Without doubt the successful development and delivery of degree level apprenticeships, in ten short years, is truly remarkable.
Back in 2015, fewer than 5,000 learners enrolled in HE level apprenticeships, recent data has shown that almost 77,000 learners have enrolled on to level 6 and 7 programmes during the first half of the 2024 / 25 academic year.
Since the roll out of the apprenticeship levy there have been five Prime-Ministers, and seven different secretaries of State for Education. This is in addition to Article 50 and the implementation of Brexit, followed shortly by the Covid pandemic. So, in this context these achievements are not just remarkable, they are truly heroic.
Whilst the introduction of the Levy and development of level 6 and 7 apprenticeships opened new funding opportunities for, HE it also brought additional regulatory requirements such as Ofsted and unfamiliar ESFA/DFE funding and audit requirements.
As the levy was launched, the restructure of the funding agency resulted in a ‘hands off’ approach when providing the advice and support to new providers to the market. Some HEI institutions have attempted to integrate apprenticeship data into existing systems; others bought in expensive software packages that, in the end, often overpromised and underdelivered. The implementation of these solutions was either expensive or did not have the robust longevity to collect the right information or produce the meaningful data for management to base their decisions. This can be borne out by the challenges identified by Ofsted for HE.
Ofsted have completed over 70 HE Inspections. Overall, Ofsted deems that HE has adapted well to the requirements of Apprenticeship delivery, citing high grading outcomes, robust internal quality, and outstanding practices as key strengths.
The following were highlighted as some of the common challenges HE has and still does, face.
Leadership and management: Some institutions lacked central oversight of apprentice progress, with fragmented tracking systems.
Programme design: Ofsted emphasized that programmes should be built around the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) of the apprenticeship standard, not retrofitted from existing degree modules.
Learner progress monitoring: Inconsistent tracking of apprentice achievement across all programme elements.
Safeguarding and welfare: While strong, some universities needed clearer structures for supporting apprentices’ well-being.
After a tumultuous decade, HEI’s now face yet another apprenticeship challenge. With the recent announcement that funding for level 7 will be capped from January 2026, and that programmes will be restricted to those aged twenty-one and under, there is a lifeline in the form of levy funds and Lifelong Learning Entitlement to release funds for HE flexible provision.
The UK government’s Future Skills strategy outlined in the 2025/2026 priorities for Skills England is shifting focus toward flexible, modular learning as a response to the upcoming cap on Level 7 apprenticeships.
1. Bite-Sized Adult Learning
Short, focused courses, such as Bootcamps, designed to upskill or reskill
Delivered online, in-person, or hybrid formats.
Targeted at working adults and career changers.
2. Stackable Units
Learners complete individual modules that can be combined into full qualifications over time.
Encourages lifelong learning and flexibility.
Supports progression from non-accredited learning to formal qualifications.
3. Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
Launching fully in 2025, the LLE allows adults to access funding for modular learning across their lifetime.
Learners can “bank” credits and return to study as needed.
There are opportunities for HE, despite the capping of level 7’s, which comes in the form of bite-sized adult learning delivered through short courses and stackable units, is central to the UK’s Future Skills strategy.
Emma Cook, Managing Director at CogniSoft notes “that to take advantage of these emerging opportunities, HE institutions will need to pivot quickly in both processes and systems.”
CogniSoft YETI Learner Management System is uniquely positioned to meet this challenge. It seamlessly supports all FE funding streams, from apprenticeships to adult education and skills bootcamps, within a single, integrated platform, supporting rather than driving organisational processes and ensuring institutions can adapt effortlessly, remain compliant, and seize new opportunities as they emerge.
“Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” Benjamin Disraeli
The shift towards Bootcamps and the new Skills England Strategy as central to driving forward our economy in modular, bite-sized adult learning programmes, micro credentials, short courses, and stackable units is another opportunity within our educational landscape to deliver.
To support this, HEIs need systems that are:
Flexible enough for multiple modes of delivery
Compliant with all DfE, ILR and Ofsted requirements
Capable of managing both apprenticeships and modular adult learning
We know that solid system infrastructures and strategies that can give the longevity to Policy changes within education, coupled with forward thinking people, pedagogy and putting learners’ outcomes first give the best overall business success.
Cost and sustainability are two of the key drivers when evaluating return on investment for software.
Thoughts of Jason Folkett, CEO Blueprint Education Services (BES), a niche data management, and consultancy services company.
“I have witnessed institutions and providers that have overspent on software with one funding delivery in mind, such as Apprenticeships. This restriction had resulted in the need for further investment to serve other fundable skills programmes and courses. Many systems promise full integration but fall short. Institutions need platforms that support the entire learner journey, onboarding to funding, with seamless data and compliance.
But systems alone are not enough. Skilled MIS staff are scarce, risking continuity and satisfaction. Institutions need resilient, streamlined processes to ensure predictable outcomes and built-in compliance.
Getting it right first time is not just ideal, it is a competitive edge.”
At CogniSoft, we offer YETI, our fully integrated learner management system designed specifically for the learner journey on any learning and skills programme. With over 35 years’ experience in the Learning and Skills sector, our platform supports every aspect of delivery, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and scalability.
In partnership with BES, we go further. Our managed service model combines robust systems with expert operational support, including Power BI-enabled reporting and KPI management. This provides institutions with real-time insights and effective decision support, helping you monitor performance, optimise funding, and drive financial success.
It is crucial that your systems and processes do not fall short when it comes to funding management, reporting, and compliance.
What you can do now
We encourage you to
Contact Blueprint Education Services and talk to our experts about a Data Health Check
Check your systems supplier’s contract. Review your systems strategy and research with suppliers what will work best with your strategy.
Invest time into the analysis of your apprentice learner journey to streamline administrative burdens.
Revisit your 25/26 curriculum and business plans. Consider the duration opportunities and the optimisation of your funding whilst maintaining the successful apprentice achievements and exemplary standards.
SEPTEMBER 25
EMMA COOK, JASON FOLKETT, TRACY MURPHY AND OLIVIER PLAYE
In an industry shaped by constant change, CogniSoft has not just survived but thrived, marking 40 years as a leading provider of software for apprenticeship and employability programmes.
With a legacy of supporting Independent Training Providers, Employability Providers and nearly 50% of Local Authorities across England outside of London, CogniSofts’ journey reflects the resilience and innovation required to adapt in the Employment and Skills sector. This milestone celebrates decades of enabling organisations to deliver positive outcomes for their clients and learners.
Achievements over the years
Founded in 1984 by Robin Lord, CogniSoft began writing project management software, but in 1987 quickly found a niche writing a system for a new programme called the Job Training Scheme (JTS), with a mission to simplify processes for Training Providers. Starting as they meant to go on, they went on to provide systems for the Employment Training Scheme and Youth Training Scheme in the late 80s and then dealt with the shift in funding from the Manpower Services Commission (MSC) to Training and Enterprise Councils in 1990 marking the start of the early Modern Apprenticeship.
Over the years, the company has embraced changes in government policies, funding models and technological advancements. Outlasting 10 Secretaries of State for Education Ministers under the Conservative Government in the last 13 years alone.
