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Reform tertiary education and kickstart the great British recovery

A groundbreaking new report from Association of Colleges, ‘Opportunity England‘, has called on whoever wins the next general election to create a new system for lifelong learning from the age of 16 to make sure that the country can rise to the challenges of a sluggish economy, flat-lined productivity with widening skills gaps, and the prospect of millions of people being left behind as technology takes over our lives and work.

The report suggests that colleges, universities and other providers should be regulated through one tertiary system to avoid excess regulation and unnecessary competition and to enable a clear strategy to support all adults get the skills they need throughout life.  The new national post-16 education and skills strategy should be developed in partnership with learning organisations and a range of other institutions including local government, employer groups, unions and community organisations. Devolution will play a vital role in this overhaul, with devolved authorities having the opportunity to push local priorities to help bolster communities as well as regional and national economies.

Colleges are clear that this is not about pitting themselves against universities or training providers, instead it’s about them working better together so that all parts of the post-16 skills eco-system thrive to deliver for the country. They urge the focusing on five central elements:

  • A new statutory right to lifelong learning
  • An apprenticeships system that works
  • A curriculum for all
  • A workforce strategy
  • Investing in our future

‘Opportunity England’ also shows how with a proper commitment, government can:

  • Drive economic growth and improve productivity
  • Overcome regional inequalities
  • Offer better life and work opportunities for all
  • Bring about the green transition
  • Deliver the health and social care workforce revolution
  • Build safe, cohesive and integrated communities

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges said:

“The challenges the country faces are numerous and well-known. What we need to focus more on are the opportunities. The next Government has the chance to unleash the power of colleges to re-balance the country, grow the economy, become world leaders in green technology, harness the potential of people of all ages and make sure that millions of people are not left behind as technology takes over our lives and work. But that requires a boldness and clarity of vision which our report outlines.

Whoever holds the keys to Number 10 will need to do things differently – business as usual is not working. We need a new approach to education and skills and we need a revolution in lifelong learning. If colleges did not exist, the government would have to invent them, to upskill the next generation, to re-train existing workers, and to drive forward innovation in business and technology. Now is the opportunity to use them and kickstart the great British recovery.”

Exeter College Runners Up in Coveted National Award for Employer Engagement

Exeter College has been recognised with a top four shortlisting for the Association of College’s award for Employer Engagement.  

The Association of Colleges (AoC) celebrated top further education across the UK at its virtual Beacon Awards ceremony, and the College’s commitment to proactively working with employers for the mutual benefit of all saw them shortlisted for the coveted prize in Employer Engagement.  

The Beacon Awards are regarded by many as the most prestigious awards within the education sector, given the rigour and robustness of the assessment.  

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, said, “We are proud to be one of the four FE colleges shortlisted, in a really strong field made up of Fareham College, Bradford College and Hugh Baird College. Reaching the finals alone was a great achievement, and Fareham College, who won our category, were thoroughly deserving of the accolade.  

“Today’s final was one of five we have been shortlisted for this year. Our amazing team provide exceptional support for all our stakeholders. It’s unprecedented to gain national recognition at this level.  I want to thank them for their hard work and can-do attitude. They make me really proud and I appreciate each and every one of them.” 

The College was judged on its submission titled ‘A City College with Region Wide Impact’, and a showcase day, with ‘partnership’ at its heart. Reaching the finals is a testament to the College’s commitment to working with employers and Apprentices to achieve the best possible outcomes for the local economy and learners.  

John Laramy, Principal of Exeter College, said, “We pride ourselves on our partnership working within the city and wider region, and reaching the finals of the Beacon Awards is another national indicator of the quality of the impact of the College’s work with employers. 

“Our success is down to the hard work of the team here at the College, the quality of the Apprentices and trainees that study with us and the commitment of 100s of employers across the South West. I would simply like to thank everyone who contributes to the magical formula that has created exceptional Apprenticeship provision at Exeter College.” 

Mike Blakeley continued, “It’s great news that the College’s work with employers has been recognised nationally. We are proud to be part of the community we serve, and we have developed longstanding partnerships that are vital in delivering skills development and driving economic growth for the city and wider region.  

“The College works with a network of over 1,000 organisations, with a reach that transcends regional borders – from Truro through to Reading. These include both national and regional players drawn from high profile organisations, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses. Some of our key partners include, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, NHS, GWR, Hepcomotion, Centrax, Devon County Council, University of Exeter, Exeter Chiefs, Met Office – I could go on.  

“Difficult circumstances have highlighted the strength of our employer network, and we have been working closer than ever to offer new opportunities and development through training – with some exciting projects afoot.” 

Find out more about Apprenticeships with Exeter College.  

If you’re an adult learning interested in an Apprenticeship, register now for our Adult Online Open Event where you can find out more in a specialist session dedicated to Apprenticeships. The online event takes place on Tuesday, 16th June, 3-7pm. 

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