www.dudleycol.ac.uk
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME There’s no point pretending that these are anything but trying times. 2008-09 has been a difficult year for many in the Black Country and the global recession has had a profound and damaging effect on our local economy. Here at Dudley College we have been acutely aware of our heightened role as many local people and businesses have turned to us for help. I believe we have risen to the challenge. Through 2008-09 we supported record numbers of both young people, on full and part time courses, and adults, following employer based learning programmes. We also introduced a suite of courses especially designed to meet the needs of those made redundant or at risk of redundancy. To accommodate demand from adult learners, we made some radical changes to the delivery pattern of many of our learning programmes, including more flexible start dates, opening at weekends, work based assessment and training during unsocial hours. These changes have not compromised the quality of our work. As Principal, I am absolutely delighted to be able to report that for the fourth consecutive year our success rates have improved, these are now above national benchmarks across all levels and across all age groups. This is a tremendous achievement. In addition, close management of our own finances, which has included a programme of efficiency savings across the college, has resulted in good financial performance, consolidating our underlying financial strength. As ever, it is the staff of the college who have delivered this performance and who deserve our thanks. We are now firmly in a position to look forward, with confidence even in these uncertain times, to a successful future.
Lowell Williams Principal 2
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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WELCOME
CHAIR’S WELCOME Welcome to our Annual Report outlining another year of success for Dudley College.
As well as thanking our staff for their efforts, I also recognise the contribution of the members of the college’s Governing Body (the Corporation) whose members give so generously of their time.
Congratulations to our learners who have achieved success from their courses and to our dedicated staff who have worked so effectively with them. The future will be challenging but we are confident that we can continue to build on the high standards we are setting. We are also hopeful that over the next year we will make real progress on new college buildings around the Broadway campus to create a new Learning Quarter close to the Town Centre.
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Viv Astling Chair of the Corporation
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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ABOUT DUDLEY COLLEGE: ABOUT US
VALUES
Welcome to Dudley College - a ‘GOOD’ college in every sense of the word. I hope that our latest annual report gives you a taste of the progress and achievements that we have made over the last twelve months, as well as a true insight into college life here.
In achieving our aims and in delivering our mission we will:
Act with integrity and mutual respect.
VISION
Communicate clearly and openly.
Our vision for the future is:
Value each and every individual.
By 2014 we will be recognised locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as a provider of high quality, successful education and skills training. Dudley College will be known as ‘a great place to study and work’. Success rates will be high and above national averages at all levels and for all ages. Teaching will be routinely good, and very often outstanding. Students and staff alike will report high levels of satisfaction with the college, certainly above averages for the sector and in line with the ‘best in class’ in the public and private sector. This vision has been enacted in our updated mission statement. Ofsted, and others, will report that Dudley College is Outstanding.
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Put the learner at the heart of all we do.
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
Recognise innovation and success. Support and encourage team working. Be a model of good equality and diversity practice. Reduce the college’s impact on its environment.
OUR MISSION Outstanding learning which develops skills, raises aspirations and changes lives.
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
ABOUT DUDLEY COLLEGE OUR FIVE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: To focus ourselves in taking the next steps, we have identified five key strategic priorities that underpin our mission and that will drive our operational actions.
Significant progress has been made in increasing overall success rates;
Priority One – A culture of high expectations, high achievement.
Train to Gain (employer based training) success rates are at a high level;
Priority Two – Towards an outstanding college.
Students make good progress compared to their prior levels of achievement;
Priority Three – Curriculum innovation. Priority Four – Effective employer engagement. Priority Five – Investing in our people. We offer a diverse vocational curriculum, to meet the needs of both employers and local communities. The curriculum is particularly strong in the following subject areas: Accounting. Art and Design. Business Studies. Construction. Creative and Performing Arts. Engineering. English for Speakers of Other Languages. Hair and Beauty. Health & Social Care. Humanities. Management & Professional programmes. Retail. Skills for Life. Teacher Training. Work Based Learning. In the June 2009 Ofsted monitoring visit, Inspectors visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
continued to note good progress, for example:
Work experience for 16-18 full time learners has been very well developed; Teaching and learning observations outcomes are well linked to staff development planning; Pre-enrolment advice and guidance and good learning materials focus on the specific requirements of students; Governors are challenging and rigorous in their approach; Equality and diversity is strong. In addition, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) noted in May 2009: Clear, comprehensive admissions policy; Helpful and informative information for students; Strong working relationship with the University of Wolverhampton; Policies aimed at widening participation are clear and support students from all backgrounds; Staff demonstrate a courteous and welcoming approach to prospective students.
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KEY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: To achieve our key strategic aims the college has identified a number of strategic objectives (as listed below). These have been carefully aligned to fit in with the Learning and Skills Council Annual Statement of Priorities as well as the envisaged priorities of the proposed Young People Funding Agency and the Skills Funding Agency who are due to commence operation on the 1st April 2010: Young people (including Employability and Citizenship). Adult skills (including Employability and Progression). Employer engagement. Teaching and learning (including Blended Learning and ICT).
Our local community will recognise Dudley as a proactive college which serves their needs and supports the economic, social and personal development of local people. Our learners will comment that our provision is welcoming and inclusive.
Marketing and communications. Quality and standards. Finance and resources (including Finance, Human Resources, IT and Estates). Leadership and management (including Quality Enhancement).
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
School Partnerships 2008/2009 Dudley North Cluster Schools Coseley
By 2015 we will be operating from new, inspirational buildings fit for education in the 21st Century.
Dormston
Our intention is to create a new building to house the proposed Dudley 6th Form Centre with learning delivered collaboratively with the college’s local partner schools. The Dudley 6th Form Centre will be a new beacon of aspiration for the north, centre and west of the borough giving learners a real choice regarding A level provision. Also within our estates strategy, we shall seek to establish a new higher education centre close to Dudley town centre, developed in partnership with our higher education partner university, the University of Wolverhampton.
Dudley West Cluster Schools
Supporting learners. Access and equality.
We work closely with 16 local schools:
Ellowes Hall High Arcal The Brier Crestwood Kingswinford Summerhill Wordsley Dudley Central Cluster Schools Castle High Hillcrest Holly Hall Pensnett Other (out of Dudley borough) Redhill (Stourbridge) George Salter (Sandwell. West Bromwich) Alexandra High (Sandwell, Tipton)
Employers will recognise the college as a key partner in driving their business performance and meeting their skills needs. Our services to employers will be flexible, responsive and effective and the college will enjoy very high levels of employer responsive provision. The college will be at the heart of regeneration strategies, and will champion collaborative initiatives, such as the South Black Country Innovation Campus.