CogniSoft has supported over 500 organisations across the Employability and Skills sectors, helping organisations align with complex and ever changing funding and compliance regulations. CogniSoft currently have over 3 million client and learner records across their customer databases, demonstrating just how many people their customers have helped over the years.
Key milestones include:
Early adoption of electronic data returns with the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) introduced by the LSC.
Involved in the CCIS pilot, shaping the National Client Caseload Information System for DfE
Successfully aligned software with multiple employability programmes (e.g. Flexible New Deal, Work Programme, ESF, Restart, UK SPF).
Main commercial supplier of the National Careers Service case management system for the last 8 years
Helping Providers across employability and skills adapt to evolving funding mechanisms, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
Growing from a small team to employing 25 staff, providing nationwide service and support.
Navigating four decades of policy and funding changes:
From the abolition of Manpower Services Commission through the creation and then abolition TECs and Learning and Skills Council to the formation of the ESFA in 2017, CogniSoft has adapted to every shift in funding and policy within learning and skills.
In employability, the company has supported organisations through landmark initiatives, from Labour’s New Deal in 1998 to the Conservative Work Programmes and the recent movement to devolved funding of the Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Authority Clusters.
As Careers Services evolved, CogniSoft transitioned from working with Connexions to supporting Local Authorities NEET tracking.
Looking to the next decade of change
Emma, the daughter of the founder Robin Lord and now Managing Director, attributes the company’s success to its ability to quickly respond to government changes while remaining grounded in its core values.
“Forty years in this industry is a tremendous milestone and a real testament to the strength of our team,” says Emma. “The Employability and Skills landscape is ever changing, our success has always been about understanding our customers’ needs and developing software that helps them stay compliant, but is easy to use. Above all, we want to make a positive difference in employability and skills.”
With plans to continue to invest in their case management software and a commitment to supporting the digital transformation of its users, CogniSoft is positioned to meet the challenges of the next decade. Its mission remains clear: to continue delivering adaptable, effective solutions for their customers.
Connect to Work is a new DWP-devolved funded employment programme which seeks to help economically inactive and disabled people into work. Unlike other programmes, participants will be matched to employment vacancies from the outset and intensive support will be provided to both participants and employers.
YETI is the perfect Case Management Solution for Connect to Work, explore the benefits of YETI for your delivery;
Digital Participant Engagement: Online referrals, through to an interactive participant portal, YETI ensures participants are kept motivated and engaged from enquiry to outcome.
Efficient Participant Management: Record and manage detailed participant information and create personalised support plans following the IPS or SEQF frameworks, ensuring individual needs are met and progress is closely monitored.
Seamless Employer Engagement: Manage initial engagement with employers, match participants with suitable job vacancies, and comprehensive employer support CRM.
Improved Outcome Tracking and Reporting: Robust reporting tools allow for the generation of detailed reports on participant progress and programme outcomes, providing solid evidence of support and achievements.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Automation of routine administrative tasks, point of entry data validation, streamlined workflows and integrated communication tools.
Manages Complex Funding Arrangements: YETI has a Proven track record in devolved areas enabling easy management of delivery partners and contracts with multiple accountable bodies
We would love to hear from you and show you how YETI can become an essential tool to help with managing the Connect to WorkProgramme. Don’t just take our word for it:
‘BBO programmes are uniquely intensive, designed to reach customers other programmes fail to engage and support… YETI is ideally suited to the intensive nature of this data collection and has the flexibility to cater to the processes involved in New Leaf, supporting both Golden Gates and their 29 partner organisations’New Leaf Data Collections Officer – Torus (Building Better Opportunities Programme) ‘The YETI system was critical to the success of the scheme… Gateshead, working alongside 12 sub-contractors, supported over 5000 individuals on the programme’Enterprise Services Manager – Gateshead Council (DWP NEA Programme) ‘YETI provides an effective and user friendly solution that takes account of Clarion’s needs as lead, as well as those of the Delivery Partners, to address stringent ESF contractual compliance requirements.’ Business Development – Clarion (Love London Working GLA funded programme)
When was the last time you completed a review of your systems with security in mind?
Specifically software access rights?
Access Management is one of the 10 steps to Cyber Security published by The National Cyber Security Centre.
Valid user accounts and correct rights for job roles, is an important part of your security make-up. Reviewing access rights as and when employees start, leave or change positions is an important task. An overall audit carried out at least annually ensures that nothing has slipped through your net.
Access rights in software usually consist of security groups to control which pages a user can visit. The rights control the pages they can access and whether they can create, change, or delete records. Security groups also control who has access to the admin areas. Admin sections consist of configuration pages, user account set up and higher level features such as reporting and claim information.
The Importance of Access Reviews
Your applications contain personal and usually sensitive data. Whilst your users need access to certain parts of your application, not everyone needs access to all of it. When was the last time you checked who has access to what in your systems?
Job roles change; do you reconsider their access rights when that happens?
People leave; do you properly terminate their access to all of your systems?
Security groups; are they fit for purpose?
Who has Admin rights and do they still need them?
Why is carrying out an access review important?
It’s about protecting what matters most: your data and reputation. Think of sensitive customer information, financial records, and intellectual property like the crown jewels of your business. Leaving access to these unchecked is like putting them in a glass case with the door wide open.
Significance of Regular Access Reviews
Access right reviews provide comfort that only authorised individuals have the correct access to do their jobs and nothing more. Regular reviews should form part of your security audits to minimise the risk of:
Data breaches: Hackers love lax access controls. They can exploit outdated permissions or “borrow” someone’s access to sneak in and steal valuable data. In Cyber events, hackers will have infiltrated your network before you become aware. They will try to identify the Admin accounts in advance and the accounts with the most privileged access.
Insider threats: Employees leave, roles change, and sometimes people forget to return equipment. Without reviews, ex-employees, disgruntled workers, or even honest mistakes can leave sensitive data vulnerable.
Compliance issues: Many regulations and contracts require strict data security controls. Access reviews help maintain compliance.
Investing in Security through Access Reviews
Investing in regular access right reviews is like buying an insurance policy for your data. It’s a small cost, compared to the potential damage of a breach or accidental deletions. Regularly review rights to all of your organisation infrastructure, providing peace of mind that your house is in order.
For help with checking the rights within your software, contact your vendor. Most vendors will be happy to help with your security setup. For more information on Cyber threats, click here.
‘What is an MIS?’ Fortunately, the function and purpose of a Management Information System is easily explained – put simply, Management Information Systems are used to store, track, validate and report on data that might be useful to an organisation. They are frequently industry-specific, and are primarily used to streamline back-office administration.
What is a Management Information System used for?
In practice, Management Information Systems are used to store and control pertinent data to the day-to-day operation of a business. This can include financial data, statutory data, and many other forms of information tracked by an organisation.
Using a Management Information System should be a critical component in any complex programme delivery such as Apprenticeships or Employability.
Reasons to use a Management Information System:
Establish workflows and processes.
Track data against users, contracts, organisations and contacts.
Use ‘business logic‘ to manage funding validation, compliance, input errors and more.
