New Institute of Technology to address apprenticeship and skills shortages in West London

A DfE-backed review of further education has recommended that Ealing, Hammersmith and West London’s College develops its base as the largest provider of degree-level and higher-level technical qualifications in West London. The proposal will ensure the college can deliver the increasingly complex technical skills that employers in the region will need while doubling the number of apprenticeships available in the area.

The recommendation was made in the West London Area Review report, published today, as part of a series of DfE assessments into further education provision. The area reviews have been undertaken in four areas of London and across England to ensure colleges are able to fulfil the future skills needs of the nation.

It was suggested by the West London Area Review steering group that Ealing, Hammersmith and West London’s College could exploit their current strengths by developing an Institute of Technology and increase their existing portfolio of higher level and degree-level technical qualifications to boost the employment opportunities of young people in West London.

The move would see Ealing, Hammersmith and West London’s College become London’s leading career college.

The news comes at an opportune time as only last month, Teresa May, announced £170 million will be available for Institutes of Technology to help improve the nation’s skills. The development will also mean that young people and adults in West London will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the apprenticeship levy applied to large businesses from spring 2017.

Garry Phillips, CEO of Ealing, Hammersmith and West London’s College, said: “Becoming an Institute of Technology will enable the college and its partners to meet the changing needs of employers and reduce the skills gaps in London.

“For pupils and students, the change will mean we can offer more choice and provide them with the opportunity to learn and earn without large university fees and loans. We offer an alternative route to a degree and employment.”

The college already provides degree and higher level qualifications in sectors such as business, administration, construction, engineering, health and social care – all sectors which have been identified as key areas for growth in West London by the area review steering group.

“This assessment shows that the work we have done to develop our curriculum will ensure our students can secure good jobs within the local community and beyond,” says Garry.

As part of the review it has also been recommended that Ealing, Hammersmith and West London’s College remains a standalone college.

The college will also work in partnership with the local London boroughs and independent training providers and employers to establish an employer and learner-facing hub, to help increase the volume and number of apprenticeships and to ensure students have a broad range of employability skills.

West London further education area review report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/west-london-further-education-area-review-report

Information about the area reviews

• In July 2015, the government announced a rolling programme of around 40 local area reviews, to be completed by March 2017, covering all general further education and sixth-form colleges in England.

• The reviews are designed to ensure that colleges are financially stable into the longer-term, that they are run efficiently, and are well-positioned to meet the present and future needs of individual students and the demands of employers.

• The Department for Education (DfE) worked closely with the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Councils and London’s colleges on the London reviews. Due to the large number of colleges in London, the reviews were carried out through 4 sub-regional areas.

• The steering group for West London was chaired by the leader of the London Borough of Hounslow and covered 7 local authority areas (London Boroughs): Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.

Information about the Institutes of Technology:

• Theresa May has announced the government is investing £170 million in new institutes of technology as part of her industrial strategy for post-Brexit Britain:

In January, Mrs May said: “Our modern industrial strategy is a critical part of our plan for post-Brexit Britain. Our action will help ensure young people develop the skills they need to do the high-paid, high-skilled jobs of the future. That means boosting technical education and ensuring we extend the same opportunity and respect we give university graduates to those people who pursue technical routes.” https://www.tes.com/news/further-education/breaking-news/theresa-may-pledges-ps170m-institutes-technology

Steering group recommendations from the West London Area Review:

• Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College to remain a stand-alone college, developing its curriculum offer through partnership with the University of Middlesex, and in response to the needs and priorities identified in through this review. Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, in partnership with local boroughs and independent training providers, will establish an employer and learner-facing hub, to improve clarity of the offer.

• The college has also invested in upskilling the college workforce in good practice by having a 3 year strategic partnership with the Education Training Foundation in a continuous professional development delivery programme.

• the college’s expertise in higher level apprenticeship programmes such as higher and degree apprenticeships could also be exploited in the future through new structures such as establishing an Institute of Technology.