We also work closely with numerous community and voluntary organisations, franchise partners and business intermediaries. In relation to our links with employers, through our highly successful Employer Engagement Team, we have extended our close links with over 800 local and regional employers to deliver effective training solutions. We provide employers with a single point of access to our expertise, resources and training programmes which lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
KEY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Our Principal, Lowell Williams, joined the college in March 2008. The day to day management of the college is organised through a Directorate, comprising; the Principal and the Directors: of Strategy, Learning, Student Support, Standards and Performance, Finance, Personnel, Estates and Capital Projects. The Academic Management Team is led by the Director of Learning and the Director of Student Support. Six Heads of Centre report to the Director of Learning and one Head of Centre reports to the Director of Student Support. They are supported by 23 Curriculum Managers, and together they are responsible for the quality of teaching and learning across a range of qualifications. In addition, ten Advanced Practitioners form the college lesson observation team and support the development of good practice in teaching and learning.
CORPORATION The college is governed by a board of 17 Corporation members. They include the Principal, 2 staff members, 2 student members and 12 external members drawn from business, public sector, education and community backgrounds. The Corporation elects its own Chair and Vice Chair from within its members and has a number of committees including: Finance & Estates, Standards & Diversity, Personnel, Remuneration, Search, Audit and Employer Responsiveness.
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD Having held ‘Charter Mark’ accreditation for some years, on
15 June 2009, following a successful assessment by SGS United Kingdom Ltd, the college achieved the new replacement quality mark ‘Customer Service Excellence’ (CSE), the Government standard which helps public service organisations to ensure that they put their customers at the core of what they do. “CSE recognition demonstrates to our stakeholders, customers and clients that we are fully committed to service excellence by having a good understanding of our customer base and their requirements,” said Hilary Jakovlevs, Director of Standards and Performance. ”The transition of Dudley College to the higher standards required by ‘Customer Service Excellence’ is noteworthy as it has been undertaken in an environment of necessary change within the college,” adds SGS Customer Service Excellence assessor, Bob Waddle.
Lowell Williams receiving award from Bob Waddle, CSE assessor.
COLLEGE STAFF We now directly employ over 880 teaching and business support staff. All staff have the opportunity to operate across a broad range of activities and the college is fortunate in the adaptability and flexibility of its staff. Staff have a comprehensive professional development programme that is reviewed annually. As a result of these sound systems, we continue to hold Investor in People (liP) status for our commitment to staff since 1994.
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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CORPORATION MEMBERS
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(1st August 2008 to July 2009)
Mr Viv Astling Chair of the Corporation
Mr Tony Bagley
Mr John Freeman
Served on:
Served on:
Served on:
Finance & Estates (Chair) Remuneration (Chair) Search Standards & Diversity
Employer Responsiveness Personnel Remuneration Search (Deputy Chair)
Audit Standards & Diversity
Mrs Sarah Heller
Mr Mushtaq Hussain
Mr Tony Lucas
Mr Brian Mitchell
Served on:
Served on:
Served on:
Personnel Standards & Diversity
Employer Responsiveness (Chair) Finance & Estates (Deputy Chair)
Audit (Deputy Chair) Standards & Diversity (Deputy Chair)
Mrs Judith Moore
Miss Julie Payne Staff Member
Mrs Christine Richards Staff Member
Councillor Liz Walker
Served on:
Served on:
Served on:
Served on:
Audit (Chair)
Finance & Estates Personnel Search Standards & Diversity
Finance & Estates Personnel Search Standards & Diversity
Standards & Diversity
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
Mr Peter Gardner
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
CORPORATION MEMBERS
Mr John Woodall
Mr Lowell Williams Principal
For more information on the Corporation contact our Clerk to the Corporation, Janet Boardman, on janet.boardman@dudleycol.ac.uk Served on:
Served on:
Employer Responsiveness Finance & Estates
Employer Responsiveness Finance & Estates Personnel Search and Standards & Diversity
Mr Simon Holburn Student Member (Term expired 17/10/08)
Mrs Barbara O’ Connor Vice Chair of the Corporation (Term expired 16/07/09)
Mr Lee Avery (Resigned 20/10/09)
Ms Sophia Daly Student Member (Term expired 30/06/09)
Served on:
Served on:
Served on:
Employer Responsiveness (Deputy Chair) Personnel (Chair) Remuneration & Search (Chair)
Finance & Estates Standards & Diversity
Mr Sharaz Sadiq Student Member (Resigned 30/09/09)
Mr Ben Sweeney Student Member (Term expired 23/10/09)
Personnel (Deputy Chair) Remuneration (Deputy Chair) Search Standards & Diversity (Chair)
Served on: Finance & Estates Standards & Diversity
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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OUR CAMPUSES The college operates from five campus sites across the borough. Our main campus is the Broadway Campus. This houses our 6th Form Academy, Business and Computing, Electrical, Engineering, Sports and Recreation, Foundation Studies, Marketing and Sales, International and Learner Guidance Services. Our second largest campus is Mons Hill, from which we deliver a wide range of programmes covering Hair, Beauty, Complimentary Therapies, Art, Design including makeup, costume and Media and Performing Studies. This campus also provides a welcoming environment for supported learning programmes. The campus also houses our specialist construction provision including construction craft programmes, as well as specialist provision in Gas, Heating and Ventilation and Refrigeration programmes. Dudley College’s International Glass Centre in Brierley Hill has been relocated to the Mons Hill campus. The newly refurbished centre of excellence caters for a wide range of students from all parts of the world. It has gained a reputation for being the only centre of its kind offering a hands-on practical approach to kiln, cold, stained and hot glass blowing, whilst still retaining a design input and versatility to suit enthusiasts, studio crafts persons and graduates in glass. Our next campus is Castle View. This houses our Early Years, Health and Social Care, Music and Public Services programmes. Our fourth campus is located on Dudley Road in Brierley Hill from which we offer specialist training in forklift truck and overhead gantry training, as well as our specialist employability skills programmes. This campus also houses our dedicated conferencing facilities that have proved to be very popular with the business community. Finally our fifth campus in Dudley is our Wolverhampton Street site; this is a dedicated purpose building that houses our very popular automotive programmes covering both light and heavy vehicle technology.
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
OUR NEW ESTATES PLANS The college has an ambitious redevelopment strategy for its estate over the next five to ten years. In outline these plans include establishing a town centre ‘learning quarter’ focused around the existing Broadway site. This will enable the college to eventually relocate from our existing five sites to the new town centre campus with three new buildings being developed both at the Broadway campus and adjoining land. The new buildings include a Dudley 6th Form and a Higher Education centre, which is in partnership with Wolverhampton University. A further site development in Tower Street will see the construction of a vocational centre with state of the art facilities to provide training for the retail and leisure, public services and creative and performing arts industries.
