How colleges can forge new links with communities and businesses has been set out in a new framework document launched this week.

The document – Further Education Colleges – Models for Success – sets out the ways in which further education providers can respond to the needs of learners, employers and the wider community.

The government wants colleges to “make a stronger contribution to the economic and social health of local communities” by:
• Developing innovative and collaborative learning routes
• Listening and responding to employers’ needs
• Reaching out to people least likely to engage with learning
• Offering a wide range of learning opportunities and resources to their local communities.

Models for Success provides the framework, says the government, within which colleges will work towards developing or enhancing business and partnership models to achieve the targets. It is aimed at those working with, and in, the FE sector, the LSC, local authorities as well as college governors, principals and management teams.

Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell said: “Further education colleges have made huge progress and can play a crucial role in driving economic and social success through the development of the skills and talents of young people and adults.

“If we are to deliver these ambitions, we need an FE service that is innovative and flexible; one that is characterised by new ways of working, new partnerships and new business models.

“We are therefore looking to FE corporations and their management teams to ensure that their colleges are in shape for the future; able to respond to these challenges effectively and enthusiastically.”

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