Latest News

Skill job vacancy - helpline adviser (temporary contract ending September 2009)

Do you have recent experience advising students or the public? Are you a fast learner with excellent listening and writing skills? We are looking for you to fill a key role in our London Information Service. Closing date: 17 September 2008. Full details on the Jobs at Skill page

On the News page

Further Education (FE) Specialisation and Innovation fund launched

Home Office: Proposed strict new rules for foreign students 

European Commission launches work experience traineeships for disabled people 

Disability Week on Community Channel - 15-21 September

In Focus

The National Audit Office is conducting a study into adults with autism and the services available to them. The study would like to receive evidence from people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who are adults or in the transition to adulthood. Skill will be submitting evidence and we encourage individuals and their carers to do the same.

Send views and comments to Alex.Scharaschkin@nao.gsi.gov.uk by 1 October 2008.

More information

Skill produced an information resource for LSC Offender Learning and Skills Service providers. It was aimed at supporting staff in carrying out their responsibilities to learners in custody with learning difficulties and/or disabilities under the DDA. This report describes the research undertaken and discusses key issues and areas for further development.

Read the report on the LSC website

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Students and Young People

Join the National Learner Panel 

Are you passionate about further education? Do you want to make sure that it meets the needs of all disabled learners? Then now is your chance to influence government. If you are 16 or over and in work-based learning, studying at a college, or taking an evening class in England, you can apply to join the National Learner Panel for 2008-9.

Go to www.direct.gov.uk/nationallearnerpanel for more information.

Recruitment starts soon and full details will be on the directgov website. Get your voice heard.

Thinking about volunteering?

Think about volunteering for Skill. We have exciting opportunities for young disabled people aged 16-25. Find out more

Check out the Young Learners' pages

Find out all about

• news and events
• learning, work and volunteering options
• planning your future
• where to get more help

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and views and send us your stories. Subscribe today

Motability Scholarship Programme

Are you about to start university? Do you want to gain paid work experience in IT, finance, HR or customer services? Then the Motability Scholarship Programme may be just for you. Find out more on Information for Students.

Remploy and Staffordshire University are looking to support at least 30 graduates with disabilities or health conditions. This course tells you about:

• what employers really want from graduates
• gaining confidence in presentations and interviews
• how to sell yourself

More information on Noticeboard - Courses

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Skill Events and Training

Skill Conferences Programme 2008

Skill runs an annual series of conferences and workshops for key professionals in the post-16 education and employment sectors.

Go to Skill Events for full details of this Autumn's FE and HE conferences.

Benefits and support for disabled students in higher education

2008 Programme

A new round of one-day introductory courses on the benefits, loans and grants available to disabled students, aimed at student support staff in higher education. The course provides practical ways to help students protect their benefit rights and maximise their entitlement, including: 

• the benefit barriers to accessing higher education
• Disability Living Allowance and how it is affected by study
• Incapacity Benefit and what to do if it is reviewed
• how loans and grants affect income support and housing benefit
• students and tax credits

Where and when?

Tuesday 23 September 2008 – Manchester
Tuesday 21 October 2008 – London
*New date* Tuesday 18 November - London
Thursday 27 November 2008 – Leeds

How much?

Standard rate £110 per place
Skill and Disability Alliance Member rate £80 per place

Lunch included

More information   Download a Word booking form

Expert training and advice for professionals

Skill provides a consultancy service on policies, practice and procedures concerning disabled people. We can help you meet your needs under the DDA and the new Disability Equality Duty.

Go to Consultancy and Training for more information.

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