Generate granular, custom reports that can be used to review anything from KPIs to attendance.
Provide Contract Funders with claim data either via extracts or reports.
An MIS saves administrators time and increases data accuracy along each and every stage of a programme’s delivery, sasing the burden on administrators and helping with time-sensitive submissions.
In the FE Sector, Management Information Systems can be an invaluable tool when preparing data for the submitting your learner data via the Government’s online service.
Quality of life features such as real-time validation checking mean that data can be checked for compliance at the point of input. This means users don’t have to wait until after a lengthy FIS submission to check for data compliance.
Quality of life features such as real-time validation checking mean that data can be checked for compliance at the point of input, Business Logic and workflows ensure accurate data recording against programme requirements and is adhered to, for example eligibility check timescales, frequency of reviews and triaging referrals.
Furthermore, an MIS will save historical data, track learner journeys and produce reports based on the user’s submissions, bolstering their delivery with critical management information.
In a move to bolster local investment and transform communities, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is set to infuse a substantial £2.6 billion by March 2025. This ambitious funding initiative aims to foster a sense of pride in place and, in the process, enhance the life chances of individuals across the United Kingdom. Explore the details of this ground-breaking initiative and discover how CogniSoft can be your key to success as a UKSPF provider.
Understanding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a visionary project with a three-fold focus:
Communities and Places: This priority emphasises the rejuvenation of local areas and the enhancement of community well-being. The UKSPF strives to create a sense of pride in one’s own locality while driving sustainable development.
Supporting Local Businesses: For economic growth to thrive, support for local businesses is imperative. The UKSPF envisions strengthening the local business ecosystem, creating opportunities, and driving prosperity within communities.
People and Skills: The UKSPF is committed to investing in people and skills development. It seeks to uplift individuals and provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to enhance their life prospects.
CogniSoft: Your Trusted Partner in UKSPF Success
For providers looking to make their mark under a UKSPF contract, CogniSoft offers a solution honed by over 35 years of experience in the sector. CogniSoft specialises exclusively in Management Information Systems tailored to providers of learning, guidance, support, and employment services. With a proven track record of supporting numerous providers in their UKSPF journey, CogniSoft is your trusted ally.
Introducing YETI: Your Path to Efficiency
CogniSoft’s YETI application has been designed to empower you in efficiently recording and substantiating your UKSPF outcomes. YETI boasts remarkable flexibility, easy configurability, and the capacity to handle multiple contracts within the same system.
Our team of seasoned consultants is dedicated to ensuring that YETI is customised to meet the specific requirements of your individual contracts. With their expertise, you can rest assured that your UKSPF journey will be smooth and successful.
Your Bridge to Success
If you would like to learn how YETI can become an indispensable tool in managing your UKSPF program, the CogniSoft team is ready to assist. Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the button below or simply call our team at 0161 777 2900. With CogniSoft and YETI, you have a partner that understands the intricacies of UKSPF and is dedicated to helping you unlock its full potential for your community, local business, and individuals.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a game-changer, and with CogniSoft by your side, you’re ready to embark on a journey of transformation and prosperity that will benefit not just your organisation but the entire community it serves.
Menopause awareness in the workplace has gained so much traction in the last few years. It has gone from a largely taboo topic that wasn’t even spoken about between mothers and daughters, to an open conversation not only between friends but also colleagues in the work place.
Throughout my 20’s, 30’s and much of my 40’s, menopause was just something that happened to older women. It signaled the end of our childbearing days with the feelings that this manifested. However, thanks to the more open conversations that now happen around the menopause, I’ve learnt and experienced as a 53 year old that it’s so much more than that. I’ve learnt that some of the things I have experienced over the last few years are due to peri- menopause, a phrase I wasn’t even aware of in my 30’s or even early 40’s, but can last for up to 10 years. Symptoms I hadn’t realized were even part of it, I had put down to being busy, tired and generally getting older. Peri-menopause symptoms are generally due to the decline and fluctuation in our hormones causing a confusing time with symptoms.
The Unique and Varied Menopausal Journey
Every woman’s experience of the menopause is unique, the physical symptoms they experience as well as the emotional impact that it has on the realization that our bodies are changing both internally and externally. It is reported that there are 34 recognised symptoms of the menopause, some more talked about than others.
We have all heard of the hot flashes, night sweats and brain fog, I have so far been lucky and personally not experienced these symptoms apart from some intermittent night sweats. I think I am one of the lucky ones, I have friends who suffer with all of these, the description of the feeling of burning from within when having a hot flash and watching as my friend visibly starts to look hot and can’t then concentrate, I have to say I secretly hope that it never happens to me, but 75% of all women will experience this for around 2 years.
There are also symptoms such as Bloating and dry eyes, which I started to become aware of as they hit. However in my experience, I hadn’t put two and two together with menopause. My optician diagnosed my dry eye when I was 48 during a routine eye check, when I asked what might have caused it, I was told it can just happen. It wasn’t for a long time that I read it can be connected with menopause. I started to wonder why at times my body literally blew up so I looked like I was 6 months pregnant, and so uncomfortable as my waistband cut in to me. I tried tracking my food, tracking my food intake, looking for something that I might be intolerant of, keeping food diaries and cutting out foods where I bloated afterwards. Again I hadn’t realized that this is a menopausal symptom caused by the hormone imbalance, decline and fluctuation affecting digestion.
Then we move to symptoms such as Anxiety, Depression and Mood swings. I’m lucky and haven’t experienced mood swings although, maybe I should double check with my family on this one! However, the Anxiety crept up on me, and in my case I get anxious over what would normally be quite minor things, such as not being able to deal with the letters that drop through the door that require me to do some ‘adulting’. I found that I just kept putting them off because I couldn’t face them, this I find hard to describe because it’s like I am unable to deal with the things that I have dealt with all of my adult life.
Coping Strategies: Balancing Work and Menopause
In my job I had no such issues, I just get on with it, for me I think I know I have to function in the workplace, so it manifested at home where I didn’t do so well. I know this isn’t the case for many women and functioning at work suffers quite considerably. I was diagnosed with Post Natal Depression after my daughter was born, I am aware of those symptoms and I recognize when I feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, I have steps I take to try not to fall back into that dark place and have done this for the last 20 years.
A survey in February 2022 by Newson Heath found that 44% of all women had 3 or more symptoms and struggled to cope with them, they felt it impacted on their home and work lives. It’s not unreasonable to assume that it impacts relationships with partners and children let alone her workplace colleagues and work life.
As mentioned earlier, this is my unique story of navigating the menopause, so far I have been lucky, my symptoms have been manageable, I haven’t even needed to consult my GP, however this is not the case for all women and I have heard some varyingly different experiences from friends and colleagues and from those who do seek help from the NHS, it’s not all plain sailing.
The Power of Open Conversations
Our experiences are all different, but all women have to face that menopause is going to happen to us at some point or other. It is clear that the menopause awareness movement in recent years has enabled us to talk openly about what has or is happening to us during this time. I have also been pleasantly surprised that these discussions in the CogniSoft offices have been welcomed by male colleagues because the menopause indirectly affects or will affect many of them as well. They are keen to understand how to help their female colleagues as well as be aware of the support that their wives or partner may need.
