Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · May 1

Another excellent College Alliance meeting - always so much to take away from conversations with our neighbours - to build stronger, adaptive systems.

@aoc-info.bsky.social @lewis-cooper.bsky.social @hughesdavid.bsky.social

Rachel Cable @rachcable.bsky.social · May 1

Good to be at Ayreshire College in Scotland this week at the Colleges Alliance meeting, hosted by @aoc-info.bsky.social. An opportunity to reflect on the college workforce of the future, and discuss shared challenges across the UK and Ireland, learning from our different systems. @colegau.cymru

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Apr 9

Opportunities to share best practice in TVET aren't a nice-to-have but essential.

Feels like coming home to join so many EU delegates at the 2025 VET summit at the fabulous Guggenheim Bilbao.

Equally brilliant to spend time with the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnic board.

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Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Apr 4

"I welcome this report as an important contribution to progressing devolution, helping us to transform the skills system in England," says Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire.

Read more here:
www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

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Reposted by Emma Meredith

Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Mar 24

The government has announced a boost to construction funding, including a range of measures that will impact colleges - read our full response here:
www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Graphic reads "AoC responds to construction funding announcement. This funding will allow colleges to grow their offer to young people and adults across the country, equipping thousands of people with the skills they need to get good jobs. While the funding is a significant and vital part of this announcement, so is the commitment from the construction employers. David Hughes, chief executive"

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Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Mar 26

"It will open up thousands of opportunities for young people and adults to get the skills they need and which employers are crying out for." - @hughesdavid.bsky.social welcomes the Chancellor's £625 million college infrastructure investment. Read our full response here: aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 31

Student mobility should never be limited to those who can afford it.

Good to see this @feweek.bsky.social coverage of the Turing Scheme.

To enable opportunity for the majority, we need a long-term vision for student mobility - funded appropriately.

FE Week @feweek.bsky.social · Mar 24

🌍 Further education providers have sent a higher proportion of disadvantaged students on international placements than any other type of educational institution since the Turing scheme began, FE Week analysis shows

FE top sector for sending deprived students on Turing trips

FE providers have sent over 22,000 underprivileged students on international placements in four years

feweek.co.uk

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Reposted by Emma Meredith

Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Mar 13

Learn about the need for greater collaboration between colleges, universities, and local authorities to tackle skills issues and drive long-term economic development in our new #ThinkFurther blog.

Read the full blog here:
www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Graphic reads "Think Further blog series. Can regional collaboration between FE, HE and mayoral authorities help drive economic growth? Andrew Westwood."

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 12

Soft power, data and internationalisation on the agenda today at #Digifest25

Thank you @jisc.bsky.social for inviting me to speak. Great discussion with British Council, UUKi and Russell Group

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 6

In #CollegesWeek2025 @aoc-info.bsky.social launches our latest report on college international activity.

There are huge benefits from international engagement for colleges, students and staff.

With a few simple policy changes, the FE sector could export more.

www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Colleges call for policy support to strengthen international…

A new report released today by the Association of Colleges calls for urgent policy action to enable the further education (FE) sector to flourish on the…

www.aoc.co.uk

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 6

www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

AoC Sport helps college students break down barriers with…

One hundred sport and physical activity students from colleges from Sunderland to Wolverhampton are jetting off on transformative international…

www.aoc.co.uk

Reposted by Emma Meredith

ColegauCymru | CollegesWales @colegau.cymru · Mar 6

Today's #CollegesWeek2025 theme is 'break down barriers to opportunity'. ✨

We celebrate the life-changing overseas opportunities for FE learners & staff in Wales, made possible by Taith and Turing Scheme. 🌍✈️

These experiences boost skills, confidence and employability! #FE
buff.ly/kNvvhTK

CollegesWeek2025 - Celebrating the Value of Overseas Visits for Further Education Learners in Wales - ColegauCymru

As part of #CollegesWeek2025, ColegauCymru is proud to highlight the invaluable opportunities created through overseas visits for further education learners and staff in Wales, made possible by the…

www.colleges.wales

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 6

Without adequate and sustainable investment, colleges cannot meet their potential to support more young people and adults into education, training and employment.

Which would be a huge missed opportunity #LoveOurColleges

Peter Foster @pmdfoster.bsky.social · Mar 5

Govt has just announced cuts to FE College funding for this year, leaving Colleges in the lurch - more Whitehall spending squeeze and at odds with “opportunity for all”
as this hits least advantaged hardest. 🤷‍♂️

my latest via @financialtimes.com

on.ft.com/41lHnv8

on.ft.com

Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 5

Ewart Keep references how coalitions can help deliver for key sectors in localities

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 5

Chris Millward, University of Birmingham flags recognition of place-based duties for system providers

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 5

Jane Gratton, British Chambers of Commerce, highlights the key role of colleges in helping employers to understand skills gaps and provision to fill them

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Mar 5

Packed house again for this year's @aoc-info.bsky.social HE conference, expertly chaired by Dr Arti Saraswat.

Great panel looking at what's next for higher technical skills with Chris Millward, Jane Gratton, Ewart Keep.

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Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Mar 3

"Our ask is simple: protect the economy's capacity to deliver skills. It’s not the only way out of the current malaise, but it should be a top priority," says Gerry McDonald from New City College in our latest #ThinkFurther blog.

Read more here:
www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

Graphic reads "Think Further blog series. We must not ignore the value of skills in economic growth."

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ColegauCymru | CollegesWales @colegau.cymru · Mar 3

@rachcable.bsky.social @davehagendyk.bsky.social @kellyledwards.bsky.social

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Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Mar 3

It’s been an incredible afternoon at our AoC Awards event celebrating the best and most innovative practice among UK further education colleges. #CollegesWeek2025

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AoC Sport @aoc-sport.bsky.social · Feb 25

Attend our upcoming webinar on the role of colleges in becoming a green energy superpower to find out what @myerscoughcollege.bsky.social is doing to contribute to the second government mission.

Book our #CollegesWeek2025 webinars: www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

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Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Feb 25

Book your place at our upcoming webinar on the new Office for Students’ E6 condition on harassment and sexual misconduct.

The session will cover the requirements of the condition, the Sexual Misconduct Survey and more.

Register here:
www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

Graphic reads "Understanding Office for Students' E6 condition on harassment and sexual misconduct webinar."

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Feb 18

I'll be kicking off #CollegesWeek2025 celebrating the role of colleges as social and economic anchors in their communities:

AoC Sport @aoc-sport.bsky.social · Feb 18

Attend our upcoming webinar on the role of colleges in kickstarting the economy. Learn about the work that Trafford and Stockport College Group and City College Norwich are doing to contribute to the first government mission.

Register here: www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaig...

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Emma Meredith @emmameredith.bsky.social · Feb 18

London looking magnificent this evening

Reposted by Emma Meredith

Association of Colleges @aoc-info.bsky.social · Feb 13

Get involved in Colleges' National Green Week 2025, taking place from 17-21 March 2025! Align your sustainability activities with the week - plan staff and student events, host roundtables, or support local initiatives! #CNGW2025

Find out more:
www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-se...

Graphic reads "Colleges' National Green Week. 17 - 21 March 2025."

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David Hughes @hughesdavid.bsky.social · Feb 6

Excellent discussion today about skills needs & enormous potential for fair growth in #LiverpoolCityRegion with @darrenpjones.bsky.social & @metromayorsteve.bsky.social at the nearly finished impressive new Everton stadium, a beacon for regenerating the docks over next decade

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