This year we collaborated with eight other colleges across Hertfordshire and the South East Midlands on our Strategic Development Fund projects, funded by the Department for Education. These projects gave the colleges an opportunity to work together on developing curriculum, working with employers on their skills needs, and sharing best practice. The above video looks back at some key highlights from a few of the colleges involved.
The fund enabled extensive work to build and enhance employer links in local areas and learn more about the skills needs of local and niche employers, as well as to provide staff upskilling aligned to these skills needs. All colleges received new technology which enabled them to develop new skills solutions for students and employers using some of the most advanced virtual reality techniques. There was also substantial investment in training and equipment for teaching new sustainability or 'green' technologies, and curriculum development across a range of sectors.
The colleges will be working together again very soon on the Local Skills Improvement Fund projects, to help colleges respond to the Local Skills Improvement plans published earlier this year.