As an employer I want to encourage open conversations in the workplace, these general and societal open discussions help raise awareness in our younger colleagues, friends and daughters so that they can start to prepare with research, diet, exercise and lifestyle to make their own menopause journey less confusing and more….I have to say I struggled with this last word, switching between supported, enjoyable, manageable but I finally landed with empowering!
In today’s digitally driven world, cyber attacks are on the rise at an alarming rate. These malicious activities threaten businesses of all sizes and can result in significant financial losses, data breaches, and even reputational damage. As an organisation, it’s crucial to be proactive in safeguarding your digital assets and sensitive information. In this blog post, we will explore the latest potential cyber threats and discuss the measures you can take to protect your organization effectively.
The Latest Potential Cyber Security Threats
1. Ransomware: Imagine waking up one day to find all your crucial business files encrypted, and a demand for a hefty ransom in exchange for the decryption key. This is the nightmare scenario of a ransomware attack, which is becoming increasingly common and costly. Ransomware attackers are constantly evolving their tactics, making it vital for organisations to stay one step ahead.
2. Phishing Emails: Phishing emails are the Trojan horses of the digital age. These deceptive messages are designed to trick unsuspecting users into clicking on malicious links or opening tainted attachments. Once the trap is sprung, cybercriminals can gain access to your organisation’s systems, installing malware and potentially causing catastrophic damage.
Cyber Training Should Include Elements Of The Following:
How to identify a phishing email
Never click on malicious links
Avoid opening unexpected or untrusted attachments
Refrain from disclosing personal or sensitive data to phishers
Verify software legitimacy before downloading
Never plug an unknown USB into a computer
Use a VPN when connecting via untrusted or public Wi-Fi
Report suspicious emails promptly
Remember, a ransomware attack can render your systems inaccessible, and attackers may attempt to leak or sell your data. When was the last time your organisation reviewed and tested its cyber plan? If your answer is uncertain, it’s high time to assess and fortify your cybersecurity measures.
Cognisoft Cyber Security: Your Trusted Partner in Protection
At CogniSoft, we understand the ever-growing importance of cybersecurity. We are committed to helping you improve your organisation’s cyber security posture through a range of tailored solutions:
Hosted MIS: Our Case Management System, YETI, is hosted in a secure UK-based data centre, ensuring the utmost protection for your sensitive information.
MFA & Single Sign On: YETI supports Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and single sign-on options, adding an extra layer of security to your digital operations.
Cyber Essentials & CE Plus Compliant: We are proud to have been Cyber Essentials and CE Plus compliant since 2014. Our organisation has security ingrained into our processes, from development to support.
ISO 27001 Certification: Our ISO 27001 certification means that our information security management system has been independently assessed and certified to meet international standards.
Penetration Testing: We regularly conduct penetration tests on our systems to ensure that they are secure, staying one step ahead of potential threats.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today at sales@cognisoft.co.uk or call us at 0161 777 2900 to see how CogniSoft can help fortify your organisation’s cyber defences. Protect your business, your data, and your future – because in the digital age, the best defence is a strong offence.
At CogniSoft, we are excited to announce our official partnership with IEP (Institute of Employability Professionals) as the ‘Human Fuel’ Partners for the upcoming IEP Basecamp event, taking place on October 5th at Thinktank in Birmingham. As a software development company deeply rooted in the employability sector since 1986, we have a long-standing commitment to empowering practitioners and enhancing the employability landscape across the UK.
Our Legacy in the Employability Sector For over three decades, CogniSoft has been at the forefront of software development, dedicated to the employability sector. Our flagship product, the Youth and Employment Information System (YETI), has been instrumental in providing comprehensive case and learner management functionality to a wide range of skills, employability, advice, and guidance providers across the UK. Our association with the IEP extends back many years, where we have played various roles – from sponsors to guests, speakers, and delegates at their events. Our continued involvement reflects our unwavering dedication to both the IEP and the employability sector as a whole.
IEP Basecamp: A Unique Learning Opportunity IEP Basecamp stands out as the UK employability sector’s inaugural and exclusive event of its kind. It is a day filled with genuine learning, practical takeaways, and networking opportunities, thoughtfully curated for frontline employability practitioners and first-line managers. This event presents a golden opportunity for employability professionals to glean practical insights, expert advice, and stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices to ensure better outcomes for their program participants. Empowering Practitioners: Our Philosophy Our Managing Director, Emma Cook FIEP, has been a driving force behind our commitment to the Employability and Skills sector. She shares our company’s philosophy, stating, “CogniSoft is a strong believer in empowering practitioners. Practitioners are the backbone of the sector, dealing with day-to-day challenges and understanding the intricacies of supporting individuals in their journey to secure meaningful employment.”
Emma Cook: Managing Director
When we develop systems for our clients, we put the spotlight on the end-users – the frontline practitioners. Our aim is to simplify their tasks, ensuring that they have the tools they need to excel in their roles. This, we believe, is the key to obtaining valuable data and statistics that genuinely make a difference. Empowering frontline practitioners fosters sector growth and progress, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for individuals seeking employment.
Our partnership with IEP Basecamp is a natural extension of this ethos. As ‘Human Fuel’ Partners, we will provide breakfast, morning and break refreshments, as well as the networking lunch, ensuring that all attendees are fuelled, energized, and empowered to actively participate throughout the day.
An Unmissable Opportunity IEP Basecamp promises an unparalleled opportunity to network with peers, learn from fellow practitioners, and gain valuable insights into the future of employability practice. It’s an event that should not be missed, and we encourage all employability professionals to stay tuned for more information about the speakers, panel discussions, and seminar topics that will enrich this unique gathering in the days and weeks ahead. At CogniSoft, we are thrilled to be part of this transformative event and look forward to fostering collaboration, innovation, and empowerment within the employability sector at IEP Basecamp. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all those seeking meaningful employment.
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires not only dedication and vision but also the right tools.
YETI: Your Path to Excellence
At CogniSoft, we understand the unique challenges organisations face when it comes to managing their apprenticeship delivery and core operations. That’s why we’ve focused on developing a best-in-class Management Information System with end-to-end functionality and seamless integration capabilities. YETI is not just another solution; it’s a powerful tool designed to empower your organisation for success.
YETI for End-to-End Apprenticeship Delivery
Our YETI platform combines a full Learner Management System with an in-built e-Portfolio solution, providing you with a comprehensive view of your learners’ journeys. With YETI, you can effortlessly track and measure progress from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect.
YETI for the Core Experience
In addition to streamlining apprenticeship delivery, YETI offers a secure, flexible Individualised Learner Record (ILR) system with powerful MIS and third-party e-portfolio software integration options. This means that whether you’re managing apprenticeships or core operations, YETI has you covered.
Enhance Your Delivery
Seamless Integration: YETI seamlessly integrates with your existing e-portfolio system, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to your operations.
Enhanced Efficiency: Say goodbye to manual data management. YETI automates tasks, making it easier than ever to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional learning experiences.
