annual review 2009 - 2010 www.dudleycol.ac.uk Principal’s WELCOME Many thanks for your interest in College and for taking the time to read our Annual Review of 2009-10.

It was, undoubtedly, another challenging year for the college and for the communities and businesses we support here in the Black Country. If anything, these difficult economic times heighten the importance of further education and the significant role colleges play in the social and economic regeneration of their local communities.

Last year, through our diverse curriculum, we supported record numbers of young people on full time programmes and apprenticeships. In doing so we were pleased to see our success rates maintained above the national average and improved considerably in some areas. In short, more young people attended the college than ever before and more left us with their target qualification achieved.

Like many other colleges we experienced significant cuts in funding for general adult education programmes. In many ways it is disappointing to see these programmes in decline. We are, however, immensely proud of the significant growth we achieved on our programmes to upskill employed adults and to get those out of work back into jobs. Our new employability centre at Brierley Hill operated close to capacity throughout the year.

Whilst we know there are further reductions in public funding in 2010/11 and beyond, we remain positive and up-beat about our future. In January 2011 building work starts on our new Dudley town centre campus and in 2012 we will be celebrating our 150th anniversary with the opening of our new campus.

If I or any of my staff can be of assistance to you at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Lowell Williams Principal

2 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk WELCOME

Chair’s WELCOME

Welcome to our Annual Report outlining another successful year for the college.

Congratulations to our learners who have achieved success from their courses and to our dedicated staff who have worked so effectively with them.

The future will be challenging but we are confident that we can continue to build on the high standards we are setting. We are also hopeful that over the next year we will make real progress on new college buildings around the Broadway campus to create a new Learning Quarter close to the Town Centre. These new facilities will benefit future learners and help regenerate a significant area of Dudley Town Centre.

As well as thanking our staff for their efforts, I also recognise the contribution of the Principal and his Senior Management Team as well as my colleagues on the College’s Governing Body (the Corporation) who give so generously of their time.

Viv Astling Chair of the Corporation

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 3 OUR MISSION Outstanding learning which develops skills, raises aspirations and changes lives.

about us Welcome to Dudley College - a ‘GOOD’ college in every sense of the word. I hope that our latest annual report gives you a taste of the progress and achievements that we have made over the last twelve months, as well as a true insight into college life here.

vision Our vision for the future is: By 2014 we will be recognised locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as a provider of high quality, successful education and skills training. Dudley College will be known as ‘a great place to study and work’. Success rates will be high and above national averages at all levels and for all ages. Teaching will be routinely good, and very often outstanding. Learners and staff alike VALUES will report high levels of satisfaction with the college, certainly above In achieving our aims and in delivering our mission we will: averages for the sector and in l Put the learner at the heart of all we do. line with the ‘best in class’ in the l Act with integrity and mutual respect. public and private sector. Ofsted, l Communicate clearly and openly. and others, will report that Dudley l Value each and every individual. College is Outstanding. l Recognise innovation and success. l Support and encourage team working. This vision has been enacted in our l Be a model of good equality and diversity practice. updated mission statement. l Reduce the college’s impact on its environment.

4 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk ABOUT DUDLEY COLLEGE

OUR FIVE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

To focus ourselves in taking the next steps, we have identified five key strategic priorities that underpin our mission and that will drive our operational actions.

l Priority One – A culture of high expectations, high achievement. l Priority Two – Towards an outstanding college. l Priority Three – Curriculum innovation. l Priority Four – Effective employer engagement. l Priority Five – Investing in our people.

Our strategic priorities translate into a set of objectives which on achievement will ensure that our local community will recognise Dudley as a proactive college which serves their needs and supports the economic, social and personal development of local people. Our learners will comment that our provision is welcoming and inclusive.