Artist impression of the new College building from the Coronation Gardens view
The development is seen as a major catalyst for the regeneration of Dudley and the wider sub-region. The design of the buildings provides a landmark statement of the college’s commitment to supporting local business and the borough’s plans to invest in Dudley town, whilst enhancing the environment for all. New state-of-the-art facilities will allow us to extend our educational provision for both young people and adults. The development will also act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Dudley and the wider sub-region, underlining our commitment to supporting the community and local business, while enhancing the environment.
Artist impression of the new College building from the Tower Street corner view
“Our plans are more than just about the opening of new buildings. We hope to raise aspiration and ambition for young people and adults, particularly in the North and centre of the borough”. Lowell Williams, Principal A final phase would see the redevelopment of some outdated buildings on the college’s Broadway site to provide modern facilities for construction and engineering. This would create a single campus for the college based in the north east quarter of the town centre. Plans are about to enter the detailed planning and design stage and we hope to start building work towards the end of 2010 with staff and students moving into the first of the new facilities by the end of 2011. visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
Artists impression of a future redevelopment of the Broadway site
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE We have made a considerable investment in the training and updating of our staff this year, both through investment in single individuals and whole college training/development days. The professional development of our staff is one of our key priorities ensuring that they are well trained and equipped with the necessary skills to undertake their individual roles. The focus of our staff development programme included;
In addition to this, three new initiatives were established: 1. The ‘Management in Action’ programme, which aimed to provide college managers with the practical skills and tools they needed to carry out their job highly effectively. This training was very warmly received and is ongoing. 2. A programme of events was specifically developed for staff who are assessors. 63 assessors attended the programme during 2008-09.
The spring term staff development day took place on 23rd February. This day was focused around the needs of teams and individuals, with a range of events being delivered throughout the day. During week commencing Monday 29 June, a whole week was devoted to staff development and training. A range of workshops was held for all staff and included: Preparing for the new 14-19 Diplomas Time Management Assertiveness
Professional qualifications for teachers, lecturers and trainers. Academic and vocational qualifications and non-certified development activities. Computer Literacy and ILT. Management development. Internal Verification and Quality Assurance. Equality, Diversity and Customer Care. Risk Management, Health and Safety.
3. The college invested heavily in creating a team of experienced practitioners from a wide spread of curriculum areas. Their purpose is to mentor/coach staff who are newly appointed or in their first year of teaching as a qualified lecturer. 37 staff participated in this programme. There were also seven wholecollege staff development days. The first of these took place on 24th October 2008 and involved all staff members. The aim of the day was to consult on the College Operational Development Plan, and for staff teams in their individual departments and sections to plan for how they could contribute to the implementation of the actions.
Customer Care The Learner Voice Improving Teaching & Learning ACT NOW! Community Cohesion Child Protection Personal Protection Functional Skills Awareness Literacy, Numeracy and IT qualifications for staff Equality and Diversity awareness raising Introduction to the Gym In addition to the above, a number of new staff and assessors obtained their initial teaching qualification (PTLLS) as part of an intensive programme delivered by the teacher training team. In total during 2008-09, the college invested around £412,000 in staff development and training.
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INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE STAFF COMMENTS MADE ABOUT TRAINING WORKSHOPS: “I am completing my teacher qualifications. This meets the college requirements but also provides me with an opportunity to review my teaching methods.”
“I have had a lot of ILT training aimed at improving how I use technology in the classroom.”
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
“The session was well organised and the time spent will prove to be very worthwhile in the future.”
“I found this useful in building on my coaching skills. It mainly enhanced skills and ideas I have but still gave me food for thought, and got me asking questions about how I could improve my own performance.”
“Brilliant workshop! Thanks to the tutor for the presentation and the much needed help.”
“The tutor delivering the session adapted very well to the wide range of needs of the individuals in the group.”
“Great! Well thought out useful session. Skills will be used within workplace.”
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INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY During 2008/09 the college committed to recruit ten apprentices to work in business support roles. The apprenticeship programme combines gaining valuable work experience with the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. By the end of July 2009 there were four apprentices employed and working. The college also committed to offer eight full time placements for six months under the Graduate Internship Programme. This initiative will provide valuable experience to graduates in assisting with strategically important projects throughout the college. Working alongside partners such as Dudley Council, the college will offer ten full time paid placements under a project known as Future Jobs. Recruitment to these placements will begin at the start of the 2009/10 academic year. Placements will include a range of areas such as Estates and Premises, Conferencing and Business Administration.
INTERNAL QUALITY ACCREDITATION expectations achievements Academic staff receive recognition of their performance via lesson observation grades, but there has been nothing similar in place for business support areas. A project has therefore been undertaken during 2008-09 to develop a quality standard that is applicable and relevant to such staff, and has been branded as the ‘HEHA’ kitemark.
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The project has been warmly received by staff and will be fully rolled out across the college over the next two years.
INVESTORS IN PEOPLE In March 2009, we successfully maintained our IiP accreditation. Many strengths were recognised by the assessor, such as: Organisational restructuring that provides a better, ‘fit for purpose’ approach; Investment in management training, including cultural and leadership development; The participative approach to developing vision and strategy in the college; Clarity of role has high impact on performance; High levels of accountability; Strategic approach in developing student support and the ‘student voice’; Effectiveness of internal communications; Effectiveness of the performance accountability framework;
A survey conducted on employers’ views of the college found us to be ‘satisfactory’, missing a ‘good’ grade by 0.1%! The ‘professionalism’ of staff and ‘would recommend Dudley College to another employer’ scored the most highly, being better than the average of all other providers. Our resource efficiency was also graded as ‘good’.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY We have been working hard to embed sound equality and diversity principles into everything we do, whether it relates to staff recruitment or the student experience. We were invited by the LSC to contribute to the production of “The amazing thing about teens – stuff you should know” - a guide aimed at 14 – 19 year olds exploring diversity. Our Equality and Diversity Officer, and several students, were happy to oblige!
FRAMEWORK FOR EXCELLENCE This is a national performance assessment framework for education providers developed by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) during 2008. The college participated in this assessment framework and achieved the following results. A ‘learners’ views’ survey found that we are a ‘good’ college, with ‘being treated with respect’ and ‘receiving help from staff’ scoring the most highly, those scores being equal to, or better than, the average of all other providers. visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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OUR CURRICULUM Here at Dudley College, we offer the following diverse curriculum: A LEVELS
ACCOUNTING
We offer over 32 different A Level subjects at both AS and A2 level including Sciences, Humanities, Business, Arts and Language subjects.
Our accounting courses allow learners to progress from basic book keeping, computerised accounts and payroll through to a professional level of accounting. We are also an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) assessment centre.
