Features and opinion

We combine 175 years of education experience with deep insight into current and future needs.

Read thought-provoking original features and opinions by our in-house subject specialists, as well as from our expert partners and collaborators.

How 2025’s top apprenticeship employers are shaping the future – and how you can too

In this blog, Allison Chatten, Product Manager for Apprenticeships at NCFE, highlights standout employers from the 2025 rankings and explores how they’re using apprenticeships to drive skills, inclusion, and long-term growth.

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Let’s stop comparing vocational and academic education – they’re not meant to be the same

David Gallagher, Chief Executive of NCFE, challenges the outdated comparison between academic and vocational education, calling for a coherent, high-quality system that reflects the complexity of today’s labour market.

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6 essential skills you’ll gain from work experience and why they matter

At NCFE, we recently welcomed two students, Eva Rutherford and Toby Todd, for a week of work experience. As part of their time with us, we asked them to reflect on the core essential skills they developed throughout the week.

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Young people want to feel seen, listened to, and valued – Youth Employment Week should be just the beginning

Last year, NCFE set up its first dedicated Youth Ambassador Programme – so we sat down with the chair, 24-year-old Victoria Bell, to find out more about the initiative, why it's needed, and what others can learn.

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Know, show, and grow: how to unlock your strengths and shape your career

One of the most powerful ways to build a fulfilling career is by understanding and using your strengths. Here, our Chief People Officer, Helen Ketteringham, explores the ways that you can do this to take confident steps toward a career that’s right for you.