By 2015 we will be operating from new, inspirational buildings fit for education in the 21st Century. Our intention is to create a new building to house the proposed Dudley 6th Form Centre with learning delivered collaboratively with the college’s local partner schools. The Dudley 6th Form Centre will be a new beacon of aspiration for the north, centre and west of the borough giving learners a real choice regarding A level provision. Also within our estates strategy, we shall seek to establish a new higher education centre close to Dudley town centre, developed in partnership with our higher education partner university, the University of Wolverhampton.

Employers will recognise the college as a key partner in driving their business performance and meeting their skills needs. Our services to employers will be flexible, responsive and effective and the college will enjoy very high levels of employer responsive provision. The college will be at the heart of regeneration strategies, and will champion collaborative initiatives, working to address the skills challenge in the Black Country and the wider .

We will continue to work closely with our local schools, community and voluntary organisations, franchise partners and business intermediaries.

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 5 2009-10 HAS BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR US: (key outcomes) l We have ensured that teaching and assessment across the college is maintained at a high standard (80% of staff achieved ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ grades). l We further developed our support mechanisms especially for young people to maximise their opportunity for success. l We have broadly maintained overall success rates and improved considerably in some curriculum areas. l We established a dedicated employability skills centre to enhance the work opportunities of unemployed adults. l We have completely re-engineered our curriculum offer for learners with learning difficulties/disabilities. l Threshold services have been redesigned to better meet the needs of learners. l Student social spaces have been extended or expanded. l Learner and staff feedback surveys showed that overall satisfaction levels have improved. l Significant investment has been made in a new ‘virtual learning environment’. l We have adopted a consistently high quality and uniform approach to how the college is managed through a rigorously applied performance management framework. l We have trained all business support staff in the ‘internal customer’ concept. l All teachers and assessors have received safeguarding training. l We completed the feasibility study for the new learning quarter for the town and are now progressing the new build plans vigorously. l We have developed strong relationships with some key employers. l Good financial health has been maintained.

Our diverse curriculum has been maintained, both in terms of academic and vocational l Engineering. subjects, aimed at meeting the needs of both l English for Speakers of Other Languages. young people and adults, and employers and l Hair and Beauty. local communities. l Health & Social Care. The curriculum was particularly strong in l Humanities. the areas of: l Management & Professional programmes. l Retail. l Accounting. l Skills for Life. l Art and Design. l Teacher Training. l Business Studies. l Work Based Learning. l Childcare. 14 new products were developed this year to enable l Construction and Environmental Technologies. us to meet very specific training needs identified by l Creative and Performing Arts. local employers.

6 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk ABOUT DUDLEY COLLEGE

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Lowell Williams, Principal, joined the college in March 2008. The day to day management of the college is organised through a Directorate, comprised of the Principal and six Directors: of Learning, Finance, Student Support, Standards, Performance and Development, Personnel, and Estates and Capital Projects. ACADEMIC MANAGEMENT

The Academic Management Team is led by the Director of Learning and the Director of Student Support. Five Heads of Centre report to the Director of Learning and one Head of Centre reports to the Director of Student Support. They are supported by 21 Curriculum Managers, and together they are responsible for the delivery of teaching and learning across a range of qualifications. In addition, ten Advanced Practitioners assure the quality and development of good practice in teaching and learning. COLLEGE STAFF

We directly employ over 770 teaching and business support staff. All staff have the opportunity to operate across a broad range of activities and the college is fortunate in the adaptability and flexibility of this, it’s biggest resource. Staff have access to a comprehensive professional development programme that is reviewed annually, as well as the opportunity to participate in bespoke programmes such as ‘Management in Action’ and the ‘Talent Recognition and Succession Planning’ programme.

