"The Construction Skills Hub shows what's possible when education and industry come together with a shared purpose," says Luke Mantle, Director of Construction and Building Services at Chesterfield College. Read more: https://pulse.ly/0wkd45hgaq

"Careers education is not static. When it grows with its students, it becomes truly transformative." - Says Katrin Lehmann, Vice Principal of Inclusive Learning, Creative Industries and Student Experience at West Thames College. Read more here: https://pulse.ly/lzaxvo2rsi

Students at Doncaster College and North Lindsey College created memory boxes for Lindsey Lodge residents, developing teamwork and communication skills. https://pulse.ly/jjoekv9zvf

"Successful ESOL delivery is measured not only by achievement rates, but by what learners are able to do afterwards." Read the full blog here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/a-modern-approach-to-esol-assessment-supporting-learners-to-achieve

Early bird tickets are now available for a limited time for the #AoCConf26. Save 15% when you book now and join FE leaders this November at the UK's leading further education event. Book now: https://www.aoc.co.uk/events-training/annualconference-exhibition/ticket-information

Learn more about the blueprint we created through our Creating Greener London: Sustainable Construction Skills programme on demonstrating how strong partnerships can support the delivery of green skills training in the homes and buildings sector. https://pulse.ly/cmx8nmmetc

According to Alan Milburn's latest review, 75% of young people want to work but need the right support to get there. At Milton Keynes College, the Futures Academy is helping learners build confidence and explore pathways into work. Read here: https://pulse.ly/dgd0p7fkqe

Responding to the Prime Minister's plans to devolve 16-19 funding, David Hughes sets out five key issues AoC will press for. Read our full response: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/aoc-responds-to-the-prime-ministers-plans-to-devolve-16-19-funding

With results day approaching, colleges will soon celebrate learner achievements. Recognise the projects that helped make those successes possible by nominating your initiative for the Inspiring Project Award, sponsored by @aqaeducation.bsky.social. https://pulse.ly/68dxxu1ki0 #AoCStudentAwards

Our latest blog by Luke Mantle, Director of Construction and Building Services at Chesterfield College, explores how the Construction Skills Hub is transforming construction education. Read the full blog here: https://pulse.ly/a02wnttc88

Students are at the heart of #AoCConf26! We're inviting students from AoC member colleges to gain work experience and perform at one of the largest events in the FE sector this November. Submit a student skills application here: https://pulse.ly/wjli2pvv37

Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive responds to latest announcement on capital investment for colleges. Read the full response: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/government-must-confirm-2026-27-funding-for-colleges-says-aoc

Speaking on Sky News this afternoon, Cath Sezen says that "we're really excited and looking forward to the discussion and getting into the detail." Watch the full interview with Cath here from 12.42pm: https://news.sky.com/watch-live

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, our Director for Skills Policy Emma Meredith reflects on the importance of offering and creating more options and opportunities for young people. Listen in full from 10:46: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_kent

Radio Kent - Listen Live - BBC Sounds

Listen live to Radio Kent on BBC Sounds

bbc.co.uk

Great to hear our Director of Policy Cath Sezan speak to BBC Radio 5 this morning on the latest announcement of technical education for 14 to 16-year-olds. Listen here from 09:28: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_five_live

Radio 5 Live - Listen Live - BBC Sounds

Listen live to Radio 5 Live on BBC Sounds

bbc.co.uk

Following the announcement on technical education for 14 to 16-year-olds, we reiterate the need for greater partnership working: https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/aoc-newsroom/prime-ministers-announcement-on-technical-education-for-14-to-16-year-olds-could-be-a-game-changer-says-aoc

Read our blog by Alexander Houghton on six ways flexible, learner-centred ESOL assessment can remove barriers and support learner progression. https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/a-modern-approach-to-esol-assessment-supporting-learners-to-achieve

The @jisc.bsky.social Award for Effective Use of Digital Technology in Further Education celebrates outstanding examples of the innovative use of technology to enhance the student experience. Learn more and apply now: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards #AoCBeacons

Our new blog by Katrin Lehmann, Vice Principal of Inclusive Learning, Creative Industries and Student Experience at West Thames College, explores the importance of a digital-first, whole-college approach to careers education. Read more here: https://pulse.ly/k4rzd43vip

At @hartlepoolfe.bsky.social, the Choices and Inspire programmes are helping young people re-engage with education through flexible, personalised support. Read the full case study here: https://pulse.ly/7sftitcmiv

Learn how @suffolknewcollege.bsky.social's CPD programme used evidence-informed practice and inclusive training to strengthen staff understanding of belonging, attendance and accessibility. Read here: https://www.aoc.co.uk/building-belonging-through-inclusive-practice-suffolk-new-college

Read about six ways flexible, learner-centred ESOL assessment can remove barriers, support progression and help colleges deliver better outcomes. https://www.aoc.co.uk/news-campaigns-parliament/news-views/aoc-blogs/a-modern-approach-to-esol-assessment-supporting-learners-to-achieve

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

Still time to nominate a student for the Inspiring Project Award, sponsored by AQA. Applications for this specific award close on Monday 14 September. Find out more: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/student-of-the-year/student-of-the-year-2026-27

Submit your application for the Inspiring Project Award

Deadline is 14 September 2026.

aoc.co.uk

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