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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.
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Market leader Collaborates with College
We’re excited to share the amazing news that the College has released an incredible compilation album featuring music from six of our talented students! Each budding producer has contributed their unique piece to this six-track album, showcasing their debut singles.
Released on 17/05/24, the CD is a delightful mix of genres and styles, that each include both song and instrumental – perfect for all music lovers!
The compilation album is a testament to the amazing talent emerging from The City of Liverpool College’s Arts Centre this year. We’re also thrilled to highlight that artwork for the album’s stunning cover was created by one of our gifted graphic design students.
Don’t miss out – listen here and show your support for some of Liverpool’s young, up and coming artists!
Celebrating National Supported Internship DayCelebrating National Supported Internship Day: City of Liverpool College Partners with HMRC to Offer Supported Internships for SEN Students
Today, on National Supported Internship Day, we take a moment to celebrate a successful collaboration with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in offering supported internships for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This ongoing initiative provides valuable work experience and career stepping stones for six neurodiverse students.
Since the beginning of the year, this fully-funded programme by Liverpool City Council has offered our students a structured transition from college to the workforce. Interns have gained valuable experience working as Administrative Officers at HMRC’s Liverpool office, tackling tasks like managing inboxes and spreadsheets.
We understand the importance of comprehensive support. Students receive daily employability skills training from dedicated City of Liverpool College educators. Additionally, a dedicated job coach from the charity Hft acts as a vital link between interns and HMRC. This coaching helps them understand their roles, refine workplace skills, and boost their confidence and competitiveness in the job market.
HMRC remains the first government department to partner with DFN Project Search for supported internships specifically focused on SEND students. This initiative tackles the UK’s underemployment rate for young people with SEND, currently estimated at less than five percent, DFN Project Search connects employers, colleges, and local authorities to create internship programs that empower young people with disabilities.
Harry Heavyside, a 19-year-old intern, shares his experience: “I’ve become more confident and optimistic about the future. I would recommend this to anyone. You’re not alone. It sounds like a big step, but it’s life changing. Get involved and find a place that fits you.”
National Supported Internship Day reminds us of the importance of programmes like this that empower young people with SEND. The City of Liverpool College is proud to be a part of this ongoing initiative, fostering a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.
We’re celebrating Colleges Week!
We’re celebrating National Colleges Week, 26 Feb – 01 March 2024, to showcase the incredible work colleges do up and down the country.
The theme for Colleges Week this year is on influencing, engaging, and celebrating and we’re excited to be supporting this campaign throughout the week.
With a general election looming, 2024 is set to be a defining year for the country and for the further education sector. Whoever the next government is, we want to make sure they are focussed on ensuring colleges play an even bigger role in an inclusive, tolerant, welcoming, strong society and a growing and productive economy.
During the week, we caught up with members of our Students’ Union (SU) team to talk about their engagement with the student body, how the upcoming general election will have an impact on the work they do, and where their ongoing activities link in with this year’s Colleges Week theme.
“My role as SU President and a Student Governor has given me the ability and opportunity to work with students to influence college life in a positive way through listening to students’ feedback and opinions and sharing this with others to make a positive change.
“I’m able to meet regularly with the Vice Principal, be a part of some board of governors meetings, and we also run the student rep conference to make sure students voices are heard and are able to influence change in the College.
“As part of the student parliament team, we gather feedback and ideas that I bring to senior management on behalf of students, which makes them aware of students’ opinions, challenges and how to help overcome them.
“We meet with other students each month at SU parliament meetings to gather feedback, plan celebratory events, and make sure these are diverse and inclusive for all students from all backgrounds so that everyone feels represented throughout the College and in the classroom.
“With the general election coming up later this year, we are looking to offer advice and information to students on the importance of registering to vote, to ensure that their voices can be heard. Being a part of shaping these kinds of conversations is something that I’m really grateful for, and I’m glad that we can pass on students’ thoughts and ideas to help make a difference.”
“We celebrate students in many ways, such as our celebratory cultural events. For example, I was involved in arranging Romanian national day, which we had never celebrated before in college. Events to involve all students are such a good idea to meet other students, make new friends, and learn about other people’s cultures. The events we arrange are always very successful and result in lots of engagement with students and staff, that creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
“The SU also takes produces a termly student bulletin that our student body can contribute to. We also focus on celebrating events, achievements and successes of all students. Sharing success stories between students, such as class projects, fundraisers, trips and achievements is just one of the ways we love to share and engage in celebrating each other in our college community.”
