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We are thrilled to announce that The City of Liverpool College (COLC) has been awarded the esteemed Chartered Institute for Further Education status, celebrating our exceptional standards in further education.
This prestigious accolade highlights our outstanding track record in delivering the vital skills needed in today’s Britain, placing us among an elite group of colleges across the UK to receive this honour.
Hot on the heels of our glowing Ofsted report, which praised our ‘Outstanding’ performance in areas like personal development and adult learning opportunities, this recognition is yet another feather in our cap. Inspectors from Ofsted described the student experience here at COLC as “transformative and life-enhancing,” underscoring the college’s positive impact.
The Chartered Institute for Further Education only bestows this status on colleges with exemplary long-term records of achievement, marking a significant milestone for the college.
COLC has been applauded for our high student achievement rates, national advocacy for the further education sector, as well as all the exceptional work we do directly with employers in nurturing future talent.
Damien Kilkenny, Deputy Principal at COLC, expressed his delight: “Being awarded this status, especially following our recent Ofsted report, is a wonderful testament to our dedication to high-quality education and skills development.
“This win is not only important for The College but also for the Liverpool City Region as a whole. It demonstrates the potential for skills development in the area and highlights the college’s role in shaping the economic future of the region. This accolade is a recognition of our dedication to excellence and our strong belief in the importance of further education in shaping the future of our society.”
The College was recently invited to Westminster to receive the award from CIFE Chairman, Lord Lingfield Kt DLitt EdD DL, who commented:
“On behalf of the Chartered Institution for Further Education, I was delighted to confer Membership on The City of Liverpool College. This prestigious status recognises the commitment that organisations make to upholding the highest standards in Further Education for the benefit of learners, employers and their wider communities. It is awarded only to providers that demonstrate a clear ethos of collaboration, excellence in leadership and governance and exemplary teaching and learning.”
As we join ranks of an exclusive group of leading further education institutions, COLC’s new status is a testament to our remarkable achievements and commitment to future-ready skills.
And what’s fantastic for all our students is that an accreditation assures them of a high-quality education that aligns perfectly with the needs of today’s economy. The Chartered Institute’s seal of approval validates COLC’s curriculum and our mission to prepare students for successful careers.
Local businesses and organisations partnering with us will also reap the benefits of this prestigious status. It stands as proof that we are at the forefront of developing skills to re-skill and upskill employees, providing an invaluable resource for top-tier education and training.
Explore our courses HERE.
The City of Liverpool College Adult pathways: What course do I choose?
The City of Liverpool College Adult pathways: What course do I choose?
Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, retrain for a new career, or learn something new to build your confidence, here at The City of Liverpool College we have the perfect course for you.
We believe in making education accessible for all, no matter your age. With a range of full-time and part-time courses available, the College has pathways to suit all student needs and life commitments. Ranging from hands on vocational courses to classic classroom style teachings, both online and offline, find your future here.
Full-time and part-time vocational courses
Vocational courses are great for a smooth transition from education to industry.
Work experience forms a significant part of vocational courses, meaning students have the skills to hit the ground running once they enter industry.
Our excellent industry links mean that learners will receive the latest information and expertise directly from the sector. Students benefit from on-site visits, guest speakers, work experience placements, and professional masterclasses, to name just a few benefits.
Whether your passion is for construction, health and beauty, the digital industry or virtually any other career path, we have an abundance of state-of-the-art-facilities, including specialist design studios, salons and kitchens and mechanical engineering workshops to prepare you for industry.
Find the right vocational course for you here.
Full-time academic courses
For those who want to pursue a degree but lack the qualifications to do so, Access to Higher Education or Pre-Access courses are the perfect solution.
Access courses offer an intensive learning opportunity where students will develop the knowledge and skills required to progress into higher education.
There are various Access courses to choose from – including Business & Finance, Engineering, Midwifery and Sport Science. Each one combines subject specific knowledge with preparation for undergraduate study. Access students will earn a full Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A Levels.
For those who don’t yet have the entry requirements for Access courses, don’t worry. The College also offers a Pre-Access qualification in various subjects which will support students to develop their skills and confidence ready for Access.
The Access to HE department has strong links with industry, to ensure both Access and Pre-Access programmes are in tune with the latest innovation and technological advances.
Find a full list of courses, fee details and entry requirements here.
Free online short courses
We are delighted to offer a wide range of free online courses to help adults develop in-demand skills and improve their career prospects with flexible learning to fit round other commitments. Many of these courses are 100% free of charge,
These courses are a great way to gain nationally recognised qualifications, help enhance employability or expand your knowledge in a subject that interests you.
There are over 20 short courses available spanning seven industries, including Business and Management, Caring for Children and Young People, Digital Skills for Work, Equality and Safeguarding, Health and Care and Warehousing.
Our free courses are available to start all year round and have been designed to ensure students can study around their current work and life commitments. Durations vary between five and 12 weeks and learners will achieve a Level 2 Award on completion of the course.
For those who don’t qualify for the full funding towards the course, the Colleges offers an extensive financial support package to assist students during their studies.
For full details and how to apply, visit here.
Apprenticeships
More and more adults are choosing an apprenticeship to help them gain the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience they need for either a new career, or to upskill in their current roles.
As Liverpool’s leading provider of apprenticeships, the College has worked with employers across the UK to help thousands of people start their careers. Apprenticeships give learners the opportunity to ‘earn whilst you learn’, providing adults at any stage of their life with valuable workplace experience whilst gaining a qualification.
Apprentices at the College benefit from access to industry standard workshops, purpose-built facilities and expert tutors and skills coaches – many of whom started their careers as apprentices.
From Level 2 to degree-level, the College offers a wide range of training programmes accessible to learners aged 16+. Potential job outcomes include Adult Care Workers, Business Admin, Chef de Partie, Civil Engineering Technician, Gas Engineering Operative. A full list can be found here.
Degree level/higher education
Achieving your HE qualification at college is a great alternative to university. Our University Centre is one of the largest and most successful college-based HE providers in the country, offering a high-quality academic experience which will help you develop the higher-level skills to help you succeed in your desired industry.
Our University Centre offers a higher education experience that centres around its learners and is highly valued by employers and business. Students benefit from small learning groups, access to specialist facilities and great support from our knowledgeable and industry-experienced tutors.
Our Higher National qualifications, Foundation Degrees, BA/BSc (Hons), Top-Up degrees and teacher training courses cover a wide range of subject and occupational areas, and many can be studied either full-time or part-time to fit around life commitments.
HE degrees are offered in sectors including: Art & Design, Business, Computing, Construction, Early Childhood Studies, Education and Professional Development, Hospitality Management, and Sports and Exercise Science. A full list can be found, here.
For more information about our adult courses, please visit: https://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/course-finder/adults/
