News

The latest stories in this category from the City & Guilds Foundation and our networks.

Heritage Crafts training bursary for Black and ethnically diverse makers now open!

Heritage Crafts training bursary for Black and ethnically diverse makers now open!

This training bursary is targeted at Black and ethnically diverse makers, as this is an under-represented group in heritage crafts. It is sponsored by the City & Guilds Foundation and is one of a suite of awards and bursaries offered by Heritage Crafts to support and celebrate craftspeople. Apply for up to £4,000 to start training in a heritage craft or to further develop your skills. It is still the case that the UK craft sector does not accurately reflect the diversity of the UK as a...

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From Palaces to Prisons: how everyone deserves to be treated with the same respect

From Palaces to Prisons: how everyone deserves to be treated with the same respect

Having been in the Foundation team a year now, it’s clear that Michael Osbaldeston’s reputation precedes him. He knows everyone there is to know in the education and skills world in London and beyond and is one of the greatest networkers I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing work a room. The reason why he’s so good at this? Michael is genuinely interested in talking to people and finding out about them; whoever they are and whatever their background. Michael first joined City & Guilds in...

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Lifelong learning with the Ransackers Association

Lifelong learning with the Ransackers Association

The Ransackers Association is a UK-based organisation that promotes lifelong learning for adults over 55. It encourages its members to learn new things and pursue their interests and believes that everyone has something to offer and that it is never too late to learn. Some of its members are also members of The City and Guilds of London Institute. Ransackers has released a new video featuring retirees who share their experiences of lifelong learning. The video showcases five individuals,...

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Big Idea Fund: more funding available to unlock the potential of the UK Prison population, and reduce reoffending

Big Idea Fund: more funding available to unlock the potential of the UK Prison population, and reduce reoffending

The City & Guilds Foundation is pleased to announce that we are inviting expressions of interest for the second round of The Big Idea Fund until 22 June 2023. The Big Idea Fund was the first major initiative of the Foundation’s ambitious Future Skills Commission for Prisons. And since its launch in 2020, we have funded nine pioneering programmes, which are supporting individuals in prison to develop the skills they need to find employment upon release, helping to reduce the risk of...

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Seeing first hand the difference that our funding is making

Seeing first hand the difference that our funding is making

This is a guest post by Dick Palmer, Chair of City & Guilds Foundation and City & Guilds Group Trustee Being Chair of the City & Guilds Foundation is one of the jobs I am most proud of and privileged to undertake. There is so much social need in the world and so many people deserving of our support, so it’s a pleasure to be able to be a tiny part of making a difference – particularly in combating key societal issues through the work that is happening across the Foundation. Whilst...

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Improving ex-offenders’ prospects through Groundwork’s ‘Green Start’ programme

Improving ex-offenders’ prospects through Groundwork’s ‘Green Start’ programme

Groundwork is a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK. Dedicated to supporting communities and creating a green future, they aim to improve people’s prospects and promote opportunities for everyone, whatever their background or circumstances. As part of Groundwork’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for employability, back in 2021 they launched their ‘Green Start’ programme, in partnership with us at the City & Guilds...

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Celebrating skills development, in Prison, to support rehabilitation, on release

Celebrating skills development, in Prison, to support rehabilitation, on release

For nearly four years now we have endeavoured, through our Foundation, to identify and activate practical ways for offenders to build skills and gain a job upon release. Reoffending costs approximately £18.1bn every year in England, and evidence shows that upskilling prisoners to gain sustainable employment upon release, together with stable accommodation and support, is the most effective way to counter reoffending. As part of our Future Skills Commission for Prisons, we have now funded eight...

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IBM Bootcamps: Free Training for the Next Generation of Tech Talent

IBM Bootcamps: Free Training for the Next Generation of Tech Talent

IBM is offering a series of free bootcamps to help people develop the skills they need for in-demand tech jobs. The bootcamps are open to anyone, regardless of experience or background. What are the bootcamps about? The bootcamps cover a variety of topics, including: Data analytics IT tech support Front-end web development Each bootcamp is 10 weeks long and includes both online and in-person instruction. Learners will also have access to a community of mentors and coaches who can help them...

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