College networks helps 30,000 learners in record year

Open College Network West Midlands are helping to transform the lives of individuals and communities - with more than 30,000 learners working towards its qualifications over the last year.

The West Midlands-based awarding organisation (AO) is at the forefront of innovative new qualification development in collaboration with delivery partners across the UK and internationally, helping to widen participation and increase opportunities for adult learners across a wide range of vocational areas.

In particular, the AO has become one of the largest suppliers in the UK providing a comprehensive range of Access to Higher Education Diploma 's that are accepted by universities for entry onto degree courses.

These qualifications offer life-changing opportunities to learners from all walks of life across a diverse range of industry sectors and the organisation has seen record numbers of Access to HE learners, up by over 40 per cent, almost reaching 6,000 over the last year.

The impact of Covid-19 has seen an increase in demand for vocational education and training with policy makers recognising the renewed importance of lifelong learning that requires a workforce to up-skill and re-skill into new careers and new and emerging jobs for the future.

To support business growth the AO is reinvesting back into the organisation with a number of key staff appointments, the introduction of a new examination portal for international provision, and has launched a new website.

Kevern Kerswell (pictured), Open College Network West Midlands ' chief executive Officer, said: “Open College Network West Midlands has been developing qualifications linked to important industry sectors for over 35 years.

“We have seen a rapid period of growth in the number of learners and providers who have used our qualifications to change lives over the last year.

“We have been keen to play our part in supporting a skills-led recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic by working collaboratively with local FE colleges, employers and other training providers in meeting local and national skills needs, to help learners gain employment, or progress to further learning and higher education.

“We welcome any government initiative to 'level up ' and believe that we are an excellent example of levelling up in action. ”