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Our Access courses give adults who have missed out on educational opportunities earlier in life, or those who are looking to change their career, the opportunity to gain qualifications which will allow them to enter Higher Education on a degree or HND course. The varied pathways offer opportunities to move on to higher education courses at a range of universities.
ADMINISTRATION, SECRETARIAL & IT The administration, secretarial and IT courses we offer provide general training in a range of areas, or allow for specialisation. They are suitable for those people just starting out or for those looking to progress their careers. All of the courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications and most offer work experience. We also deliver Apprenticeships, Advanced Apprenticeships and NVQs at levels 1- 3 in Business & Administration. These are delivered in the workplace and take 6-18 months to achieve depending on the level.
BUSINESS STUDIES Our business courses enable learners to gain a good understanding of the business and finance industry. We run courses to suit all abilities including National and Higher Certificate/ Diplomas giving learners the chance to progress on to university or join a trainee management scheme.
CHILDCARE & EARLY YEARS These courses enable learners to develop personal and professional skills in their preferred vocational
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area, gain work experience with local employers and also provide them with the opportunity to progress on to university, or a career in the Early Years sector. Our Early Years qualifications provide professional status.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES With three fully equipped therapy rooms at our Mons Hill Campus, we specialise in a wide variety of part-time courses, including Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy and Reflexology. These courses provide students with both theoretical and practical skills in their chosen subject area.
COMPUTING & IT Substantial investment in training and equipment has helped to raise the quality of our IT provision at the college to meet the needs of employers. By offering a range of industry recognised hardware and networking qualifications, including Cisco CCNA, A+ Computer Maintenance and Installation and the HNC/D in Computing. The quality of IT provision is of a standard that allows the development of high level vocational and academic skills.
CONSTRUCTION We offer a number of full and part time construction programmes, covering both practical and theoretical elements. The vocations on offer include Brickwork, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Mechanical Services, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. All learners, including local school pupils have access to specialist training workshop areas.
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
OUR CURRICULUM
ENGINEERING Engineering is one of our key curriculum areas; we offer a wide range of engineering and technology courses, staffed by highly qualified and skilled engineering practitioners. We have invested substantially in new equipment and technology resources to enhance the learning experience for our students. We offer work-based learning and full and part-time courses in Engineering at levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 including Electrical and Electronic, Electronics and Computing, Operations and Maintenance, Manufacturing and Motor Vehicle Studies.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL), ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (EFL) AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES We offer a wide range of English Language courses to both international and home students, from Entry level to English for students who wish to go to university. Classes are offered in college in specialist accommodation, in the community and in the workplace. Students can study towards Edexcel exams and develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Our foreign language provision focuses on European business languages and can be delivered on company premises. We also deliver ESOL to companies at their premises.
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
FIRST AID & FOOD HYGIENE Our First Aid courses include programmes specifically for the workplace and for those working with children. Our recognised Food Hygiene qualifications are essential if food handling is likely to be a part of a job role in any sector of the food industry.
HAIR & BEAUTY We offer a full range of vocational courses in both Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. Learners have access to fully equipped salons and treatment areas. Learners treat clients under realistic working conditions. Regular demonstrations of the latest hairdressing and beauty techniques are provided by guest presenters.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
MANAGEMENT & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Our Management & Professional courses offer a wide range of professional qualification pathways, encompassing many business-focused subjects: Personnel and Development, Leadership and Management, Credit Management, Accounting, Marketing and Purchasing & Supply. Learners can develop skills and improve career prospects, either within an existing career path, or in an entirely new direction.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE We have increased the breadth of our media programmes by offering Music Technology and Music Performance National Diploma. These are specialist programmes that prepare learners for courses in performance and composition.
These include NVQs, OCR Level 1 Health and Social Care and BTEC National Certificate and Diplomas. Through one of our partners we also offer the Registered Manager Award for those with managerial responsibilities within the care sector.
INDEPENDENT SKILLS FOR LIVING & LEARNING These programmes are for young people and adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and are designed to develop their communication skills and confidence levels. Support is available to meet learner needs and prepare them for both work and mainstream study.
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PUBLIC SERVICES Popular with 16-18 year olds, these programmes are for anyone considering a career in the emergency services or armed forces. These courses require active participation in a range of fitness and outdoor related activities.
RETAIL & CUSTOMER SERVICES Our Customer Service NVQs cover subjects such as understanding and delivering good customer service and dealing with customer complaints. Retail NVQs provide an insight into the principles and processes of retail and provide learners with an understanding of how to maximise sales and profit, good customer care, efficient stock control and merchandising.
SKILLS FOR LIFE Skills for Life courses are for adults who would like to return to learning in order to improve their English, Maths and ICT skills. Reasons for returning are varied, but many wish to improve job and promotion prospects or to support their children with school work. Courses are available to suit all levels of ability and learners work at their own pace in small groups.
This supports a major government initiative to improve the basic skills of the workforce.
SPORT The college offers an extensive range of sports related programmes through our Sport Academy that is affiliated to the British Colleges of Sport (BCS). Our sports offer includes Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country Running, Football, Fitness, Netball,Volleyball and Racquets. Significant investment has ensured that learners have access to industry standard fitness equipment supported by fully qualified tutors.
TEACHER TRAINING We offer courses ranging from Teaching Assistant up to the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and Professional Development Certificate in Education in the Lifelong Learning Sector delivered under a partnership agreement with the University of Wolverhampton. We also run Assessor and Verifier awards.
TRAVEL & TOURISM These programmes are very popular with our 16-18 year old learners, and provide a basis for a career in the travel and tourism industry. Courses offer a broad range of skills to prepare learners for work in travel and tourism, e.g. ticketing, airline cabin crew and resort representatives.
VISUAL ARTS, DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE Our Visual Arts, Design and Performance courses provide learners with a range of qualification pathways from BTEC National Certificate and Diplomas through to higher level awards. Pathways include Fashion and Textiles, Photography, Graphic Design and 3D Product Design. Our drama and performance learners have access to good studios and workshops and working with leading experts in these fields further adds to the experience for students from both media and performing arts disciplines. New this year is a Foundation degree in Musical Theatre running in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton which has attracted a lot of interest.
WORK BASED LEARNING Training in the workplace is delivered through the work based learning team and includes National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Apprenticeships in Accounting, Administration, Construction, Customer Service, Engineering, Librarianship, Mechanical Services, Motor Vehicle, IT Practitioners and Support , Retail and Warehousing and Distribution.
