Kidderminster College is gearing up to participate in Colleges Week, running from 15th -19th October, along with over 150 other colleges across the nation.
Colleges Week, a campaign led by the Association of Colleges in partnership with all the main staff unions, aims to both highlight and raise awareness of the important role colleges play within the local community and area, culminating in a national lobby of Parliament on the 17th October. Colleges provide the first, and most important, stepping stone in further education; equipping young learners with essential life skills, confidence and course specific knowledge to help them carve out a successful career and, in turn, firmly root themselves within the community.
College Principal, Andy Dobson explains: “Our young people are being short-changed compared with their counterparts in other countries and compared with previous generations. The hours of teaching and support, the choice they have and the enrichment they are offered have all reduced as funding cuts have bitten. This cannot continue if we are to secure the future of our nation.”
Colleges have to constantly contend with the combination of both tighter cuts and ever-increasing costs; and whilst both schools and universities have been protected from these changes, colleges have been repeatedly and consistently overlooked. As a fundamental aspect of education and a springboard into the world of work, the cut of funds for colleges has a knock-on effect to the economy. Reductions in public spending leads directly to course and capacity cuts, which in turn inhibit the college’s reach and their ability to support young learners who come through their doors.
Local MP, Mark Garnier said: “Colleges, like Kidderminster College, are an invaluable resource to any local community. They are a crucial part of the mix of opportunities to provide the next generation with essential qualifications and local employers with the skills they need to thrive. That is why I am deeply concerned at any funding cuts. Further education is an investment in the future – for individuals to build their life opportunities and for businesses to be able to flourish. It is essential for our country that we fund colleges properly and invest in developing the talents of our young people”
From providing Apprenticeships to support local businesses, offering hair and beauty services at our on-site salon Elements whilst giving our learners an opportunity to work within a live salon, to assisting the Job Centre attendees at The Point, Kidderminster College is a key contributor to the area and a prime example of how colleges make the link between education, employment and the communities they serve.
As a result of our world-class teaching, achievement rates for learners at Kidderminster College reached 85.2% in 2017-18, which is six per cent higher than the national rate, and 93% of 16-18 year olds progress into either employment or further education.
To mark the start of Colleges Week, Kidderminster College will be holding an Open Evening running from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Monday 15th October, offering an opportunity for both members of the local community and interested learners to see the facilities, meet dedicated staff and find out about their wide range of courses.
Support your local college, support Kidderminster. Kidderminster College will be participating across all social platforms using #CollegesWeek and #TeamKC