28/03/2011

A Manifesto for Learners

Enabling learners to succeed and the economy to thrive are the key outcomes sought by ColegauCymru / CollegesWales in its manifesto for the National Assembly for Wales’ elections.

The ColegauCymru manifesto calls on Assembly Candidates to support:

• more learning opportunities
• a focus on raising basic skills
• positive promotion of vocational routes
• a continuum of learning with greater flexibility through to higher levels
• efficient and effective administration
• a professional structure for the FE workforce.

Chief Executive of ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, John Graystone, said: “Education and training is a gateway to employment and improved self esteem. But too many individuals are blocked from reaching their goals. The economy of Wales is suffering and learners are facing challenges because:

• the demand for learning is higher than the funding allows for
• a lack of basic skills holds many learners back
• too many still struggle to achieve well at GCSE level (level 2)
• continuing pressure to value academic qualifications over and above all other qualification types
• serves to demotivate many and leads to underachievement
• more local and part-time opportunities are needed at higher education (level 4+) and all
• educational institutions need to embrace partnership in the interests of learners
• too much funding is focused on unnecessary regulation.

Dr Graystone concluded: “The ColegauCymru manifesto for the Assembly elections proposes ways of unblocking the system, enabling individuals to succeed and the economy to thrive within a challenging financial period. I very much hope that Assembly candidates embrace the solutions put forward in the ColegauCymru manifesto and visit their local colleges to meet students and staff.”
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Contact: Sylvia Davies on 029 2052 8384 or 07968 771913.

Notes to editors:

1. ColegauCymru / CollegesWales is the new name for fforwm. It is a national educational charity that represents all 21 further education (FE) colleges and institutions in Wales. Its mission is to raise the profile of further education with key decision-makers to improve opportunities for learners in Wales. For further information about ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, and the colleges it represents, visit www.colegaucymru.ac.uk or www.collegeswales.ac.uk
2. Elections to the National Assembly for Wales take place on 5 May 2011.
3. Click to read the manifesto in full: A Manifesto for Learners: NAW elections 2011