Vocational education

Pearson and British Esports Federation Launch First Internationally Recognised Higher National BTEC Qualifications in Esports

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 14, 2024

LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- British Esports, the UK's national esports federation, and Pearson (FTSE: PSON,L), the world's leading learning company, have launched a new suite of higher-tier BTEC qualifications in Esports - the first internationally available qualifications of their kind.

Key Points: 
  • LONDON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- British Esports, the UK's national esports federation, and Pearson (FTSE: PSON,L), the world's leading learning company, have launched a new suite of higher-tier BTEC qualifications in Esports - the first internationally available qualifications of their kind.
  • For more information about the Higher National BTEC Qualifications in Esports, please visit the BTEC Higher Nationals in Esports .
  • These new qualifications, launching in 2024, complement Pearson and British Esports' existing BTEC in Esports offering, including the Level 2 Skills in Esports BTEC for Key Stage 4 students, and the Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Esports for students aged 16+.
  • The BTEC Higher National qualifications are widely recognised by industry and higher education authorities around the world as the principal technical professional qualification at this level.

Why do international students choose to study in Australia?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Australia also faces ongoing competition for international students from other English-speaking countries as well as rising competition from countries such as China.

Key Points: 
  • Australia also faces ongoing competition for international students from other English-speaking countries as well as rising competition from countries such as China.
  • Our study looks at why international students want to come to Australia.
  • Read more:
    We are hurtling towards a million international students in Australia – migration changes will only slow this growth, not stop it

Our study


Our paper looked at 46 peer-reviewed studies between 1998 and 2023 that examined why international students choose to come to Australia to study. From this, we identified 22 “pull” factors that drive international students’ choice of Australia as their tertiary education destination. The pull factors are those that relate to Australia and which we have some control over.

What we found


The five most frequently reported reasons Australia appealed to students were:
career opportunities and life experiences
quality education and qualification
cost of study and living
migration prospects and policy
reputation of tertiary education institutions and academic staff.

  • Further analysis showed environmental factors (those related to living in Australia) had more influence on students’ decision-making than academic factors (those related to study).
  • But the analysis also shows academic factors are still of course important and cannot be ignored.

Our main competitors

  • The United States and United Kingdom are Australia’s biggest competitors for international students.
  • But Australia is facing rising competition in both academic and environmental terms from traditional source countries such as China and Malaysia.

How does Australia stay competitive?

  • First, it can ensure adequate support for international students to be employable in Australia when they graduate.
  • As the recent migration review noted:
    Australia is not focused enough on capturing high-potential international students.
  • In addition, when studying in regional Australia, international students can earn points towards their skilled visa applications.
  • At the moment Australia does not do much to promote the possibility of studying at TAFE first and then moving to a university course.


The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

FBLA and USAEL Partner to Elevate Esports in Education

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024

In the FBLA Rocket League Esports Competition, FBLA Middle School and High School members will write a research paper that explores the various facets of esports and engage in a single-elimination, bracket-style competition as they play the game Rocket League, with winners advancing through regional virtual competitions.

Key Points: 
  • In the FBLA Rocket League Esports Competition, FBLA Middle School and High School members will write a research paper that explores the various facets of esports and engage in a single-elimination, bracket-style competition as they play the game Rocket League, with winners advancing through regional virtual competitions.
  • USAEL, which provides industry-trusted academic esports programs to K-12 schools, will provide judges for the esports competitions, a safe and secure platform for tournament play, technical assistance, and additional academic opportunities for FBLA chapters to build and expand on their esports programs.
  • “The FBLA Rocket League Esports Competition is a wonderful opportunity for our members to explore this growing career field as they think about their professional futures,” FBLA President & CEO Alexander T. Graham said.
  • It makes perfect sense for USAEL to partner with FBLA to prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
    To learn more about the FBLA competition and USAEL’s Academic Resources, visit https://www.fbla.org/portfolio-items/usael-esports-competition/ .

Orijin partners with Interplay Learning to scale up access to skilled trades workforce development in correctional facilities

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Learners will be well-prepared to sit for industry-recognized credentials like NATE, OSHA 10, and EPA 608, unlocking accelerated pathways to career success in their chosen trades.

Key Points: 
  • Learners will be well-prepared to sit for industry-recognized credentials like NATE, OSHA 10, and EPA 608, unlocking accelerated pathways to career success in their chosen trades.
  • Incarcerated learners participating in correctional education programs are nearly 43%3 less likely to recidivate when compared with those who did not participate in correctional education programs.
  • With the Orijin-Interplay Learning partnership, jurisdictions can dramatically expand access to more incarcerated learners without having to add additional teachers or build new vocational shops.
  • "We are honored to have our skilled trades courses integrated into Orijin's innovative workforce development platform," said Doug Donovan, Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning.

