Jargon Buster
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
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ALG - Adult Learning Grant
ALG is a means tested allowance of up to £30 per week to adults resident in England studying full-time for a first full level 2 or first full level 3 qualification. It's open to everyone aged 19 or over.
APL Accreditation of Prior Learning
APL is the generic term used for the award of credit on the basis of demonstrated learning that has occurred at some time in the past. This learning may have come about as the result of a course, or self-directed study, or as the result of experience either at work or in leisure pursuits. The latter is usually referred to as Prior Experiential Learning. A fuller account of the acronyms associated with APL is given below.
http://www.ucas.com/candq/apl/index.html
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COVE Centre for Vocational Excellence
The CoVE programme and NSAs are central to the Learning and Skills Council's aim to improve and develop skills for employers that are needed to underpin business success and economic competitiveness. These programmes are focused on delivering vocational skills that meet particular sector and industry needs through the development and delivery of high quality, specialist training across a range of sectors.
CPE Continuing Professional Development
CPD is relevant to all teachers. It is about making progress in the teaching profession increasing teachers' skills, knowledge and understanding.
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ESF - European Social Fund
A very important link to providing parity with our European partners in terms of employment, education and skills.
Provides additional support to UK projects through funding. The main aims are:
- Help people back to work
- Provide opportunities for people in the labour market
- Promote lifelong learning
- Develop the skills of employed people
- Improve women's opportunities in the labour market
ESOL English for speakers of other languages
If English isn't your main language, you can do a course to help you improve your English. These courses are called ESOL or English for Speakers of other Languages. Improving your English will make it easier to:
- talk to doctors and teachers
- understand the laws and customs of the UK
- do a course and get a qualification
- help your child with homework
- pass the Life in the UK test and become a British citizen
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JC+ - Jobcentre Plus
An enhanced version of the Job Centre almost a deluxe version.
JC+ provides greater levels of support for those people who can work and the right financial help for those who can't.
Able to provide advice and guidance to raise skills and increase employability of unemployed people.
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LSC - Learning Skills Council
They have a single aim but a big job - to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to world class standards.
The LSC is responsible for the planning and funding of vocational education and training and includes:
- Raising standards of education and training of young people
- Increasing adult learning
- Improving national skill levels
- Better teaching
- Making learning open to all
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NDC - New Deal for Communities
A government initiative aimed at tackling multiple deprivation in the most deprived parts of the country.
Helps to provide communities with the resources to overcome their problems in a coordinated way. The three key characteristics of NDC are:
- Long term commitment to making a difference
- Widespread community involvement.
- Practical application of tried and tested action.
NRF - Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
Sounds a bit scary but it's actually a great help to businesses in the Oldham area. The government has identified five targets and is providing money to help improve the following areas:
- Job prospects
- Crime
- Education
- Health
- Housing and environment
The fund is managed by Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) to meet these key themes of regeneration.
NWDA - Northwest Development Agency
The major player in the growth of the region. You are likely to find the hand of the agency somewhere in the workings of the biggest projects across the area.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
- Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
- Matching skills provision to employer needs
- Creating the conditions for economic growth
- Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
- Promoting the regions outstanding quality of life
NVQ National Vocational Qualification
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ represents.
NVQs are based on national occupational standards. These standards are statements of performance that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance.
http://www.qca.org.uk/14-19/qualifications/index_nvqs.htm
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SRB - Single Regeneration Budget
Another arm of the Regional Development Agency.
The SRB provides support to local regeneration partnerships. Its priority is to enhance quality of life by reducing the gap between deprived and more affluent areas and between different groups of people.