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OUR CURRICULUM SUCCESS TO EMPLOYMENT “An exciting time ahead for the area of Apprenticeship and Employability Programmes” 2008/2009 sees the area developing further by adding two new training programmes, that offer individuals the opportunity to further develop or experience new or existing skills, for the world of work. To support and strengthen our work base learning provision, here at Dudley College we are now very pleased to add an additional pathway for students wishing to do an apprenticeship. In partnership with the Job Centre the “Success to Employment” programme is a new, individualised skills development initiative that is designed not only to meet the needs of the individual, but to develop skills that reflect current local job opportunities. Each programme is demand led and will significantly raise skill levels and open up previously unreachable employment opportunities. This provision will be delivered at one of our 5 campuses depending on the individual programme, but will initially start at our Brierley Hill campus. All training will lead to a recognised Level 2 or Level 3 qualification and may also include a basic skills qualification, depending on the clients individual skills on entry to this programme. Old skills can be refreshed or clients can begin to work towards a new sector area for future employment opportunities. Enrolment onto the programme can be either through referral from Job Centre Plus, Signpost Centre or by direct contact to the Success to Employment team at Dudley College.
visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk
All clients must be on Job Seekers Allowance and have been so for 6 months or more. Each client is invited to attend an informal Initial Assessment and Guidance interview to determine the correct path for each individual.
Once each student has moved into employment and completed the course, further progression pathways are available.
Clients will also choose from a list of vocational pathway qualifications for several sector areas. These career pathways have been identified as skill shortage areas and often lead to sustainable employment.
PROGRAMME LED APPRENTICESHIP (PLA) Programme Led Apprenticeship or PLA is an apprenticeship programme without having to be employed to start. Students can undertake a block of up-front skills training, which means they have skills to offer employers when matched to the world of work. Programmes are tailor made to individual needs, and there are no set entry requirements. On the PLA, individuals will have the opportunity of working towards several qualifications that include an NVQ and Key Skills, they also undertake training in employment rights and responsibilities and any other specialist training that is relevant for employment when the programme finishes or while studying.
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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WHAT DO OUR LEARNERS STUDY? In the last academic year 2008/09 we have supported over 20,000 learners, following a diverse curriculum. The pie chart below shows participation by subject sector areas:
PARTICIPATION BY SUBJECT AREA (BASED ON ENROLMENTS IN 2008/09)
Construction, Planning & the Built Environment (6%)
Art, Media & Publishing (6%)
Science & Mathematics, Agriculture, Horticulture & Animal Care, History, Philosophy & Theology, Social Sciences, Language, Literature & Culture, Education & Training, Leisure, Travel & Tourism (10%)
Retail & Commercial Enterprise (6%)
Preparation for Life & Work (27%)
Business, Administration & Law (9%)
Health, Piublic Services & Care (10%)
Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies (14%) Information & Communication Technology (12%)
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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PROFILE OF OUR LEARNERS LEARNERS - WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? % Learners Dudley
54%
Sandwell
12%
Birmingham
8%
Staffordshire
8%
Other
18%
16-18 LEARNERS - WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? % Learners
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Dudley
70%
Sandwell
16%
Birmingham
6%
Staffordshire
3%
Other
5%
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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19+ LEARNERS - WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? % Learners Dudley
50%
Sandwell
10%
Staffordshire
9%
Birmingham
9%
Other
22%
LEARNERS AGE/MODE OF ATTENDANCE % Learners 16-18 19+ Full time
6%
16-18 Part time
6%
19+ Part time
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
14%
74%
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PROFILE OF OUR LEARNERS LEARNERS AGE/GENDER % Learners Female 16-18
9%
Female 19+
36%
Male 16-18
11%
Male 19+
44%
LEARNERS ETHNICITY % Learners Any other
1.9%
Other Black
Other Asian
1.3%
Black Caribbean 2.5%
Bangladeshi
1.0%
Chinese
0.3%
Indian
5.7%
Mixed
2.7%
Pakistani
5.0%
Not known/not 1.9% provided
Black African 1.7%
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% Learners
White
0.6%
75.4%
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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OUR SUCCESS: The Learning and Skills Council produces benchmarking data every year, which measures levels of success, retention and achievement of further education colleges across England. The improvement in our learners’ success rate has mirrored the national average. The college’s success rates are calculated using a nationally agreed methodology depending on
whether the programmes are largely college based or alternatively work place delivered. This approach enables all training providers to be compared on a like for like basis against nationally derived success rates. In relation to courses aimed at learners and delivered at the college, our success rates include all relevant programmes but exclude short and very short courses (typically less than 6 weeks duration) and any programmes that are aimed at employers. The following graphs 1, 2 and 3 show how well the college is performing for individual learners. 80
GRAPH 1: SUCCESS OVERALL - ALL LEARNERS
70 60
Overall college success rate is 77%.
College Success Rate %
50
Overall college success rate has improved by 24% over the last four years. Overall college success rate is now 2% above the national average.
40 30
National Success Rate %
20 10 0 2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
80
GRAPH 2: SUCCESS 16-18 LEARNERS
70 60 50
College Success Rate %
40 30
National Success Rate %
20
Success rate for 16-18 learners is 79%. Success rate for 16-18 learners has improved by 18% over the last four years. Success rate for 16-18 learners is now 3% above the national average.
10 0 2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09 80
GRAPH 3: SUCCESS 19+ LEARNERS
70 60
Success rate for 19+ learners is 76%. Success rate for 19+ learners has improved by 26% over the last four years. Success rate for 19+ learners is now 3% above the national average.
College Success Rate %
50 40 30
National Success Rate %
20 10 0 2005/06
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
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OUR SUCCESS
For employer based programmes, overall learner success rates are calculated on the basis of the number of apprentices who leave the programme with their apprenticeship certificate compared to the total number of apprentices who left the programme in each year. Timely success is a measure of those learners who completed their course ahead of target. Success rates for Train to Gain programmes are also based on this approach. The following graphs 4, 5 and 6 show how well the college is performing against workplace delivered qualifications.
“Teaching and learning are good. The majority of lessons offer learners a wide range of activities which challenge and motivate, and include effective use of information technology (ILT).� Ofsted - Dudley College Inspection Report June 2008
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GRAPH 4: TRAIN TO GAIN OVERALL SUCCESS RATES
80 70
Overall college Train to Gain success rate is 92%.
60
College Success Rate %
50 40
Train to Gain success rates have improved by 11% in the last three years.
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Train to Gain learner numbers have increased by 1828 in the last three years.
20 10 0 2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
80
GRAPH 5: APPRENTICESHIP OVERALL SUCCESS RATES Overall apprenticeship success rates have improved from a low base to the national average.
70 60
College Success Rate %
50 40
Overall apprenticeship success rate has improved by 14% in the last four years. * National success rates for 2008/09 are not yet available
30
National Success Rate %
20 10 0 2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
80
GRAPH 6: ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP OVERALL SUCCESS RATES
70 60
College Success Rate %
50
Overall advanced apprenticeship success rates are above the national average.