Customization: We understand that every organisation is unique. YETI’s flexible design allows you to tailor the integration to your specific needs, ensuring you have the tools required to succeed.
User-Friendly Interface: With YETI, your team can hit the ground running. Our user-friendly interface requires minimal training, saving you time and resources.
24/7 Support: We’re not just here to provide a product; we’re here to support your success. Our dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist you whenever you need it.
Are you ready to elevate your organisation to new heights? YETI is more than just software; it’s your partner in success. To explore how YETI can benefit your organisation or to discuss a solution tailored to your needs, contact our team today. We’re excited to embark on this journey with you.
Unlock your potential with YETI – where innovation meets results.
We Are Excited To Announce Our Upcoming ILR Onboarding Solution
In an era where every minute counts, optimising the customer onboarding process is critical. At CogniSoft, we recognise the significance of a seamless onboarding experience. We’re excited to introduce our cutting-edge solution, designed to transform how you onboard customers.
Elevating Your Onboarding Experience
Our paramount objective is to enrich your experience by ensuring that customer onboarding is as efficient as it can be. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of how our innovative solution can profoundly benefit your organisation:
1. Administrative Efficiency
This solution empowers learners to complete their own enquiry and enrolment records, freeing up valuable time for enrolment officers to focus on supporting learners. This translates to a substantial reduction in administrative tasks during sessions. Instead of grappling with paperwork, your team can focus on their core responsibility: guiding learners toward comprehensive enrolment in their chosen courses, whether they are related to Adult Education Budget (AEB) programs or Apprenticeships.
2. Precision in Data Input
With real-time input validation capabilities, errors associated with names, numbers, emails, and other crucial information become increasingly rare. Bid farewell to data entry errors, as our solution guarantees accuracy and precision in every input.
3. Seamlessly Managing Multiple Clients
Whether you’re at job fairs, exhibitions, or other high-traffic events, our system facilitates quick and seamless interactions with multiple clients. There’s no longer a need to juggle stacks of paperwork.
4. Augmented Learner Engagement
Our solution empowers learners to input their own data while enrolment officers concentrate on appointment actions and meaningful customer interactions. This results in more productive and engaging sessions for all parties involved.
5. Customer Satisfaction
By allowing enrolment officers to allocate more time to learners, our solution ensures the optimal utilization of available resources. The outcome is not just more productive sessions but also higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Get in Touch to Learn More
At CogniSoft we regularly update YETI with new functionality. If you would be interested in learning more about how our ILR Onboarding solution can benefit your business, or would like to hear about more features that will be added to YETI in the future, please get in touch with our team.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly aware of the impact of human activities on the environment, sustainability practices are becoming easier to adopt. Embracing sustainability not only helps protect our planet but also enhances your reputation and attracts environmentally conscious learners.
Let’s get into how leveraging online systems, going paperless, and promoting local engagement can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and pave the way for a more eco-friendly world.
Going Paperless with Online Systems
The extensive use of paper in various industries has taken a toll on our environment. Embracing online systems offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper-based practices. From digital documentation and electronic signatures to cloud storage, businesses and individuals can significantly reduce paper consumption. Going paperless not only saves trees but also streamlines workflows, increases efficiency, and cuts operational costs.
The UK uses approximately 12.5 milliontonnes [1] of paper each year. Going paperless can make a significant impact on reducing paper waste and its environmental impact.
The Shift in Remote Learning
Whilst we shouldn’t replace face to face learning and the many benefits this has for the learners learning experience, traditional education and professional training often require extensive travel for both learners and instructors, leading to a considerable carbon footprint. With the advancement of technology, remote learning has become a viable and eco-friendly option which can supplement the face to face experience. Virtual classrooms, online workshops, and webinars allow individuals to acquire knowledge without the need for physical travel. This translates to a remarkable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Streamlining Processes with Digital Eligibility Checks
Traditional eligibility checks often involve extensive paperwork, leading to wastage of resources and time. Digital eligibility checking systems can help organisations assess qualifications and requirements efficiently. By implementing digital systems, service providers can save valuable time, reduce costs, and prevent unnecessary enrolments, ultimately contributing to sustainability by optimising resources.
By harnessing the power of online systems and digital practices, we can make significant strides towards a greener future. Embracing paperless solutions, supporting local businesses, adopting remote learning, and utilising digital eligibility checks are impactful steps we can take in our journey toward sustainability.
We Play Our Part
At CogniSoft, we allow providers of Apprenticeships, Learning, Guidance and Employability to achieve steps towards greater sustainability, by facilitating a paperless transition through digital record keeping, online assessments and communication. If you would like to explore how our MIS can transform your business into a greener and more streamlined operation, contact us today at https://cognisoft.definitionconsulting.co.uk/contact-us/.
September 5th 1988 is a day I still remember to this date. It’s the day I started a 3 month office job to help my dad out whilst I waited for my place at Hope Hospital Radiography unit. It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, my father, Robin Lord was the Managing Director of CogniSoft and the phones were ringing off the hook. They had just released their new software application, for new schemes, Youth Training and Employment Training (YT and ET), following on from their success supplying software to JTS (Job Training Scheme) providers. He needed someone to answer the phones and package floppy disks into the post to customers.
Roll on 35 years, and I am still here.
Things have changed. A lot.
Join me in taking a stroll down my rusty memory lane….
Software in the 90s
Our Youth Training (YT) and Employment Training (ET) applications were DOS based applications written in a powerful 4GL language called TAS with a Btrieve backend database. The DOS system displayed on monitors with black screens and green character sets (or orange depending on your monitor). We copied the software onto 5.25” disks, packaged them up and posted them out to clients to be installed. My first computer was a dual floppy drive machine without a hard disk!
I quickly became more than the office admin and within 6 months I started supporting customers over the phone. This consisted of asking the customer to talk me through their problem, whilst I put the same moves in on my computer to work out what was happening, then talking the customer through the resolution. Many hours were spent on the phone to our customers back then and many long lasting relationships were formed.
We received copies of reports and printouts via the fax machine, we sent written instructions the same way. Within a year our desktop computers got hard disks – all 20 megabytes! 5.25” floppy disks were replaced with 3.5” ones which contained more data and reduced the number of disks we sent out.
Then, our world changed in the very early 90’s when we could place fixes on our Bulletin Board using dial up modems and customers with the technology could download their updates by dialing in and downloading their files.
Windows applications quickly followed and in the early 90’s we re-wrote the software as a Windows application with a ‘modern’ look and feel. CD Roms made the copying of software easier and only required 1 disk to be sent to those without the ability to download from our Bulletin Board.
Onset of the Internet
With the early appearance Internet content in the late 90’s, CogniSoft quickly realized that web based applications were the way forward, and we were one of the early software companies to release fully web based software applications. We created an online support system and released it in 2000 along with the first release of IO for the Connexions and Youth services.
YETI followed on a year later, both applications were re-written from the ground up and a few years later replaced Btrieve with Microsoft SQL as the backend database.