“As SU Vice President, I think we engage really well with the students. We have a big population in college across many campuses, and we find that students love engaging with us as we have a big presence in college and are there for support.
“The SU have a big presence at all college centres, making us a focal point for students to find information about events, clubs, societies, trips, or even speak to a member of the team to ask for help, or to be signposted to other internal services.
“I’m really proud of the work that we do within the SU and that we are able to be there for all students to help enrich their journey at the College. With this year being such a key year for colleges to make their opinions heard, it’s now more important than ever for us to engage with students across college to gather opinions, feedback and to ensure that student voices are shared and listened to affect positive change within the sector.”
Photo L:R Maria; Sleiman; Lanya
We’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week!We’ve launched our National Apprenticeship Week celebrations with a catch-up with 17-year-old Dylan McArdle, one of our amazing apprentice chefs. Dylan started his journey at the College back in October, and has gone from strength to strength, working alongside top culinary experts in the Alba, a popular family-run restaurant on the outskirts of the city. Dylan takes us through a typical fast-paced working day in the kitchen and tells us why an apprenticeship was the right fit for him.
‘I’ve always been a very creative person however, being a chef was never really a career prospect of mine until I was introduced to the possibilities of the culinary industry when I started working at Alba. The passion of the other chefs towards the trade and the intricate work I observed going into it really spiked my interest, and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to pursue it.’
‘Alba is a very relaxed working environment which was perfect for me just starting out, beginning my career in a family-run business created a strong support system which really assisted me and continues to do so as I progress. However, it also never fails to push and encourage me to take work to exceptional standards, which will be very beneficial as I continue my career.’
‘I chose an apprenticeship as it offers the combination of practical and theoretical learning, which is perfect, as it allows me to express my work in new and creative ways, as I learn the classic techniques of the culinary world. I’m also able to grow my talents and knowledge at a young age, whilst making a wage.’
‘My apprenticeship is full of exciting new opportunities that I wouldn’t get otherwise, I’m able to work with exceptional chefs in different environments and have been given opportunities – such as competitions and working private dinners – that have opened my eyes to lots of different paths I could take in the future.’
‘An apprenticeship opens you up to opportunities and experiences that normal education wouldn’t necessarily provide. An apprenticeship is perfect for those wanting to pursue their interests in the working world whilst still being in education, where they can gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of their field.’
‘After completing my apprenticeship, I only want to go up in the industry and hopefully landing a position in a high end kitchen with the title of sous chef or executive chef.’
‘As a hospitality business, we are approached by lots of young people looking for a part-time job as they are interested in our industry. We believe formalising that on-the-job training and allowing the apprentice to take on the College experience is really helpful, and provides a great platform to progress in our industry. We benefit greatly from the experience our apprentices gain when they are at college.
‘Our industry is a meritocracy. Success comes through hard work and dedication to the craft – an apprenticeship provides the gateway to our industry that gives structure to the training needs.
‘I think lots of employers would benefit from the structure an apprenticeship scheme offers, to help develop and monitor the progress of young people.’♦
Credit: Alba Restaurant & Bar Adam Franklin credit: Knowsley Chamber
Loudspeaker visits The City of Liverpool College
Our 14-19 year-old students were in for a real treat in December when they attended a series of action-packed workshop run by Loudspeaker.
Loudspeaker is an incredible organisation dedicated to helping young people to develop their confidence and resilience in a fun and accessible way. The workshops were interactive, exciting and, most importantly, dealt with the real-world issues that our young people face every day.
Student feedback highlighted the amazing buzz they felt in the room which they didn’t want to end. Thank you to everyone involved and the spectacular Loudspeaker team!
For a glimpse of the sessions and to hear the impact they had on our students, watch the video below:
Five reasons students choose college over university for Higher EducationDeciding to go on to higher education is always a significant milestone in a student’s life, and choosing the right path can make all the difference. For many students, colleges have become the ideal place for studying beyond Level 3 or A-levels. Here are five compelling reasons why:
1. Career Pathways: Tailored to Your Needs
One of the main reasons students opt for higher education is the promise of an exciting career. It could be said that in trying to cater for everyone, universities can sometimes lose sight of that. At the College, we keep our focus on careers and opportunities in all the courses we offer. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, looking to switch careers, or just starting out in the world of work, our HNCs, HNDs and Top-Up courses are designed to get you where you need to be.