40 30
National Success Rate %
20
Overall advanced apprenticeship success rates have been above the national average for the last four years.
10
* National success rates for 2008/09 are not yet available
0 2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
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2008/09
DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2008/09 was a challenging financial year for the college.
mainly as a result of an increase in Funding Council income of £2.3 million with smaller increases in education contracts and other income.
As part of the college’s long term aspiration to assure its future, increased attention was paid to assuring planned growth in income against ambitious funding targets whilst carefully managing expenditure.
Expenditure costs rose by £2.3 million mainly as a result of costs incurred to generate the income increases and achieve LSC funding targets.
Indeed against a backdrop of a challenging external environment including the wider economic downturn and the emergence of a projected midyear financial shortfall, the college was successfully able to achieve a modest operating surplus (after accounting for extraordinary restructuring costs). To support our drive towards greater financial efficiency, the college introduced a range of initiatives to more effectively manage our finances; these included a more robust business planning and financial reporting framework that provided a greater control of income and expenditure levels across the organisation. In addition, regular performance monitoring and variation reports allowed the early identification of “hot spot” issues enabling robust corrective actions to be implemented including managing staff costs more closely in line with comparable sector averages.
FIXED AND CURRENT ASSETS The college continues to carefully manage its investment in fixed assets. Significant investment has been made in upgrading many curriculum facilities, particularly in growth areas such as the construction trades. In addition, enhanced office accommodation has been completed for many central administrative areas, and student social spaces have continued to expand. We have now made significant progress with developing our long term capital estates strategy. Having been forced to redevelop our thoughts following the drying up of LSC capital funding, the college has reshaped its previous plans and is now working on a phased approach to developing a ‘campus feel’ to its main Broadway site. Plans are well advanced to acquire the designated land plots, appoint a professional design team, and secure loan financing support to enable our plans to come to fruition.
COLLEGE INCOME 2008-09
Funding Councils Education Contracts
Other Income Investment Income
Tuition Fees
COLLEGE EXPENDITURE 2008-09
Staff
Premises Costs
Teaching Costs
Depreciation
Non-Teaching Costs
Interest Payable
COLLEGE ASSETS 2008-09
INCOME & EXPENDITURE In the last financial year, we achieved the following in terms of income: Overall income increased considerably by £2.6 million,
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
We will continue to manage our financial position carefully in 2009/2010, ensuring that our steadily improving financial health is not adversely affected by our building project.
Land & Buildings
Intangible Assets
Equipment
Debtors
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OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2008 - 2009 COLLEGE INCOME 2008-2009 Funding Councils Education Contracts Tuition Fees Other Income Investment Income TOTAL INCOME
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY £27,736,000 £437,000 £1,759,000 £1,729,000 £610,000 £32,271,000
FIXED ASSETS Land and Buildings Equipment Intangible Assets
COLLEGE EXPENDITURE 2008-2009 Staff Teaching Costs Non Teaching Costs Premises Costs Depreciation Interest Payable TOTAL EXPENDITURE
£20,997,000 £469,000 £6,933,000 £1,777,000 £1,437,000 £666,000 £32,279,000
Less: FRS 17 pension cost adjustments UNDERLYING OPERATING SURPLUS
£778,000 £770,000
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEARS ENDED 31 JULY 2008 AND 2009
CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Investments and cash
LIABILITIES Creditors Total assets less current liabilities
2009 £000
2008 £000
£23,417 £2,955 £28
£23,233 £2,939 £30
£26,400
£26,202
£1,293 £11,595
£751 £14,200
£12,888
£14,951
£3,783
£5,043
£35,505
£36,110
£2,708 £1,671 £9,129 £3,069
£3,040 £1,631 £9,154 £2,692
2008/09 £000
2007/08 £000
LONG TERM LIABILITIES Creditors after one year Provisions Net Pension Liability Deferred Capital Grants
£27,736
£25,385
NET ASSETS
£18,928
£19,593
Tuition fees and education contracts
£2,196
£1,977
Other income
£2,339
£2,300
£32,271
£29,662
RESERVES Revaluation General Reserve Pension Reserve
£11,931 £16,126 (£9,129)
£12,175 £16,572 (£9,154)
TOTAL RESERVES
£18,928
£19,593
£20,997
£20,503
Other operating expenses
£9,179
£7,690
Depreciation and interest payable
£2,103
£1,752
£32,279
£29,945
INCOME Funding Council Grants
EXPENDITURE Staff costs
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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INSTRUCTORS TRAIN FIREFIGHTERS TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD Over twenty one instructors from the West Midlands Fire Service training centre in Smethwick have completed a new teaching qualification. The instructors who are responsible for the training of new recruits, updating the skills of qualified fire fighters along with delivering talks to schools, local companies and community organisations completed the teacher training course with on-site training delivered by Dudley College.
The two stage course which is awarded by the University of Wolverhampton is aimed at developing key teaching skills: such as planning lessons, effective delivery methods, learning styles, questioning techniques and identifying individual needs. Standards and Performance Manager John O’Dwyer said, “The course enabled the instructors to further develop their already high quality training methods. New recruits to the Fire Service have so much to learn during an intensive training programme but the instructors are now even better equipped to transmit their knowledge.”
Keith Richards, Manager of the Brigade Training Centre at Smethwick said, “The training of people to carry out such a complex and potentially dangerous task as fire fighting is one that requires the highest levels of skills amongst those providing that training. Anything that supports and improves the process is of great value to us. This course has provided that boost for our instructors and this gives me confidence that we can take our training to a higher level which will in turn make our staff and public safer.”
Firefighters with middle front John O’Dwyer, Standards and Performance Manager at Dudley College. On his right is Keith Richards, Manager of the Brigade Training Centre at Smethwick.
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
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IN THE NEWS
TOM’S ALL SET TO BUILD A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION An annual campaign on Adult Learners’ week (9th May), was celebrated in more than 40 countries, to inspire people like Tom Palethorpe to pursue adult learning. When Tom was excluded from mainstream education at the age of 11, his future looked bleak – but he is now laying the foundations at Dudley College for a career as a building surveyor, with help from the Learning and Skills Council’s Adult Learning Grant. Tom, age 25, suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which wasn’t diagnosed at the time. He couldn’t concentrate or sit still in class and within a year of starting secondary education was sent to a behavioural school, which he left two years later with no formal qualifications. He was 14 when he got his first job as a kitchen porter in a restaurant, and since then has had many different part-time and fulltime jobs, mostly office-based. Tom was always determined to improve his career prospects and completed college courses in IT, catering and hospitality, brick making and painting and decorating from the age of 14, before starting full-time work seven years ago.
