Projects

DfE Multiply Capability Support Programme

October 2023 – March 2025

What is it?

The Multiply Capability Support programme aims to support Multiply providers develop their programmes, by sharing best practice examples through webinars and resources.

The support programme is delivered by AoC in partnership with Holex.

Who will benefit?

All providers delivering the Multiply Programme.

Where can I find out more?

For more information please click here or contact projects@aoc.co.uk.

Pears Youth Social Action – Phase 2 Project
March 2023 – June 2025

What is it?

Due to the success of the Phase 1 – Pears #iWill Youth Social Action Apprenticeship Programme, the Pears Foundation, in partnership with AoC, are investing in a second phase of the programme. Phase 2 of the programme will not only continue to build on the excellent work from Phase 1 Youth Social Action Apprenticeship programme but will develop two other components to the programme, including mentoring and Youth Social Action Ambassadors.

How will I benefit?

Phase 2 of the Youth Social Action project provides an opportunity for more young people to be engaged in social action initiatives. By carrying out this project, it broadens the range of involvement across each region, empowering more students to take action and address local issues. Building on the achievements of Phase 1, participants can gain meaningful experience and contribute to a network of social change within their respective colleges. Phase 2 will include new apprentices as well as 2 additional components including mentoring and ambassadors:

• Youth Social Action Apprentices – Phase 2 will include five Youth Social Action Apprentices to work across 18 colleges in East, East Midlands, North West, South East and South West regions. The apprentices will study a level 3 Youth Worker apprenticeship and will look to build on the excellent work of Phase 1 - Pears #iWill Fund programme, where five Youth Social Action Apprentices delivered excellent outcomes for their colleges, their students, and their local communities.

• Mentoring – Apprentices from the Phase 1 - Pears #iWill Fund programme will continue to share best practice across the sector by mentoring an Youth Social Action Apprentice and a Youth Social Action Ambassador in the Phase 2 programme. Mentors will continue to embed Youth Social Action within their college and local communities.

• Youth Social Action Ambassadors – Phase 2 will include 25 ambassador colleges per year in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands and London regions. The ambassador colleges that will support 5 - 8 students to become Youth Social Action Ambassadors to deliver one social action project within their college.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please click here or contact projects@aoc.co.uk.

Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme
September 2022 – August 2025

What is it?

The DfE-funded Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme provides continuous professional development (CPD) training and resources for all those involved in, or supporting, the delivery of apprenticeships.

The Association of Colleges (AoC), in partnership with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), Strategic Development Network (SDN), and University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), is delivering this phase of the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme.

The comprehensive training programme is designed for staff at all levels across apprenticeship providers who are involved in the management, planning, and delivery of apprenticeships. It includes a range of training options such as online courses, workshops, and networks that are suitable for staff at all levels and roles.

How will I benefit?

By participating in the comprehensive training programme, you will have the opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge in the management, planning, and delivery of apprenticeships, which may be beneficial to your professional development and career advancement.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team.

Academic Progression Programme
September 2022 – August 2025

What is it?

The APP is a pilot programme initiated by the Department for Education (DfE) to explore provision for students seeking to progress from Level 2 to A Levels (or a combined program of study including A Levels and other Level 3 qualifications). The programme will be delivered by providers across England, including a one-year lead-in period or preparation year in which to plan and prepare for delivery, starting in September 2022, with delivery from September 2023.

How will I benefit?

Students participating in the APP pilot will have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to progress into Level 3 academic study. The pilot activities are intended to streamline and strengthen provision, creating clear progression pathways for students. It is hoped that providers participating in the pilot will be able to deliver increased access to A Level study.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team.

Creating a Greener London – Sustainable Construction Skills
December 2022 – August 2025

What is it?

This project, delivered with support from JPMorgan Chase, is a programme that aims to provide future generations in London with the skills and knowledge necessary for green jobs in the building and home sector. It focuses on developing green career pathways at Level 2 and above through partnerships between further education colleges and employers, and co-designing and delivering green skills training alongside existing Level 2 qualifications.

How will I benefit?

The two pilots, South Thames College Group (STCG) and London South East Colleges (LSEC) will establish local collaborative partnerships, to identify existing and emerging green job opportunities available, and the skills required from level 2, which enable progression to green employment in the construction sector. The selected pilot projects will provide the opportunity for students to gain valuable green skills, as well as access to high quality careers information and guidance.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team via email.

A project blueprint has been developed to draw on the initial findings from the pilot projects, demonstrating effective processes and procedures for establishing partnerships working to deliver green skills training in the homes and buildings sector. Our aim is for this blueprint to be used by as many organisations as possible, outside of the pilot projects.

Click here to view the Year 1 Blueprint for the Project.

The College Alliance
Ongoing

What is it?

The College Alliance was established to bring together an alliance between colleges in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland. Key challenges across the world mean we need a revolution in how we think about education and skills. By bringing together leaders and officials, we aim to be an effective vehicle for positive contribution to practice and policy as they collectively face opportunities and challenges.

How will I benefit?

The project is supported by a number of organisations and aims to share and discuss approaches to common opportunities and challenges through sharing of best practice, exploring areas to co-develop approaches to policy and practice, further developing systems leadership in the sector, and acting as a forum for key stakeholders to engage with college leaders and policy-makers.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the team or visit www.thecollegealliance.org

Experiences of 14 to 16 year olds in Further Education in England
September 2022 – April 2025

What is it?

