A Year In Adult and Community Learning
What a year! I had an amazing day of celebration and planning with the On Course South West team yesterday. We have a fabulous team of dedicated and passionate tutors and operational staff; they personify our mission and purpose - #wechangelives. Hearing their stories and ambitions for Plymouth and our learners was truly wonderful.
We have experienced tremendous growth in the last year. I think the pictures say it all. We have almost doubled the amount of funding we're bringing into Plymouth, Britain's Ocean City to benefit the individuals, communities and families that live here. Our portfolio of programmes has rapidly increased based on need and demand; we have excellent working relationships with employers big and small - you all matter - and have provided learning solutions to increase performance, productivity and inclusivity.
These two pictures say it all really.
Here are some highlights of the new work we've delivered in the last 12 months:
Top of the list has to be that we have once more delivered all of our Adult Education Budget and exceeded our 16-18 Study Programme allocation. This is against a local and national trend of a reduction in adult learners and funding being returned to government. I extend the highest levels of praise to the team at On Course South West and our exceptional partners, Shekinah Mission Plymouth, Odils Learning Foundation, Trevi House and Discovery College - YMCA Plymouth.
140 FREE courses for adults in Plymouth and the travel to work area available for enrolment all-year-round, featuring a comprehensive in class, blended and online suite of programmes.
We enrol and support 3500 individuals per year with their learning, skills, development and progression.
We have supported Devon County Council and CSW Group by delivering vital skills in health, care, employability, progression and digital to more than 520 learners.
We have delivered a range of bespoke programmes to organisations such as Babcock International Group and St Luke's Hospice Plymouth.
40 of our community adult learners gained qualifications in Spanish and Creative Arts.
Our first 'Your Futures' course was delivered for 16-19 / 19-25 age groups with SEND/Learning Difficulties with all gaining qualifications and progressing to further study or work.
We have delivered several highly successful Sector Based Work Academy Programmes with our partners at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which have resulted in 100% achievement and completion for all learners and more than 50% gaining jobs in key sectors.
We have delivered several unique Skills Boot Camps in digital productivity, marketing and land conservation.
We have supported three learning providers in Plymouth by delivering Google For Education 'Google Educator' programmes to enhance digital pedagogy, teaching, learning and assessment.
We have introduced a suite of new Access to HE programmes that are delivered 100% online and learners can sign up all-year-round.
We have developed a unique Pastoral Leadership Programme, delivering critical skills and knowledge for leaders and employees in understanding the individuals that make up their workforce for better inclusivity, engagement, retention and productivity.
We are delivering learning in the community, across multiple locations with more venues being added in 2024.
And finally....
an impressive 97.6% of learners would recommend OCSW to friends and family
All of this wouldn't be possible without:
the dedication and support of the team - you are amazing
our partners and stakeholders - equally amazing
our Head of Skills and Post 16 Tina Brinkworth and Plymouth City Council having a vision for adult and community learning
and an ever-increasing number of stakeholders, partners, supporters and followers.
It goes without saying, our doors are always open. I would love to hear from anyone with skills challenges and needs. We love collaborating and helping learners to be the very best they can be. Maybe we can help you and your organisation next year.
To say I am very proud to be the principal of the organisation is an understatement. We're going to need a bigger staircase for next year's photo!
#YourFutureStartsHere #WeChangeLives #SkillsForLife #ProudToLead #ReasonsToBeCheerful