As a result of these sound systems, we have held Investor in People (liP) status since 1994. CORPORATION The college is governed by a board of Corporation members made up of the Principal, 2 staff members, 2 student members and 12 external members drawn from business, public sector, education and community backgrounds. The Corporation elects its own Chair and Vice Chair from among its members and has the following sub-committees:

Audit, Employer Responsiveness, Finance & Estates, Personnel, Remuneration, Search and Standards & Diversity. QUALITY MARKS In addition to being an accredited ‘Investor in People’ organisation, the college holds ‘Matrix’, ‘Positive about Disabled People’ and ‘Customer Service Excellence’ quality marks. visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 7 Mr Viv Astling Dr Bryony Conway Mr John Freeman Chair of the Corporation Dean of the School of Art & Design Director of the React Programme for Retired Chief Executive of Dudley at the University of Wolverhampton. the Local Government Association. Metropolitan Borough Council. Specialist academic in Human Resource Served on: A former solicitor and student of Management and Development. Audit. Standards & Diversity the college. Served on: Served on: Finance & Estates. Remuneration Finance & Estates Remuneration (Chair). Search (Chair) Standards & Diversity (Chair)

Mr Mushtaq Hussain Mr Tony Lucas Mrs Judith Moore Manager in local government, finance Director of Advantage Early Growth Internal auditor at Dudley department. Former elected member Fund Limited, BLN Sponsors Limited Metropolitan Borough Council. of Dudley Council (1990 to 2002). and Lucas Interim Services Limited. Previously Area Manager and Served on: Previously employed by the Nat Internal Auditor for Post Office Personnel (Deputy Chair). West Group. Counters Limited. Search. Standards & Diversity Served on: Served on: (Deputy Chair). Employer Responsiveness (Chair). Audit (Chair). Remuneration. Finance & Estates (Deputy Chair).

Ms Taya Rudge-Robins Councillor Liz Walker Mr Lowell Williams Student Member Cabinet Member Children’s Services, Principal Student Member. Currently Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. Principal of Dudley College. Previously studying Business Administration Served on: Principal of South Leicestershire Level 3. 2009/10 Student Union Standards & Diversity. College. Student with Disabilities Officer. Served on: Search. Standards & Diversity. Employer Responsiveness. Finance & Estates. Personnel. Standards & Diversity.

8 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk CORPORATION MEMBERS

Mr Peter Gardner Mrs Sarah Heller Ms Kim Hughes Engineering Performance Manager Sales and Marketing Director at a Student Member at Birmingham International Airport. local IT software and services supplier. Student Union President in place Project Leader and Chair of St Michael’s Previous senior roles at Microsoft UK for term 2010/11. Completed BTEC Community Project, West Bromwich. and Fujitsu. Level 3 Business – 2008 to 2010. Served on: Served on: Served on: Audit (Deputy Chair). Standards Employer Responsiveness. Personnel. Standards & Diversity. & Diversity

Ms Kate Mulleady Miss Julie Payne Mrs Christine Richards Runs an interim management and Staff Member Staff Member consultancy agency. Has over 15 Appointed Staff Member Appointed Staff Member (Academic). years experience as a senior manager (Support Staff). Hub Administrator. Head of Centre, Sixth Form Studies in FE colleges. Served on: and the Arts. Served on: Finance & Estates. Personnel. Served on: Audit. Personnel (Chair). Search. Search. Standards & Diversity. Finance & Estates. Personnel. Search. Standards & Diversity.

Mr Lee Avery Mr Tony Bagley (Resigned (Term expired 20/10/09) 19/03/10) Served on: Served on: Employer Employer Responsiveness. Responsiveness. Personnel. Personnel. Remuneration. Remuneration. Search. Search. Mr John Woodall Vice Chair of the Corporation Chartered Accountant. Previously Mr Brian Mitchell Mr Ben Sweeney (Term expired Student Member Chief Executive of Training & 28/02/10) (Term expired Enterprise Council and Business Link, Served on: 30/06/10) Dudley for 10 years. Audit. Remuneration. Served on: Served on: Standards & Diversity. Finance & Estates. Standards & Employer Responsiveness (Deputy Diversity. Chair). Finance & Estates (Chair). Remuneration (Deputy Chair). visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 9 OUR NEW ESTATE PLANS The college has an ambitious redevelopment strategy for its estate over the next five to ten years.