This two-year longitudinal research project, led by AoC and IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, will undertake an examination and analysis of the provision, opportunities and levels of support available to this overlooked 14 - 16 college student cohort. This project will explore the experiences of 14 to 16 year olds who attend further education colleges in England, to produce the first in-depth picture of the roughly 10,000 young people in this cohort to support policymakers to make decisions in the best interests of these students.

How will I benefit?

Colleges will be invited to take a survey at the beginning of the project, and from there invited to take part in further research conversations.

How can I find out more?

An interim report was released in January 2024.

For further information, please watch our recent webinar for colleges, explaining the project in full. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Catherine.sezen@aoc.co.uk.

T Level & T Level Foundation Year Provider Support
May 2019 – August 2025

What is it?

AoC is working in partnership with the Department for Education (DfE) to provide advice, support and guidance to T Level and T Level Foundation Year providers.

How will I benefit?

The introduction of T Levels has been a huge change for the sector, and we’re here to support you. Providers will be assisted in their strategic planning for T Level and T Level Foundation Year provision through KITs, events, networking and the production of case studies and guidance resources.

Where can I find out more?

For more information about the programme, please take a look at our Events and support brochure, or contact the T Level Support team.

T Level Professional Development Offer
September 2021 – July 2025

What is it?

AoC is working in partnership with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) to deliver aspects of the T Level Professional Development (TLPD) offer on behalf of the Department for Education.

How will I benefit?

As with any new qualification, T Levels require practitioners to develop their professional skills. The TLPD offer will equip you with the subject knowledge and confidence needed to teach this course from the moment learners walk into your classroom or workshop.

Where can I find out more?

Providers and staff who have already started and plan to deliver T Levels are eligible. For more information, please visit the ETF website or contact the TLPD team.

The 5Rs – A Revision Year Approach to GCSE Maths Resits
January 2022 – June 2025

What is it?

The 5Rs is a research project funded by the Education Endowment Foundation to explore whether the 5Rs approach has an impact on the attainment of students resitting their GCSEs.

It focuses on the 40 most common topics in GCSE exams as well as common exam pitfalls, and provides teaching resources to assist in the teaching of these topics.

An evaluation report, which was produced in July 2021, is now available. You can access it here.

How can I benefit?
This project will boost your teaching practice through specialised training and resources, including a scheme of work, lesson plans and diagnostic tests. You’ll also have a catch-up session each term, and access to a range of teaching and learning materials to support you and your students.

Where can I find out more?
For more information, please visit the EEF website or contact the 5Rs team.

Research Further
September 2021 – December 2024

What is it?
In partnership with NCFE, AoC has created a research unit to support, drive and encourage high-quality FE-centred research which will influence policy, implementation and practice.

How will I benefit?
Between 2022 and 2024, FE practitioners will be commissioned to undertake sponsored research. Their research will be disseminated through the production of a webinar series showcasing new knowledge on pedagogy or policy and through think-pieces, reports, articles, and blogs.

Where can I find out more?
For more information, please visit the Research Further page on the AoC website.

Promoting Effective Careers Practice
September 2022 – July 2025

What is it?

AoC is working with The Careers and Enterprise Company to provide resources, hot topic webinars, a national strategic network group and information for the leaders, governors and careers guidance professionals in the FE sector to help support colleges in their careers guidance offer.

How will I benefit?

AoC members can attend free hot topic webinar series which is run by The Careers and Enterprise Company in partnership with AoC. Seminars will include specialist guest speakers, breakout sessions to discuss hot topics and opportunities to share best practice. More info here.

Senior Leaders in post-16 education can also join our national Strategic Careers Network Group. As well as being a part of the network and its benefits, CEC is offering group members access to their data dashboard allowing you oversight of careers education performance relating to your college to compare your performance with the sector. More info here.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please see our website page - Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance or contact the Projects team

Film London- Metro London Skills Cluster
July 2023 - July 2026

The Metro London Skills Cluster, led by Film London, has been awarded a contract from the BFI’s National Lottery programme.

The AoC is one of six partners in the project and the partners form the ‘Metro London Skills Cluster’ (MLSC). AoC have been awarded funding to support Film London to deliver a grant funded programme through the British Film Industry.

The Skills Cluster will deliver an integrated programme of activities across London and the ‘gateway’ counties of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey. The programme aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent going into the film sector and AoC’s role is to provide policy advice and engage our members.

For more information please visit the Film London page on the AoC website.

ETF Mental Health and Wellbeing Project

October 2022 -March 2025

What is it?

The ETF Mental Health and Wellbeing project is aimed at supporting all leaders in FE. The project, now in its third year, aims to provide resources and a space for leaders in further education to lead a culture change to embed mental health and wellbeing across their organisation.

How will I benefit?

Throughout the project a series of resources, blogs, webinars and podcasts have and are being developed, focussing on a variety of key topics related to mental health in the FE sector. Resources have been developed by several organisations including Education Support and The Charlie Waller Trust, while perspectives and practical tips from current FE leaders and specialist mental health organisations have been captured through webinars, blogs and podcasts.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please visit our ETF Mental Health and Wellbeing Project | Association of Colleges