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He recently enrolled on a twoyear National Diploma Level 3 in Construction at Dudley College, and his long-term ambition is to be a building surveyor for an insurance company. “I never really learned how to write essays and learning how to study has been difficult for me because I missed out on so much when I should have been at school,” he said. “The course is hard work but rewarding – it’s worth persevering and I’m committed to seeing it through.
“Anybody who’s thinking about returning to education should definitely go for it. There are lots of opportunities to train to do something that you’ll enjoy, and the extra money has made it possible for me to do this.” College Principal Lowell Williams said, “Tom’s story is one of perseverance, hope and ultimately success. Tom is an inspiration to others. It just goes to show what can be achieved at a further education college, like Dudley College, with the help of all the staff and the boost of an Adult Learning Grant.”
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STUDENTS GO THE EXTRA MILE
A group of female students from Dudley College have won the British Colleges Sport West Midlands Cross Country event. The girls are now hard at training in preparation for the British Colleges Sport National finals held at Loughborough University next April. These games see over 2000 of the finest Under 19 athletes compete in a variety of sports.
Student Leonnie Preece said, “We are so excited to be going to the finals. To compete against some of the best in the country is amazing, we are training hard and can’t wait to get there.” The girls won the regional event and are now representing the whole of the West Midlands at these prestigious games.
Cross Country Coach Rachel Corns said, “This is a fantastic achievement. Last year we had one female runner qualify for the individual competition and this year we have the whole squad going to the Championships. The girls will be up against Olympic and Commonwealth hopefuls so the competition will be fierce. They are training hard at college and are all looking forward to the experience.”
Dudley College’s association with the British Colleges Sport offers the opportunity for students to participate in a wide range of both regional and national events. Being a member of British Colleges Sport provides the college with opportunities to compete regionally and nationally in a variety of sports. British Colleges Sports aim is to achieve excellence in the promotion of all aspects of sport and physical activity in the Further Education sector.
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
Front to back Roxeanne Kerrigan (red top), Hayley Betts, Danielle Harding, Kirsty Beckett, Charmalyn Rhoomes, Leonnie Preece.
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IN THE NEWS
GLITTERING EVENT HELD TO HONOUR STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENTS Students at Dudley College were honoured at an annual ceremony to celebrate their success. Over 40 students picked up awards for their hard work and determination over the academic year and celebrated with their family, friends and tutors at a glittering ceremony held at the Broadway Campus. Tutors at Dudley College nominated students that deserved recognition for their special achievements and students who have achieved against the odds through their sheer determination and effort to reach their goals.
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The evening started with a vibrant lively Catwalk Extravaganza from the Fashion & Textile students followed by the presenting of the awards. To close the evening students studying Musical Theatre performed an extract from their latest production ‘Hot Mikado’. One of the winning students, Steve Austin from Walsall said, “I really enjoyed the evening it was brilliant. I feel very proud of my achievements and have enjoyed my learning experience so much that I have set my sights on becoming a lecturer here. I would like to thank all my tutors for their support and help over the years.” Steve enrolled in September 2006 and has completed an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship
in Heating and Ventilating (Service and Maintenance), plus a raft of domestic and industrial ACS gas qualifications. Curriculum Manager Robert Partridge said, “Steve has been a model student, he has worked extremely hard over the years he has been with us which shows in his achievements. We also have to acknowledge Steve’s employer Robert Gordon who had a significant part to play in his development.” College Principal Lowell Williams said, “Here at Dudley College we work with over 20,000 students every year. Through the presentation of these prestigious awards we have the chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of some of our most special students.”
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IN THE NEWS
DUDLEY COLLEGE - OUTSTANDING ‘A’ LEVEL RESULTS
The establishment of an ‘A Level Academy’ at Dudley College in 2007 is reaping benefits for students hoping to go to university. The college is absolutely thrilled to report its best ever A Level results this year, with an average pass rate of 97.4% and a pass rate of 100% in more than twenty subjects. In addition the college’s overall A-C grade profile increased by 2%. This is the third year running that the college’s A level success rates have risen. Students’ performance was particularly impressive in 23 subjects at A2 Level, recording
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
a 100% pass rate. This is a tremendous achievement as it includes the more challenging subjects of Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Environmental Science, Psychology and Sociology. Pass rates in some subject areas have shown a marked increase over the last couple of years, especially in Film Studies, French, Physics, and Spanish, an achievement acknowledged by Bob Chapman, Director of Learning who said: “Students coming to Dudley College work hard, and our A level students are no exception. Their efforts over the last two years are reflected today and we wish them well in their future endeavours”.
Principal Lowell Williams said: “This is a truly fantastic set of results. We are committed to giving the young people of Dudley and surrounding communities the very best chance to succeed. We are delighted with our A level pass rate and it’s just great to see so many happy students here in Dudley. Their hard work and the dedication and commitment of their teachers have been well rewarded once again. All our students and staff should be celebrating - they deserve it. We will now be working with all our A level students to ensure they find a good place at University.”
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SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT CASE STUDY ONE: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH PARTNERSHIP WORKING DELIVERS RESULTS Dave Morgan, Training Co-ordinator
For many companies, the last 12 months have proved to be a watershed in focusing attention on the cost base of their operations. Indeed against a backdrop of the toughest economic conditions that many can remember in living memory, the focus has increasingly been on survival and protecting cash flow. Particularly for companies within the engineering and manufacturing sector, times have been particularly tough with the reduction in order volumes as key customers scale back their purchasing needs. For some, the challenge has been too great and led to their business being put into administration. One company that has gone through these changes and appears to be successfully moving forward to the other side is Chamberlin and Hill Castings Ltd, part of the Chamberlin PLC group. Predominantly a foundry and specialised castings business, the company recognised the need early on to support staff through these difficult challenges by working in partnership with Dudley College and Unite the Union. Following the introduction of short time working across the organisation as a result of falling order values, the company was keen to ensure that as many of its staff could access training opportunities and update their skills whilst
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supporting them to develop new ones to match future business needs. Dave Morgan Training Co-ordinator at Chamberlin and Hill Castings Ltd put the challenge more bluntly, “For many of our staff this was the first time since leaving school that they have had to look at their options, this was both a daunting and stressful time and needed to be carefully managed”. Keen to support the company at its time of need, a support package was quickly put into place through Dudley College and Unite the Union and its workplace learning representatives, consisting of advice and guidance workshops, skills scans, plus the offer of a range of supported training courses under the banner of ‘Protect Your Future’. The support package was delivered at the company’s onsite learning centre with drop in workshops and flexible attendance patterns allowing employees to attend regardless of shift patterns.