Above: Dudley Evolve looking west from the Broadway along Tower Street showing the main entrance.

In outline these plans include establishing a town centre In the first stage of the project, a new vocational centre Dudley ‘learning quarter’ focused around the existing Broadway site. Evolve will be built on land at Tower Street. Dudley Evolve will This will enable the college to eventually relocate from our house state of the art facilities providing training for the retail existing five sites to the new town centre campus with three and leisure, public services and creative and performing arts new buildings being developed all on land close to our industries. Planning permission has been granted and buliding existing Broadway Campus. work willl start in January 2011 with staff and learners moving into the new facilities by September 2012.

Above: Looking north along Ednam Road towards Dudley higher and Dudley 6th.

10 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk OUR CAMPUSES

Above/left: The new auditorium at Dudley Evolve from the Broadway. The next stage of our plans includes a new 6th Form Centre - Dudley Sixth and a Higher Education centre - Dudley Higher, both of which will be built on land on Priory Road. Building work is due to start in the summer of 2011 with the opening planned for September 2012.

Dudley Sixth will have an unashamed focus on academic excellence by offering enhanced A level opportunities for young people. The location of Dudley Sixth in the town centre will ensure easy access, and the outstanding facilities that will be provided will contribute to the development of a culture of high expectations and high achievement for all. Above: The approach to Dudley 6th looking south from Priory Road.

Dudley Higher will provide access to Our final phase will be to develop a brand new high specification Technology higher level qualifications in the town Centre on our Broadway campus, which will include provision for studies and the wider borough, aiming to in construction, electrical and electronic engineering, air conditioning and develop a dynamic learning centre refrigeration, heating and ventilation, low carbon technologies, motor vehicle that raises aspirations and inspires, and associated trades, lean manufacturing and high value engineering. We hope enthuses and supports learners who this centre will be open in 2015. otherwise would be highly unlikely to enter higher education. These developments will be a major catalyst for the regeneration of Dudley and the wider sub-region. The design of the buildings provides a landmark Please visit our website statement of the college’s commitment to supporting local business and the www.dudleycol.co.uk for borough’s plans to invest in Dudley town, whilst enhancing the environment progress reports on these plans. for all. visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 11 Financial performance

2009/10 was another challenging but successful year for and adult fee income which both suffered from the effects the college. of the recession. As a result of this performance, and by taking further cost savings measures, the college produced an In 2009/10, Dudley College managed to produce another underlying operating surplus of £536,000 (after accounting underlying surplus, despite the continuing instability in the for extraordinary restructuring costs). The financial position economy, and the uncertainties that this brought with it. for the coming year is also healthy with an increased The college achieved its funding targets for all of its major operating surplus being forecast. income streams, with the exception of full cost provision INCOME & EXPENDITURE

In the last financial year, we achieved the following: l Overall income reduced by £1.8 million, mainly l Expenditure costs reduced by £1.3 million due to as a result of a reduction in fee income of £0.7 million, efficiencies generated in several non-pay areas. with a smaller (£0.5 million) reduction in investment income (due to very low interest rates) and further reductions in other miscellaneous income streams.

COLLEGE INCOME 2009-2010 COLLEGE EXPENDITURE 2009-2010

Funding Staff 68% councils 91% Non teaching Other costs 18% income 4% Premises costs 5% Tuition fees 3% Depreciation 5% Education contracts 1.5% Interest payable 3% Investments Teaching costs 1% income 0.5%

FIXED AND CURRENT ASSETS

The college continues to carefully manage its investment professional design team continues to work with us to enable in fixed assets. Significant investment has been made in the other elements of the strategy to become a reality. upgrading many curriculum facilities, particularly in the Formal borrowing consent has also been received for the remodelling and enhancement of several classroom areas. first phase, and detailed loan financing options are now being In addition the student social spaces have continued to worked through with our financial partner. expand, and the Student Union now has a dedicated office environment. We will continue to manage our financial position carefully in 2010/2011, to ensure that our steadily improving financial Our estates strategy has continued to develop over the health is not unduly affected by our building project, and to past year with significant progress made with regard to our give confidence to our stakeholders that we can manage approach to developing a ‘campus feel’ to the main Broadway the anticipated longer term funding reductions, once the site. Planning approval has been received for the first stage details become known. – Tower Street (Dudley Evolve Vocational Centre) and our