With Web based applications, support became easier, we could remote into customer systems to be walked through the issue, the quarterly software releases, no longer needed to be copied to disk and posted, but placed on our website for customers to download … no more production lines of copying and labeling the disks and packaging them for the post with release notes and compliment slips and finally the placing of hundreds of stamps – what a joy!
Our software model moved to Software as a Service (SAAS), CogniSoft provided a robust and secure hosting environment, and we took the IT headache away from our customers and fast forward to 2023… our service is now primarily hosted. Our support team have direct access to all of our customer systems, we apply an update every 2 weeks bringing new features and bug fixes to our customers at a greater speed.
From Office admin to Managing Director
I started as an office administrator, onto support and then to implementing new systems which I did for 30 of my years here, until in 2020 when the responsibility of being Managing Director meant I could no longer dedicate the time to customer projects.
My role now is to lead my team in providing the best possible software for our customers. Our drive for improvement in our application never stops, we are passionate about supporting the learning and employment sectors and delivering software that makes it easy for our users to enter the data and for the senior teams to have access to their statistics and reports. The CogniSoft team consists of people who have worked in the sector and have a great understanding of the needs of our users as they have been there!
I still look back on my dream of becoming a radiographer in my Sliding Doors moment and wonder how different my life would have been, however I have loved every second of my 35 years with CogniSoft and I believe this is where I am meant to be.
I hope to continue to build on the reputation that my Dad started nearly 40 years ago and I look forward to each new year as it comes. We continue to build great partnerships with our customers, some of which date back to the mid 90’s, embracing change whether technically or within the sector and continuing to provide solutions to support our clients.
Challenging the unrivalled growth of AI in the workplace and education
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market is undeniable, and its influence continues to grow at a rapid pace. However, amidst the transformations brought about by AI, it is crucial to recognise that certain skills and qualities inherent to humans remain invaluable. In this short read, we will explore the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI and shed light on what this means for learners and apprenticeship providers.
Contrary to some misconceptions, AI is not poised to overtake soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. While AI can replicate certain tasks, it has yet to match the level of human creativity and adaptability demanded by many industries. Therefore, employers are continuing to seek out individuals who not only possess technical proficiency but also excel in interacting with others and navigating dynamic environments.
AI in education
While AI has undeniably made significant advancements in various tasks within the workforce, it also carries a downside specifically within the education sector. Its continuous growth has left academic institutions grappling with the challenges posed by plagiarism and AI assistance in essay production. This raises questions about the value of traditional knowledge-based qualifications compared to practical assessments. Exams and assessments that evaluate practical skills may gain higher regard as they are less susceptible to AI assistance. Practical qualifications that require hands-on experience and technical proficiency will likely hold significant value in the future job market.
AI for apprenticeship providers
In the face of the increasing use of AI and automation, it is vital for apprenticeship providers to equip students with the skills needed to adapt and thrive in this environment whilst maintaining the most important tool: Human and social interaction!
Preserving human interaction in apprenticeships offers significant advantages, as it reduces feelings of isolation and is proven to increase overall performance. Apprenticeship providers and Education providers should continue to create an environment where learners actively engage in human interaction, the process of getting to know one another, dealing with not only conversations or discussion but involving emotions and feelings. This builds the learners soft skill abilities needed to interact not only in the work place but also in the world around them.
AI in employability
As many large organisations turn to AI in the interview process, designing the interview questions/format and increasing to AI video interviews. A study in Korea in 2018 found that the interview process was found to be better than traditional evaluation procedures in procedural fairness, objectivity and consistency of algorithms. However, some applicants were dissatisfied about being assessed by AI. Digital divide and automated inequality were recurring themes in this study. AI’s ability has dramatically improved in the last 5 years and AI could be used to provide personal profiling of candidates based on social media posts, LinkedIn and internet articles. There are already tools out there that have incorporated behavioural tools such as DISC and The Big Five to measure personality traits with or without the candidate consent. AI based tools could also find language in a candidate’s social-media profiles indicating he or she has a medical condition, including depression. Organisational psychologists have argued that it would be unfair and possibly illegal for employers to use this information to make hiring decisions, however once identified, can hirers be truly objective?
Despite the cautious approach to AI, there are many potential benefits to keep an eye out for, such as:
AI tailored learning: AI can help tailor educational content and experiences to individual learners, resulting in better outcomes.
Promote collaboration: By nurturing a collaborative environment, training providers can establish AI as a valuable asset that complements human expertise.
AI generated jobs: With its predicted longevity, the ability to interrogate and use AI will be a useful skill to learn for the modern workplace.
By embracing the opportunities that AI brings apprenticeship and employability providers can continually help learners/customers to develop their skill set, and in turn help transform their chosen careers and remain valuable in an evolving job market.
While we are seeing notable progress, even with our everyday use such as the emerge of Google’s new AI tool ‘Bard’, it’s important to stay vigilant and not solely rely on the information generated, so make sure you fact-check your own research.
How can CogniSoft help?
In this new era of AI, CogniSoft is at the forefront, ready to assist you. With over 35 years of experience in the skills and employability sectors, we specialise in providing comprehensive solutions such as Client-Tracking, Case & Learner Management Systems. Our tailored software solutions are designed to be feature-rich and user-friendly, streamlining administrative processes. By using our systems, you can benefit from detailed reporting and robust data management, enabling you to create efficiencies and showcase the impact of your work.
Contact us today to see how we can help on 0161 777 2900 or email us at sales@cognisoft.co.uk
In recent years, the need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship has become increasingly apparent. As individuals and organisations strive to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices, new opportunities surrounding sustainable apprenticeships is growing, and rightly so.
The revision of the 2014 professional standards now includes key requirements for sustainability indicating how important this aspect of development for learners is.
Expanding Sectors and New Approvals
One notable development is the expansion of apprenticeships to encompass a wider range of sectors than ever before. For instance, newly approved apprenticeships now focus on training individuals to maintain domestic heat pumps, solar panels, and EV charging points. Another exciting addition is the apprenticeships centred around creating, maintaining, and harvesting forests and woodlands, aligning with the goal of increasing tree canopy and woodland cover across England by 2050.
The Role of IfATE
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) plays a crucial role in working with employers to achieve sustainable growth and meet net-zero targets. By collaborating closely with employers, IfATE ensures that apprenticeships address the latest environmental and climate change skills needed to continue to make a significant contribution to the pursuit of an environmentally friendly future.
Increasing Interest and Recognition:
The demand for sustainable apprenticeships is on the rise, as indicated by the nearly 20% increase in Google searches for ‘sustainability apprenticeship’ in the UK over the past year. This upward trend is likely to continue with the help of recently established green apprenticeships celebrated in honour of the Coronation.
These six green apprenticeships have been selected for their sustainability credentials and will be honoured with the Coronation emblem. These apprenticeships include roles such as:
Countryside Worker (level 2)
Forest Craftsperson (level 3)
Low Carbon Heating Technician (level 3)
Installation Electrician and Maintenance Electrician (level 3)
Sustainability Business Specialist (level 7)
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner (level 4)
This recognition signifies their contribution to creating a low carbon economy and equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to support the transition to net zero, in celebration of His Majesty the King’s Coronation.
