The Association of Colleges (AoC) has developed a ‘Love our Colleges’ campaign which took place from Monday 15th October to Friday 19th October 2018. The invaluable contribution that FE makes to the economy is underpinned through transforming lives through learning. During this week colleges across the country hosted events to showcase the many things that colleges do, day in and day out, to transform lives and improve their communities.
Whether it’s through high quality technical education, basic skills or lifelong learning, colleges help people of all ages and backgrounds to make the most of their talents and ambitions. Rooted in local communities, they are crucial in driving social mobility and providing the skills to boost local and regional economies.
However, there is currently a reduction in education funding once a student turns 16, whether they are in a school sixth form or a college. ‘Love Our Colleges’ is calling on government to increase 16-19 funding by 5% a year for 5 years. It is also asking the Department for Education to provide exceptional funding, ring-fenced, to support teachers’ pay.
Wirral Met had a programme of events running throughout the week, to shine a light on all the brilliant work that goes on in the college every day. It was a chance to celebrate the contributions made by governors, staff and students, highlighting that, with appropriate investment in FE, people and communities thrive and the payback in social mobility and economic development is hugely significant. During the week, Wirral Met hosted four Student Rep Council meetings, and took part in meetings with employers who work with the college to recruit talented staff and develop their existing workforce, to promote the ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign and seek their support in ensuring adequate funding for FE.
Sue Higginson, Principal at Wirral Met College said, “The FE Sector has been an engine for economic growth for decades. Our college has served its community for over 165 years, working with many thousands of employers, community organisations and, of course, the Wirral community. We regularly hear about the significance of skills in building a first class economy and this campaign is designed to showcase FE Colleges as the solution that, with proper investment, will continue to have a transformational impact on economic success. The cost of the investment sought is a fraction of the value of its return to the community and the economy – #LoveOurColleges“