12 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2009-10

COLLEGE INCOME 2009-2010 Balance Sheet as at 31 July Funding Councils £27,739,000 2010 2009 Education Contracts £473,000 £000 £000 Fixed Assets Tuition Fees £975,000 Land and Buildings £24,176 £23,417 Other Income £1,180,000 Equipment £3,022 £2,955 Investment Income £85,000 Under construction £1,073 £0 TOTAL INCOMe £30,452,000 Intangible Assets £26 £28

COLLEGE EXPENDITURE 2009-2010 £28,297 £26,400 Staff £21,007,000 Teaching Costs £422,000 Current Assets Non Teaching Costs £5,399,000 Debtors £1,565 £1,293 Premises Costs £1,618,000 Investments and cash £8,705 £11,595 Depreciation £1,535,000 Interest Payable £782,000 £10,270 £12,888 TOTAL EXPENDITure £30,763,000

Less: FRS 17 pension cost adjustments £756,000 Liabilities Creditors £3,945 £3,792 Underlying Operating Surplus £445,000 Total assets less current £34,622 £35,496 (BEFORE TAXATION) liabilities Financial Summary - Income and Expenditure for the Years Ended 31 July 2009 and 2010 Long Term Liabilities Creditors after one year £2,381 £2,708 2009/10 2008/09 Provisions £1,665 £1,671 £000 £000 Net Pension Liability £9,937 £9,129 Income Funding Council Grants £27,739 £27,727 Net Assets £20,639 £21,988

Tuition fees and £1,448 £2,196 education contracts Reserves Other income £1,265 £2,339 Deferred capital grants £2,919 £3,069 Revaluation reserve £11,687 £11,931 £30,452 £32,262 General Reserve £15,970 £16,117 Pension Reserve (£9,937) (£9,129) Expenditure Staff costs £21,007 £20,997 Total Reserves £20,639 £21,988 Other operating £7,439 £9,049 expenses Depreciation and £2,317 £2,103 interest payable £30,763 £32,149

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 13 INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE

Considerable investment in the training and updating of our staff has been made this year, both through opportunities for individuals and teams and through whole college training/development days.

The professional development of our staff is one of our and involved all staff. The aim of the day was to share key priorities, ensuring that they are well trained and information/consult on key aspects of the college’s equipped with the necessary skills to undertake their operations. Workshops were presented on: Safeguarding individual roles effectively and efficiently. The highlights of and Community Cohesion; Pay Policy and Employee our staff development programme include: Dividend Scheme; the New Buildings Project and the Learner Voice. Staff had the opportunity to ask questions l 64 members of staff undertook professional and give feedback on key strategic developments. qualifications for teachers, lecturers and trainers. The spring term college conference took place on l 38 members of staff undertook higher qualifications 22 February 2010. This day was focused around key (eg Degrees, HNC/Ds). issues which impact considerably on the work of all l Academic and vocational qualifications and non- staff: the new Professional Code of Conduct; Roles and certified development activities. Responsibilities of Teachers and Assessors; Using Data l Computer Literacy and ILT. Effectively; Outstanding Performance in Teaching and Learning and HEHA (internal customer care standards) l Management development. accreditation. l Internal Verification and Quality Assurance. l Equality, Diversity and Customer Care. During September and October 2009 the Advanced Practitioner team held a series of twilight workshops for l Risk Management, Health and Safety. variable hours’ staff unable to access daytime training.

There were also two whole-college conference days. In total during 2009-10, the college invested around The first of these took place on 23 October 2009 £400,000 in staff development and training.

