Learning Support Workers in Further Education in England: a hidden revolution?

Abstract

This article presents data from two small‐scale investigations of the employment of learning support staff in further colleges in England. The policy context after the incorporation of the colleges in 1993 and available data on these staff are reviewed. This is followed by a summary and analysis of findings from interviews with human resource managers in colleges and from job and person descriptions for these staff. Some benefits and implications of the employment of these staff are discussed.