Save 15% with our Early Bird Discount for the AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition! Join us this November for two days of insight, inspiration, and networking at the UK's leading FE event. Book now: https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/annualconference-exhibition/ticket-information #AoCConf26

"The never-ending pressures of time and money compete with progress on sustainability but it is a healthy competition, fuelled by passion and dedication." - Says Riikka Vihriälä, lead of sustainability strategy at New City College from 2019 to 2025. https://pulse.ly/mlbm5lyvk6

Learn how @bradfordcollege.bsky.social students partnered with Horton Housing to drive real community impact in this case study. Read more here: https://d4hfzltwt4wv7.cloudfront.net/uploads/files/YSA-Bradford.pdf

The Edge Foundation Award for Excellence in Real World Learning recognises innovative teaching and learning that is shaped by real-world experiences, employer engagement, and positive learner outcomes. Learn more and apply here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27

Through its Choices programme, @harlow-college.ac.uk is showing how flexible, tailored support can help young people back into education and work. Read the full case study here: https://pulse.ly/qmrj90fziz

Registration for the AoC Annual Conference 2026 is now open! Join us in Birmingham for two days of inspiring speakers, practical sessions and conversations bringing the FE sector together to share ideas and shape the future. Register now: www.aoc.co.uk/events-train...

It’s World Youth Skills Day! 🎉 Our Youth Social Action Apprentices have just completed an incredible first year - delivering social action projects with students while working towards their Level 3 Youth Support Worker Apprenticeshiphttps://pulse.ly/ch8bkgiepk

Discover how the Technical and Vocational Professional Development (TVPD) programme will help providers prepare for post-16 qualification reforms through collaboration, training and sector-led support. Read the full blog: https://pulse.ly/e0qo6yi5ox

"Skills for All truly applies nationwide,” says Ian Salomon MP at our Spring Awards, celebrating our #AoCAwards winners. Apply for the Beacon Awards and share your college’s impact: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

Apply now for the City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers to showcase your outstanding employer engagement through high-quality, responsive education and training that meets workforce needs. Submit your application: https://pulse.ly/opicwcosbz #AoCBeacons

Access to the right pathways early can transform engagement. Compass Curriculum by @blackburncollegeuk.bsky.social is improving motivation, attendance and progression through strong local partnerships. Read the full case study to learn more: https://pulse.ly/8kza7jglut

If you deliver an innovative careers education programme that supports all learners through a progressive, impact-led approach, apply now for the @careerent.bsky.social Award for Excellence in Careers and Enterprise. https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

The Creating a Greener London college project pilots have submitted case studies for local collaborative approaches to the delivery of green skills for green jobs. https://www.aoc.co.uk/corporate-services/projects/creating-a-greener-london-sustainable-construction-skills/year-1-case-studies

Have you explored our new Digital Transformation Roadmap yet? Developed in partnership with @ufitrust.bsky.social, the roadmap will help colleges use digital technology and AI to improve outcomes for students, apprentices and staff. Learn more: https://pulse.ly/diqotxdiwj

"The roadmap is a list of initiatives written without jargon which can guide colleges through a stepped process from foundation to transform to elevate." https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/digital-transformation-roadmap-travelling-in-the-right-direction

Alan Milburn calls for earlier intervention and better coordination to prevent young people from becoming NEET. @blackburncollegeuk.bsky.social is delivering this through its Tiers of Transition project with schools, councils and partners. Read more here: https://pulse.ly/njtxmzg2js

Don't miss your chance to apply for The RCU Award for Student Support. This award recognises colleges that deliver inclusive, high-quality and impactful student support, empowering learners to succeed. Apply here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

#AoCLearningWeek2026 begins today! Join colleagues from across the sector for a dynamic programme of sessions focused on teaching and learning, wellbeing, leadership and the key challenges shaping FE today. https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/events/aoc-learning-week-2026

Apply for the ION Award for Re-Engaging Young People in Education and Employment to highlight how your college helps learners overcome barriers and progress into education, training, or work. Submit your application: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

In this clip, Raffaela Kihrer, Secretary General at the @eaea.org, discusses how holistic adult learning programmes can support both labour market participation and social inclusion.

Don't miss out on our Equity Exchange next week! Hear about Waltham Forest college's EDI journey over the last few years and how they strive to ensure equity in the opportunities offered through recruitment. https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/events/edi-equity-exchange-2025-26

"When communities, employers and educators work together, opportunity follows," says Kate Da Costa, Deputy Principal of Cambridge Regional College. Read more here: https://pulse.ly/l89bs7vimd

Diana Sutton, Chief Executive of @thebellfoundation.bsky.social, highlights the importance of the Beacon Awards in showcasing innovative teaching across colleges and celebrating the positive impact on students and communities. Apply now: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards #AoCBeacons

Have you made an outstanding contribution to the teaching, learning, or support of ESOL learners? Apply for The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL to showcase your achievements. Find out more and apply: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2026-27 #AoCBeacons

Last chance to complete and submit your applications for Student of the Year awards! Applications close tomorrow. Don't miss your chance to highlight outstanding individuals and showcase their achievements and successes. Apply now: https://news.aoc.co.uk/q/16vo51gjqC6/wv #AoCStudentAwards

The Young Student of the Year (16–18) award is sponsored by @edgeuk.bsky.social. This category is open to anyone aged 16 to 18-years-old by 31 August 2026. Click here to submit an application: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year #AoCStudentAwards #LoveOurColleges

@blackburncollegeuk.bsky.social ’s Launchpad shows how colleges can re-engage young people with complex barriers through flexible, personalised support. 75% of young people want to work but need earlier and better coordinated support. Read the case study: https://pulse.ly/ovkcylh0y2

In this video Anja Meierkord, Analyst at @oecd-ocde.bsky.social, explores international examples of countries that have significantly grown participation rates over the past decade, examining the reforms and policies that helped drive progress. #AdultLearningPays

At last week's fourth APPG on FE and Lifelong Learning evidence session, Anja Meierkord examined low adult learning participation among those most in need and how education systems can better support people with low foundational skills while reducing inequalities.

Our new roadmap for digital transformation and AI in further education will support colleges in assessing their digital maturity and planning targeted next steps. Explore now: aoc.co.uk/digital-roadmap