How Cognisoft can help?
CogniSoft have supported the skills and employability sectors for over 35 years, specialising in Client-Tracking, Case & Learner Management Systems. We work with training providers and Universities delivering degree apprenticeships.
Our tailored software solutions are feature-rich and user-friendly, simplifying and speeding-up administrative processes. Our systems provide detailed reporting and data management, helping clients create efficiencies and demonstrate the impact of their work. Contact us today to see how we can help on 0161 777 2900 or email us at sales@cognisoft.co.uk
Cyber-attacks are on the rise, and it’s crucial to take measures to protect your business. A recent report from the Governments Cyber Security Breaches Survey shows that 32% of UK businesses identified a cyber breach in the last 12 months, this rises to 59% for medium sized businesses and a very worrying statistic is that 82% of FE colleges suffered a security breach in the last 12 months.
SME’s are a prime target when it comes to cyber-attacks, as most SME’s don’t tend to have a budget for cyber security and therefore still use legacy defences and weak or insecure passwords. Cyber-crime costs UK businesses an average of £15,300 per victim.
In addition to this cost these attacks can cause reputational damage, so ensuring that your business is safe from cyber-attacks is vital.
Ransomware is a type of cyber-attack in which an attacker encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key and is becoming more common and the emails that introduce the vulnerability more convincing. In the North West alone, there are on average over 45 reports per week of ransomware attacks according to the North West Cyber Resilience Centre.
Phishing emails are commonly used to spread ransom malware, by tricking a user to click a link or opening a malicious attachment, cyber criminals gain access to the employees computer and then the ability to install and execute the malware software. Often this will lie dormant and undetected for weeks until it is activated, the most common time for activation is a Friday night around midnight.
One of the best things a company can do to protect themselves is to build a cybersecurity culture internally, ingraining the importance of security in the company starting with the weakest link… your people!
Employees need to understand what to report and when something doesn’t look right, especially now with the move to more flexible working from home arrangements.
Cyber training should include elements of the following:
How to identify a phishing email
Not to click on malicious links
Never open unexpected or untrusted attachments
Avoid revealing personal or sensitive data to phishers
Verify software legitimacy before downloading it
Never plug an unknown USB into their computer
Use a VPN when connecting via untrusted or public Wi-Fi
Report suspicious emails
A Ransomware attack will render your systems inaccessible and the attackers may look to leak or sell your data, when was the last time your organisation reviewed their Cyber Plan and tested it. More importantly, does your organisation have a Cyber Plan at all?
Currently, only 14% of companies train their staff on cyber security and only 20% have tested security responses.
Why are Employability and Skills Providers at risk?
Cyber attacks are often untargeted with the attackers indiscriminately targeting as many devices, services or users as possible in the hope of finding a vulnerability, like trying lots of door handles in the hope that one is unlocked in order to access your information. Employability and Skills data contains Personable Identifiable Information as well as Special Category data, alongside narrative caseload information. If an attack is successful, the attacker will find valuable information to leak or sell on the dark web marketplace, it is critically important that only those who are authorised to do so can access it. By using an ‘on premise system’ and storing data internally, your systems as with all SME’s, are open to cyber attacks and therefore you need to ensure that you have the organisational and technical measures in place to help minimise the possibility of an occurrence. This includes security training, plan testing as well as the technical know how to protect your environment.
Using a hosted Management Information System (MIS) such as YETI takes away some of those headaches, as the technical responsibility for the data is borne by the supplier, leaving you to concentrate on the organisational measures.
How can CogniSoft help?
At CogniSoft we are proud to be ISO 27001 certified since 2011 and Cyber Essentials and CE Plus compliant since 2014, we have mature processes around security ingrained into the organisation from development through to support.
We host your data in a secure UK based data centre and YETI supports Multi Factor Authentication integration with Google Authenticator and Authy for added security on log in. Additionally, our system is Penetration tested, ensuring that the data can only be accessed by authorised people.Contact us today to see how we can help on 0161 777 2900 or email us at sales@cognisoft.co.uk
If we were to say to you that people’s brains work in many different ways, it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the differences in people’s thinking styles that affect how they communicate with the world around them. It is an umbrella term for conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Tourette’s. As a concept, it helps us to see this difference as a natural part of humanity and moves us away from stigmatising differences.
Neurodivergent individuals often display out-of-the-box thinking, creative solutions and deep focus that can bring huge strengths to their workplace.
Neurodiversity and apprenticeships
Around 1 in 4 apprentices may be neurodivergent, and it’s important to recognise that every person has both strengths and challenges. However, Neurodivergent people tend to have greater peaks of talents in some areas and dips in others, with a greater variance in those peaks and dips, this is known as having a ‘spiky profile’.
The aim of an apprenticeship is to maximise the strengths. The areas of challenge may relate to the person’s cognitive diversity and/or can be affected by the setting they are working in, or related to home factors, or combinations of all of the above. Each person’s story will be different and each person’s support needs are unique.
Many agree that people with a learning disability or learning difficulty should qualify for adjusted minimum standards based on a cognitive assessment rather than evidence of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO City & Guilds, which offers vocational qualifications, says; “Apprenticeships are becoming more important at a time when skills are short.” She goes on to say: “In the face of low unemployment and immigration from the EU, and high levels of economic activity, apprenticeships will be a crucial way for essential industries to train and recruit the homegrown talent they need to fill these skills shortages.”
“As the Government looks to ‘level up’ the country, the value of apprenticeships must not be overlooked. We need adequate investment for improving apprenticeships and their take up, to help tackle the mismatch between the supply and demand of talent.”
The benefits of apprenticeships for neurodivergent learners
Apprenticeships can provide a great opportunity for neurodiverse people to gain valuable skills and practical work experience in a supportive environment. Ways in which apprenticeships can specifically benefit neurodiverse individuals include:
Individualised support and the ability to accommodate the learners’ needs – Apprenticeships are designed to provide individualised support to each person, and this can be especially beneficial for neurodiverse individuals. Employers can work with apprentices to identify any specific requirements or support needed for them to be successful, such as flexible scheduling or specialised training.
Apprenticeships offer hands-on learning – many neurodiverse individuals benefit from hands-on learning, by providing on-the-job training, apprenticeships allow individuals to learn in a practical and engaging way.
Career exploration – Apprenticeships can also provide the opportunity for individuals to explore different career paths and find the right fit for them. This is especially important for neurodiverse individuals who may have unique strengths and interests that can be leveraged in certain careers.
Training providers have the ability to draw down Learning Support Funding from the ESFA to help them work more flexibly, supporting the identified needs of the learner, better enabling the learner to achieve their learning goals.
Overall, apprenticeships can be a great way for neurodiverse individuals to gain practical skills, build confidence, and explore different career paths in a supportive environment.
