Colleges Week - Connecting with Communities Monday, September 26, 2011 - 12:26

NIACE welcomed Colleges Week (26 Sept - 2 Oct) and its celebration of the unique contribution that colleges make to the economic and social life of the country. In particular NIACE believes this year's theme - 'Connecting with Communities' - is essential for the future of colleges.

Mark Ravenhall, NIACE Director for Policy and Impact, said:

"Every year we hear thousands of inspiring stories of how adult learners gain skills through colleges. People of all ages are at college for a whole host of reasons. They go there to learn skills for life, to learn for their career prospects, for supporting their children's learning, for progressing on to degree courses, as well as gaining confidence to make a full contribution to their local area."

"Colleges grew out of local communities and have strong links with their local area. In recent years some of this tradition and vibrancy has been lost in some areas as Government funding has focussed colleges on younger people and the narrow skills agenda. However there are signs that this is changing."

"As the Inquiry into the Future for Lifelong Learning said, colleges are the institutional back bone for lifelong learning in an area offering progression from entry level courses to HE, all in one place with the support mechanisms adults need."

"The Independent Colleges in their Communities inquiry - which we're sponsoring with the Association of Colleges and the 157 Group - has highlighted this and the potential for colleges to do more if they are given the space and trust to develop. This is a shared agenda between Government and colleges working closely with employers, local authorities and other providers to revitalise and invigorate whole communities."

Nasim Rehman, from Coventry, left work 18 years ago after losing her sight, but enrolled at City College, Coventry where she completed IT courses and also studied Braille. As a regular user of Social Services, Nasim was keen to become a Social Worker, so in 2009 she completed an NOCN level 2 Ladders to Learning Programme, which led to an Access to Higher Education diploma. As well as studying, Nasim co-founded the Asian Blind Association in Coventry, supporting other visually impaired members, often helping them back into education.

Lorraine Pearson, from Finsbury Park, went back to learning after dedicating her life to raising five children. She began her studies at City and Islington College with an IT Flexit course and then went onto an Access course in Psychology and Anthropology. Lorraine also enrolled on a Ceramics course and found she had a real talent. She now volunteers in Ceramics classes and runs pottery workshops at her local primary school. She hopes to progress to a teacher training course and has recently bought a kiln as she wants to start a business to provide pottery workshops in the community.

Colleges Week is the education sector's major showcase for the vital role that Colleges play in providing young people, adults and businesses in the UK with the opportunities they need to succeed.

From 26 September - 2 October, colleges around the country took part in a range of initiatives designed to engage young people, parents, post 19 adults and employers by highlighting the range of courses on offer and the excellence of the teaching available.

Activities ranged from holding, 'Have a Go in Colleges Week' events, to commissioning research into careers advice delivery in the UK, to supporting the UK team at the World Skills London Competition, and a campaign to boost participation in other skills competitions.