http://www.refernet.org.uk All the latest ReferNet news from the UK. en http://www.refernet.org.uk/news.html The role of vocational education and training and its contribution to the lifelong learning agenda has pre-occupied the United Kingdom Government for some time now. Following this year's review of vocational education and training in England by Professor Alison Wolf, the DfE published its response in May 2011, accepting Professor Wolf's recommendations for reforms to the current system in England. Read the Department's response to the Wolf report. (Note:As Education and Skills are under direct control of the Devolved Administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, their systems are subject to separate reviews and have not been commented upon within this article.) Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.refernet.org.uk/news.html From January 2012 UK ReferNet is co-ordinated and administered by ECCTIS Ltd. ECCTIS Ltd also manages the National Recognition Information Centre for the UK (UK NARIC), the UK National Europass Centre, UK National Contact Point for Professional Qualifications (UK NCP) and the ECVET Contact Point for England. ECCTIS Ltd takes over this role from the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) which co-ordinated UK ReferNet up until December 2011. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.refernet.org.uk/news.html World Skills London 2011 is the world's largest, international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the best of the best in their chosen skill. The competition took place at ExCeL London, from 5-8 October 2011. Nearly 200,000 visitors, including Prime Minister David Cameron, attended the event to watch 1,000 competitors from 50 countries/regions competing in 46 skill areas over four exciting days of the competition. Visitors participated in 'Have a Go' activities for dozens of skills ranging from electronics to plumbing, creative arts and fashion to cabinet making. Team UK achieved a record 5 Gold, 2 Silver and 6 Bronze medals and ranked 5th in the World (up from 7th in 2009). For more information go to the World Skills London 2011 website. For more information go to the World Skills London 2011 website. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0300 http://www.refernet.org.uk/news.html The UK Secretary of State for Education commissioned Professor Alison Wolf to carry out an independent review of vocational education. Her final report was published on 3 March 2011. Read the 2011 Wolf report. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0300