Involving your community in further education

Northern Ireland’s six further education colleges plan to hold a series of information seminars on the further education learner access and engagement programme. The programme will provide an opportunity for third party, non-statutory organisations to encourage and support 'hard to reach' groups and individuals to undertake specified further education courses. Contracts for delivery of this support programme will be awarded on the basis of competitive tender.

Voluntary and community organisations are eligible to tender for the delivery of this service. Bidders will be expected to satisfy specified criteria around competence and accountability. Importantly, all bidders will also be required to demonstrate a record of successful engagement at community level, including working with people who have numeracy and literacy skills needs.

Support to be provided by non-statutory organisations, under standard contracting arrangements, will include:

• engaging 'hard to reach' adults who meet the eligibility criteria
• promoting relevant (i.e. employment related) FE courses
• providing 'on course' support and assistance with study skills
• practical and motivational support and encouragement
• advice and information on College and other external support services
• exit and progression information

To find out more, please attend one of the information sessions or contact your local college as follows:

North West Regional College and South West Regional College

28 July 2008 at 2.30pm in the Fir Trees Hotel, Dublin Road, Strabane, Co Tyrone BT82 9EA

Belfast Metropolitan College

30 July 2008 at 11.00am in the Gerald Moag Campus, Millfield, Belfast BT1 1HS

Northern Regional College

30 July 2008 at 2.00pm in the Ballymena Campus Farm Lodge, Farm Lodge Building, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT43 7DF

South Eastern Regional College and Southern Regional College

4 August 2008 at 2.00pm in Lisburn Campus 39 Castle Street, Lisburn BT27 4SU

A copy of the seminar presentation will also be available on each Further Education College's website.