2. Local and Flexible: Balancing Life’s Commitments
We recognise that life can feel like a juggling act at times. Unlike traditional higher education routes, the College aims to provide students with the flexibility they need to study alongside other commitments, such as work, family life, or other personal pursuits. The fact that our five campuses are in the heart of Liverpool city centre and are easily accessible means that students can seamlessly integrate higher education into their lives.
3. Better Value for Money
It’s no secret that many people are feeling financial pressure from many different directions now; we don’t think the cost of education should be one of them. Often, students choose college for HE because college programs offer better value for money compared to traditional university degrees. This means students can invest in their education without accumulating overwhelming student debt, making the path to success an easier one.
4. Industry Standard Facilities: Shaped by Employers
Here at the College, we’re not about courses, we’re about careers. That’s why our facilities are designed to give you the best possible transition into industry. From cutting-edge digital technologies to state-of-the-art laboratories and mock building sites, students who choose college benefit from an immersive learning environment that prepares them for the challenges and expectations of the real world. Employers actively contribute to shaping our facilities, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with skills that industry needs.
5. Dedicated Higher Education Support Systems
Beyond the classroom, we support each student during every step of their journey. We have a range of dedicated higher education support systems in place, offering counselling and mental health services, career guidance, childcare support and personal development coaches. As a college with strong ties to the local community and with an extensive alumni network, we recognise that success goes beyond academics. Our goal is not just to teach students, but to facilitate their personal and professional growth.
If you’re looking to take the next steps toward your dream career, and are interested in enrolling at our University Centre on one of the our HE courses, you can find out more, here:
The College supports people experiencing homelessness at its annual ‘Open House’ event
The City of Liverpool College supports more than 80 people experiencing homelessness at its annual ‘Open House’ event. The event, organised by students in partnership with Crisis and The Whitechapel Centre, is now in its 8th year.
Students from across the college got involved, including catering students and Air Cabin crew who cooked and served a free Christmas lunch for all guests. Hair and beauty and barbering students were also on hand to offer haircuts and treatments.
All guests were provided with essential winter items, such as hats, scarves and gloves donated by the college’s staff, students and partners. Crisis, the national charity for those experiencing homelessness, were also available on the day to offer support and advice to visitors.
The event was attended by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, who praised the efforts of our students. In a statement, he said: “Now more than ever, our society needs to see more compassionate, human-led approaches to helping the most vulnerable in our communities.”
The Liverpool Echo spoke to some of the catering students ahead of the event as they worked to prepare the Christmas dinners, with meat and vegetarian options available.
Student, Recce Gallagher said: “It’s a shame to see so many people on the street and it’s obviously quite bad.
“They don’t get as much help as they should from those in power, so other people have to step up. I’m in my second year now so I’ve got a fair bit of skills, and those skills can be put to use here.”
Tony Cobain, Chair of the City of Liverpool College Board of Governors, said:
“For the most vulnerable people in our community, Christmas can be a particularly challenging time of year.
“Our annual Open House is testament to the compassion and generosity of our students and the wider community. As one of the largest student communities in Liverpool, we are so proud to see young people coming together to support those less fortunate, especially during the festive season.”
Sharron McGuinness, Director at Crisis Skylight Merseyside, said:
“We are proud to be supporting this event, which not only offers immediate relief and assistance, but also raises awareness of the pressing issue of homelessness.
“By showcasing the dedication and efforts of students, we hope the event will inspire others to take action and contribute to ending homelessness in our community.”
Achieve your Accounting Qualifications with Online and On-Campus Courses
The City of Liverpool College is working in partnership with Mindful Education to deliver award-winning blended learning courses in accounting.
These courses are ideal for learners with busy lives who are looking to change careers or learn new skills for their current role.
Significant funding is available to learners through the government’s Free Courses for Jobs scheme, meaning that courses at Level 3 are free of charge to eligible learners. Funding and loans are also available for Level 2 and Level 4 courses, please contact the college for more information.
The blended learning ‘Online and On Campus’ courses are accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and offer a flexible option for study. Courses are a mixture of online study, giving learners access to high-quality video lessons with motion graphics that bring concepts to life, and regular face-to-face lessons with a college tutor and classmates who provide a valuable sounding board and help to keep learners on track.
Mindful Education, founded in 2015, works in partnership with further education colleges to deliver media-rich professional courses in accounting using a flexible, blended learning approach.
For more information out more about our partnership with Mindful Education and the funding available, click here.