Vic Reid Director of Strategy commented that “One of the benefits of working in partnership with the company and Unite the Union was that collectively we were able to quickly put in place targeted support and resources at the time of greatest need”. Indeed, through the work of the partnership, the company has now opened up its training centre to local residents as part of a wider community based engagement strategy. Recently the company held a successful community based learning festival that allowed it to reach out and successfully engage with its local community. Looking to the future, back to Dave Morgan, “We are cautiously optimistic that we will be seeing the early signs that we have now turned the corner, but much work still needs to be done. The prompt support provided through the partnership that we have with Dudley College and Unite the Union has assisted us greatly – and that’s a real positive!”.
Initial results are encouraging as the uptake of staff in improving their skills has been much greater than originally envisaged. One noticeable area of success was the number of staff keen to improve upon their literacy and numeracy qualifications, as well as trying out other qualifications such as iTQ and Health and Safety progression awards.
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CASE STUDY TWO: HIGH PERFORMING LOCAL AUTHORITY FORMS A STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP WITH LOCAL COLLEGE Gail Rider, Head of Business Transformation
What makes a high performing local authority such as Telford and Wrekin Council choose Dudley College to support its key flagship corporate training programme? Well, an established track record of delivering high quality workplace training, a keen attention to detail and a commitment to work in partnership with the authority were just three of the qualities that influenced the council to select a Dudley College led consortium for its corporate business transformation programme. Situated approximately 30 miles west of Birmingham, the borough of Telford & Wrekin covers 112 square miles and serves a population of 166,000. The authority has set itself ambitious plans to be recognised as a beacon of best practice in the public sector through embracing innovative techniques and processes as to how it manages its business operations. The programme forms part of a three year transformation strategy to undertake a root and branch review of all the authority’s key business planning and service delivery areas, focusing on improved service standards and delivering outstanding value to its residents. The authority was keen to realise the potential benefits of adopting new ways of working and reengineering internal operations with a focus on quality and value for money through the introduction of a process known as business improvement techniques (BiT).
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DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 2008 - 2009
Traditionally seen within the automotive and engineering sector, essentially BiT is a set of improvement techniques that focus on streamlining internal processes particularly those that do not add any value to the business, as well as mistake proof systems and procedures with the aim of making internal business operations more focused. The application of BiT is still a relatively uncommon process outside of the engineering and manufacturing sector and the authority is one of the first in the country to apply it wholesale across its entire organisation. Keen to select the right partner, the college consortium went through an exhaustive selection process covering all aspects of its work in order to convince the authority that it had the capability and flexibility to meeting the councils exacting training needs. Gail Rider, Head of Business Transformation at the authority said, “As a progressive authority, we believe in developing our teams, giving them the skills they need to be effective in their jobs and help the authority to deliver its long term vision. What impressed us was that the Dudley College partnership took the time to clearly understand our business and helped us identify and plan a training programme that clearly meets the needs of the authority and its staff”.
To support the programme, the college consortium has established an onsite learning centre located in Telford where council employees learn the techniques and principles of BiT before working on a range of real projects demonstrating how the business has improved as a result. Andrew Winning from LEAD Ltd who are the other partner in the college consortium said, “The programme is very much focused on helping the employees of the authority to learn the skills of ‘lean thinking’ and then apply the skills directly into their workplace through the development of a workplace project. Each project needs to demonstrate the saving it has made to the authority and cumulatively it all adds up to a realised saving for the council”. Looking towards the future, initial results are very encouraging, staff from across various council business units are now working cooperatively on a range of projects to improve and simplify the internal process. Indeed, with increased pressure being placed on all areas of the public sector to tighten their belt, linked to the general downturn in the economy, the programme at Telford is being closely watched by a range of other public sector bodies keen to demonstrate best value!
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SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT CASE STUDY THREE: DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE THROUGH INVESTMENT IN STAFF TRAINING Judith Turner, Training & Development Manager
Against a back drop of challenging performance targets and a desire to become a Foundation NHS Trust, the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust is justifiably proud of its recent award of being rated as “Excellent” for its quality of services in the latest annual health check carried out by the Healthcare Commission1. More impressive is the fact that this is second year running that the hospital has been rated as “Excellent” for the Quality of Services it provides. What was the secret to this remarkable achievement? Well it seems that it is all about having a clear focus and commitment in investing in your staff. As one of the largest employers in Wolverhampton, the Trust is responsible for the training and development of over 2,000 staff and is keenly aware that staff training and continual professional development is at the heart of its business in delivering clinical and service excellence at all levels. Judith Turner, Training and Development Manager placed the challenge more simply “The Trust is committed to a ‘vision of excellence’ and as such takes its responsibility in staff personal 1 The Care Quality Commission has published the Annual Health Check on The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust for the year ended 31st March, 2009
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development and training very seriously. The challenge for us is on the breadth and depth of training needed with staff in varying job roles and as such we will only work with training providers that can deliver provision to an exceptionally high standard, Dudley College is one such provider”. Why Dudley College? Well it seems that part of the answer was in how the college took time to carefully understand what the Trust was trying to do and then sought to work in partnership. It also helped that the college was able to demonstrate its commitment to excellence through being one of the few providers in the region to be kite marked to the Customer First accreditation standard2. Vic Reid, Director of Strategy at the college commented “one of the key college responses was to meet with Judith and her team to discuss the training and development requirements of the Trust and then draw up a detailed support proposal of how the college could assist through various funding options including Train to Gain. We also recognised early on that what the Trust wanted was someone who would deliver on their promise”.
2 Customer first is a nationally accredited award that promotes excellence in Customer service through independently verifying accredited providers have a common quality standard for improving the customer’s experience of business support services.
As a result of the college’s work, a detailed training programme that reflected the needs of the Trust was established which clearly showed the value of working in partnership and how it helped to support the business. Initial results are very encouraging with the Trust’s employees being able to access funding for a number of different courses including NVQ in Health and Social Care, Business Administration, Housekeeping and an iTQ course, plus shorter courses in Food Hygiene. The support provided through the college has also enabled the Trust to demonstrate its commitment towards the Skills Pledge3 through supporting staff training and development against a backdrop of tight budget constraints. Final word from Judith Turner from the Trust: “The response from Dudley College in meeting our training needs was fantastic. As a result of the training delivered by the college we have witnessed staff gaining new qualifications, and as a by product, confidence and motivation has also increased. Additionally though, the college helped equip us with a new IT Training Centre; this was something that we just could not afford”.
3 The Skills Pledge is a voluntary, public commitment made by an organisation to invest in the skills of its workforce.
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Our mission: outstanding learning which develops skills, raises aspirations and changes lives. Dudley College, The Broadway, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4AS www.dudleycol.ac.uk | Tel: 01384 363 363 design by www.thenerv.co.uk