In this series of blogs, Dr Katerina Kolyva, Chief Executive of the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), reports on her visits to Further Education (FE) and skills providers across the sector. She uncovers the transformational learning opportunities available to students alongside the dedicated professionalism of teachers, trainers and leaders from the wide variety of different providers across the sector.
My first visit of 2024 to Stoke-on-Trent College reminded me of the importance of having a clear strategy and moving forward with it. The college’s new strategy Skills ready, future ready, focuses entirely on the learners with clear objectives on their progression and achievements.
Having met with the CEO and Principal, Lisa Capper MBE, my colleague Claire Nicholson-Clinch, Head of Regional Engagement, and I reflected that we can best describe her as ‘strategic and ambitious’. Lisa is looking to the future and brings an outward facing approach to her organisation. She works hard on her engagement with employers, the community, national bodies, and her staff and colleagues. She is proud of putting the learner at the heart of the college and makes the best use of all her previous experience and networks to drive the college forward.
During our visit to both campuses we saw everyone’s commitment to move forward with the strategy and its ambition. From construction to catering, creative or digital, it is clear that the college creates a place where learners are highly motivated and well supported. And, as we stepped into a fabulous lunch prepared by the students and heard directly from them, I couldn’t fail to notice the pride in their teachers and the college’s leadership team.
