwide. For more information, visit www.skyhive.ai. About Fuse Fuse started with fuseSchool, a charitable foundation started by Steve Dineen that empowers millions of learners around the globe by giving them access to a world-class education for free-anytime, anywhere. It currently has more than 10 million learners with a goal of 100 million in 2023.

Read More

Corporate Learning Systems

Vector Solutions acquires PATHWAYos to close skills gap for students entering the workforce

PRWeb | October 25, 2023

Vector Solutions, the leading provider of training and software solutions dedicated to helping schools make their communities safer, smarter, and better, today announced it has acquired PATHWAYos, the leading platform for connecting K-12 schools and students to work-based learning opportunities. The acquisition expands Vector Solutions' footprint at the intersection of education and industry with a move into the Career and Technical Education (CTE) market. The transaction brings together two companies passionate about providing best-in-class technology to support building a stronger and more successful workforce. As the lines between education and employment increasingly blur, Vector Solutions and PATHWAYos aim to support students on their chosen career paths and bridge the gap between education and workforce-ready skills. Today, Vector Solutions provides skills and safety training to over 2,000 industry customers, who use that training to ensure their workforce has the necessary skills to perform their jobs effectively. Together with PATHWAYos career-connected learning software, Vector Solutions will be able to offer CTE courses, industry-recognized credentials, and safety training content to K-12 students, districts, intermediaries, state agencies, and colleges. In the future, Vector Solutions plans to use the PATHWAYos platform to connect its industry customers with trained talent, supporting customers in addressing skills gaps and labor shortages by providing a direct 'skills-based' talent pipeline. Our acquisition of PATHWAYos reaffirms our commitment to helping students excel on their chosen career paths, said Jonathan Cherins, Chief Executive Officer of Vector Solutions. The combined power of our offerings will serve to bridge the skills gap between students seeking more training and work-based learning opportunities and industry customers looking to build a skilled workforce. PATHWAYos was established in 2017 with a mission to unlock work-based learning opportunities for all. Its mission is to change how students view their options, how educators see their workload, and how the industry considers its growing talent pool. Work-based learning (WBL) prepares students for the job market and helps build a pipeline of skilled workers, all while lowering recruitment and training costs for employers, and expanding economic development in local communities. The company's WBL programs have impacted over 800,000 students across 2,000 schools in 30 states, leading to more than three million work-based learning hours logged. "Joining forces with Vector Solutions catapults us to an ambitious new era, where we can serve as an unrivaled catalyst for Career and Technical Education," said Cecilia Retelle Zywicki, CEO of PATHWAYos. "Our aim is nothing short of empowering students at scale by unlocking paths towards the future they want, and granting access to economic mobility that often is reserved for an exclusive subset of students. Together, we aspire to impact countless students, breaking barriers between education and the workforce, and reshaping the landscape." Vector Solutions serves over 24,000 customers and thirty-one million end users across the Education, Commercial, and Public Sector markets. With an increased focus on CTE, Vector Solutions will accelerate its presence in this critical market. The company will support students no matter what path they choose to take into the workforce and enable industry customers to access a pipeline of skilled talent. Post acquisition, PATHWAYos will be a product under a new business unit within Vector focused on CTE. The combined expertise and resources will strengthen Vector Solutions' CTE offerings and solidify its position as a leader in the industry. About Vector Solutions Vector Solutions is the leading provider of impactful technology solutions dedicated to driving safer, smarter, better decision-making in the world's most critical industries. Embedded into daily workflows to drive improvements in compliance, safety, performance, and preparedness, our software includes training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, risk communication, operational readiness, and more. Vector's unique combination of information and technology - delivered when and where it is needed - is integral to our more than 34 thousand clients looking to achieve better outcomes and safeguard lives. Vector is committed to providing resources to support those who need them most and launched a collection of free courses on critical mental health and safety topics through Vector Cares. For more information, visit http://www.vectorsolutions.com. For access to free Vector Cares courses visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/about-us/vector-cares/. About Vector Solutions for K-12 Education Vector Solutions for K-12 Education is a leading provider of training, software and professional development solutions committed to creating safer, smarter and better school environments. Trusted by more than 5,000 K-12 districts in the United States, Vector's award-winning suite of products save administrators time, improve compliance, and streamline administrative processes. Vector trainings on imperative topics like safety and compliance; inclusive instruction; mental health and well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and cybersecurity enable students and teachers alike to make schools safer, more inclusive, and more effective places to work and learn. For more information about Vector Solutions for K-12 Education, visit http://www.vectorsolutions.com/k12. About PATHWAYos PATHWAYos® is the innovative software at the center of all career-connected learning. School districts, states, and career centers can now collaborate with businesses to expand work-based learning programs. The software streamlines processes while allowing partners to provide numerous opportunities that enhance the development of skills required by the workforce of the future. The world-class platform is quickly becoming a household requirement for innovative school districts.

Read More

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