NetDragon Forges Strategic Partnerships to Revolutionise Human Capability in Saudi Arabia

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

This landmark conference, attracting registrants from upwards of 100 nations, has established a benchmark for global initiatives aimed at unlocking human potential.

Key Points: 
  • This landmark conference, attracting registrants from upwards of 100 nations, has established a benchmark for global initiatives aimed at unlocking human potential.
  • Dr. Simon Leung, Vice Chairman of NetDragon, remarked, "We are deeply honoured and thrilled to support Saudi Arabia's progressive vision for its educational sector.
  • Dr. Dejian Liu, Chairman of NetDragon, commented, "We are extremely excited to take part in the compelling growth journey within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Our initiatives in Saudi Arabia represent an integral part of our commitment to leveraging technology to unlock the potential of learners.

NetDragon Forges Strategic Partnerships to Revolutionise Human Capability in Saudi Arabia

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

This landmark conference, attracting registrants from upwards of 100 nations, has established a benchmark for global initiatives aimed at unlocking human potential.

Key Points: 
  • This landmark conference, attracting registrants from upwards of 100 nations, has established a benchmark for global initiatives aimed at unlocking human potential.
  • Dr. Simon Leung, Vice Chairman of NetDragon, remarked, "We are deeply honoured and thrilled to support Saudi Arabia's progressive vision for its educational sector.
  • Dr. Dejian Liu, Chairman of NetDragon, commented, "We are extremely excited to take part in the compelling growth journey within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Our initiatives in Saudi Arabia represent an integral part of our commitment to leveraging technology to unlock the potential of learners.

National Heritage Academies Partner-schools Emphasize Being 'College- and Career-ready'

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Being college-ready doesn't mean college is the only option for students after high school. That's why National Heritage Academies (NHA) partner-schools are using Career and Technical Education (CTE) month in February to expand the conversation to being college- and career-ready with a focus on its partnerships with local vocational education programs.

Key Points: 
  • That's why National Heritage Academies (NHA) partner-schools are using Career and Technical Education (CTE) month in February to expand the conversation to being college- and career-ready with a focus on its partnerships with local vocational education programs.
  • To help students explore their options, Grant-Wayne said NHA partner-schools collaborate with area technical centers.
  • Popular programs range from culinary, to criminal justice and welding, to name a few.
  • She has been a driving force behind creating partnerships that define clear options for students.

Communicare Michigan Opens new Location in Grand Rapids, MI

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Communicare provides neurocognitive and neurobehavioral services to individuals with post trauma, mental impairments and acquired brain injuries through a functional, community integrated and multidisciplinary approach.

Key Points: 
  • Communicare provides neurocognitive and neurobehavioral services to individuals with post trauma, mental impairments and acquired brain injuries through a functional, community integrated and multidisciplinary approach.
  • Communicare Michigan, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary, having locations in both Troy and Utica Michigan, is excited to welcome a West Michigan location.
  • Communicare Michigan offers a variety of programs and services in Grand Rapids, Troy and Utica, including: Day Program, Semi-Independent Living and Outpatient Therapies.
  • The Care Boutique is located at 3630 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

Get There: Florida Recognizes February as Career and Technical Education Month

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. recognize February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, celebrating Florida's leading role in providing practical education opportunities throughout the state.

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. recognize February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, celebrating Florida's leading role in providing practical education opportunities throughout the state.
  • Florida's workforce education programs are academically rigorous, effective and driven by the current and projected needs of top industries throughout the state.
  • In December, nearly $20 million was awarded through the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant to fund 67 proposals to start, expand or operate a registered apprenticeship program.
  • For more information regarding Career and Technical Education, visit GetThereFL.com .

FBLA and FCCLA Student Officers Advocate for Career and Technical Education in Washington, DC

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Reston, Virginia, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Student National Officers of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) are meeting with leaders in Washington, DC this week to highlight the need for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in schools.

Key Points: 
  • Reston, Virginia, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Student National Officers of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) are meeting with leaders in Washington, DC this week to highlight the need for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in schools.
  • Traveling from across the country to Washington, DC, during CTE Month, the 25 high school and college student leaders represent more than 400,000 combined middle school, high school, and college members of the two organizations.
  • “We are delighted to bring the collective power of our two organizations together to share this important message with elected representatives in Washington, especially as the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act comes up for reauthorization,” FBLA President & CEO Alexander T. Graham said.
  • The visits come as the two organizations celebrate FBLA Week February 11-17 and FCCLA Week February 12-16 to raise awareness about their missions and student activities.