How CogniSoft can help
CogniSoft have supported the skills and employability sectors for over 35 years, specialising in Client-Tracking, Case & Learner Management Systems. Our YETI Infinity software can help Training Providers in three areas. For tutors, we provide the ability to track and record learner progress against their qualification journey towards EPA; for MI Officers, YETI Infinity retains the core YETI product: a best-in-class Management Information System over 30 years in the making, and we support learners by enabling them to check in with tutors and review their progress with an easy-to-use portal, dedicated to keeping them in the loop.
The Department for Education have announced that young people will soon be able to search and apply for apprenticeships alongside degrees on the UCAS website. The service will start this autumn, where searchers will be able to see different pathways into careers side-by-side, including apprenticeships.
From Autumn 2024, students will then be able to apply for apprenticeships alongside the usual undergraduate degree applications.
According to UCAS, around half of the students that register on the site say they would consider an apprenticeship, but not enough vacancies are being advertised.
Clare Marchant, UCAS chief executive, said: “Presenting students with all their choices in one place will not only transform the apprenticeship offering but create real parity by putting these options side-by-side with undergraduate courses.”
Employers will be able to manage applications for their vacancies through the service as well. For employers, the site will pull in data and vacancies from the government’s ‘find an apprenticeship’ website, although employers will also be able to directly advertise their vacancies on the UCAS website.
This service comes as part of a wider ambition to develop a “one-stop-shop” for education and training options that will include apprenticeships, T Levels, skills bootcamps, higher technical qualifications or degree apprenticeships.
How the news has been received
The news has been welcomed by the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, whose chief executive Jane Hickie explained that accessing information on apprenticeships could be “confusing and complicated at times”.
“This could be a game-changer, and alongside an enhanced talent finder function for employers, is much needed,” she said. “It also shows how apprenticeships are a really valuable option for learners and employers alike.”
AELP has urged training providers and employers to work with UCAS to showcase their opportunities and ensure the service becomes “a real success”.
The benefits of apprenticeships
Apprentices can be a breath of fresh air to a company, and they provide managers and mentors with someone to train, upskill and give necessary skills to, as well as providing these managers with opportunities to improve their efficiency.
Apprenticeships are a great way to build a company’s workforce and should be seen as an equal pathway to the workplace as university.
For learners, the advantages are clear, no tuition fees and graduating without any student-fee debt. They are earning a living whilst learning and developing workplace skills and the knowledge acquired is practical and applied with the degree viewed as equal to those achieved in the traditional route.
How CogniSoft can help
CogniSoft have supported the skills and employability sectors for over 35 years, specialising in Client-Tracking, Case & Learner Management Systems. We work with training providers and Universities delivering degree apprenticeships.
Our tailored software solutions are feature-rich and user-friendly, simplifying and speeding-up administrative processes. Our systems provide detailed reporting and data management, helping clients create efficiencies and demonstrate the impact of their work. Contact us today to see how we can help on 0161 777 2900 or email us at sales@cognisoft.co.uk
For the first time, the number of vacancies is higher than the number of people unemployed. There are labour shortages in numerous occupations, such as tech, manufacturing, nursing and education.
Add to this the rise in inflation, and salaries not keeping up and the UK could be heading toward a real problem. The rise in economic inactivity may also be adding to the recruitment crisis.
More than a fifth of workers are struggling to afford the things they need to live. For them, the cost-of-living crisis is not some hackneyed political slogan but a fact of life. It spells real hardship.
The fact that there has been an increase in economic inactivity, particularly in the over 50s, shows that there are also the hidden unemployed, which is growing. Leading to employers struggling to recruit and fill vacancies.
Businesses across the country are doing what they can on pay, both for existing staff and to help them hire in a jobs market experiencing a severe labour shortage. But rising inflation makes that effort hard and reduces the gains workers feel from pay rises.
A key way to reduce the pressure on our economy and keep inflation down will be to focus on ensuring employment rates and hours worked recover to pre-pandemic levels. Inactivity is still rising, so businesses and government need to work together to address this.
What else can be done?
The cost of living crisis is a worry for many, and salaries not keeping up with inflation will no doubt cause more worry, but what can be done to help both those in work and the hidden unemployed?
It is a welcome step that the government is (belatedly) offering direct financial support to help with soaring energy bills. While the government announced some time ago that it plans to impose a windfall tax on oil and gas companies to help pay for this support, having previously resisted pressure to do so. The wider lesson from this U-turn is that the state has a responsibility to protect the economically disadvantaged, and that includes redistributing income in this way.
To combat the struggles to recruit and the hidden unemployment, employers need to be part of the solution, this is where apprenticeships can help as they can equip workers with different transferable skills.
How can CogniSoft help?
Finding a solution to the current recruitment problem in the UK, isn’t going to be easy and it will require a joined-up approach. CogniSoft have supported the skills and employability sectors for over 35 years, specialising in Client-Tracking, Case & Learner Management Systems. Our tailored software solutions are feature-rich and user-friendly, simplifying and speeding-up administrative processes. Our systems provide detailed reporting and data management, helping clients create efficiencies and demonstrate the impact of their work. If this sounds like something that could benefit you, please contact us at sales@cognisoft.co.uk or call us on 0161 777 2900.
We’re living longer, healthier lives and have the opportunity to think differently about working as we get older.
Recent years have seen more older people in employment than ever before, but many people over 50 are at risk of leaving the workforce early, and not necessarily because they want to.
As the population ages, employers need to draw on the skills and experience of older workers to avoid loss of labour. Working longer can improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and bring the benefits of a multi-generational workforce to businesses.
One way that employers can hold on to employees in their 50s is through apprenticeships.
The Centre for Ageing Better and the Institute for Employability Professionals (IEP) have launched an accredited learning programme for employability practitioners on supporting over 50s jobseekers.
How apprenticeships can help
Older workers can often be overlooked when it comes to new training opportunities. Someone in their early 50s, however, can potentially stay with their employer for 15-20 years or longer. There is a clear case for investing in their future and, in so doing, that of the business.
Some employers are already recognising the importance of retraining, with Barclays and Whitbread among those running apprenticeship schemes for those in their 50s.
Apprenticeships have many benefits to employers, including:
Giving employers the ability to train and upskill a new team member
Recruiting, reskilling, and retaining older workers
Creating a diverse workplace
Providing managers with opportunities to improve their efficiency.
What the government is doing to help older workers
The government published the policy paper Fuller Working Lives: a partnership approach in February 2017 with the aim of increasing the retention, retraining and recruitment of older workers. The strategy is led by employers who understand the business case to drive change.
Through a combination of measures, the government will monitor progress on Fuller Working Lives. The government will publish annual data on economic labour market status on individuals aged 50 and over, including trends over time.
How CogniSoft can help with over 50s apprenticeships
CogniSoft have supported the skills and employability sectors for over 35 years, specialising in Client-Tracking, Case & Learner Management Systems. Our tailored software solutions are feature-rich and user-friendly, simplifying and speeding-up administrative processes. Our systems provide detailed reporting and data management, helping clients create efficiencies and demonstrate the impact of their work. Contact us today to see how we can help on 0161 777 2900 or email us at sales@cognisoft.co.uk
CogniSoft Ltd, 145 Washway Rd, Sale, M33 7PE, United Kingdom Copyright CogniSoft 2026
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