14 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE STAFF COMMENTS ABOUT TRAINING WORKSHOPS

In addition to ‘The presentations helped me to understand how the this, four new college is run and the importance of registers.’ initiatives were undertaken: ‘The clarification of the legal requirements The ‘Management in Action’ has opened my eyes and created an interest 1 programme, which aimed to provide college managers with amongst my colleagues.’ the practical skills and tools they needed to carry out their job highly effectively. This training is near completion. As part of our talent recognition and succession planning ‘The conference was informative and well organised.’ processes, 12 staff have been selected for our ‘Aspiring Managers’ programme which commenced in October 2010. ‘It was useful to hear the details of college policies explained and confirmed so that people Child Protection and know where we stand.’ 2 Safeguarding training. A total of 529 staff completed Level 1 training and 110 key frontline staff received Intermediate level training. ‘I felt the day was very clear and gave an excellent view of the college’s future plans and how we are Training in ‘Managing going to work towards becoming outstanding.’ 3 Challenging Behaviour’. 35 staff drawn from all areas of the college were trained in managing challenging behaviour. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and we intend to measure the impact of the ‘I found the trainer inspiring and the training on practice during 2010/11. content valuable.’

Functional Skills training. The 4 phased introduction nationally of Functional Skills to replace Key ‘I really enjoyed the training today and have Skills began with a number of teams piloting materials. To prepare the lots of tips to consider and implement into my teaching staff, we held a programme class sessions.’ of training events in conjunction with City & Guilds.

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 15 INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY

INTERNAL QUALITY ACCREDITATION

The ‘HEHA’ quality standard was developed expectations l In 2009/10 we recruited four apprentices to achievements work in business support roles. The apprenticeship for business support staff programme combines gaining valuable work to complement the opportunity received by academic experience with the opportunity to achieve a staff for recognition of their performance via lesson nationally recognised qualification. observations grades. Building on the introduction last year of this internal process to recognise levels of customer service provided by business support areas, l The college committed to offer eight full three teams received silver level accreditation. Other time placements for six months under the teams will be preparing submissions during 2010-11. Graduate Internship Programme, an initiative that provided valuable experience to recent graduates from local universities. INVESTORS IN PEOPLE l Working alongside partners such as Dudley The college continues to maintain its efforts to improve Council and Future Skills Dudley, the college in line with the requirements of the Investors in People recruited ten full time paid placements through standard. During 2009-10 we ensured that: the Future Jobs Fund initiative. The purpose of the project was to provide individuals with valuable l Our organisation provided a good, ‘fit for purpose’ work experience and training that they had not framework; previously had. The first cohort was recruited in March 2010 and placements included a range of l Investment was maintained in management training, areas such as Estates and Premises, Conferencing including cultural and leadership development; and Business Administration. 60% of the cohort l A Performance Management system was established; achieved a positive outcome. l Clarity of role had high impact on performance; l Our strategic approach in developing student support and the ‘student voice’ was maintained; l Internal communications were effective.

16 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK

Learners were invited to participate in two surveys in order to gather feedback and evaluate satisfaction levels. Results show that satisfaction levels have increased overall compared to the previous year, particularly in the areas of:

l Advice and guidance before starting the course l Induction l Support received whilst at college

The staff survey also showed increased levels of satisfaction, with significant improvement in the areas of: l Self assessment and planning l Working conditions l Appraisal, training and development

Employer feedback showed above average levels of satisfaction with: l Staff knowledge/experience l The impact that the training had on employees’ performance l Employees’ effectiveness in the workplace l Information on services available

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

In addition to our normal equality and diversity events and activities, we were successful in bidding to the LSC (Learning & Skills Council) for monies to conduct research into the specific needs of further education learners or potential learners on the autism spectrum.

The research resulted in a set of recommendations put forward for further education providers in a project report entitled: ‘Removing Barriers to Learning for Learners with Autism in Further Education’. The impact of the findings provided the impetus for an Autism Awareness Course run by the college.

A dissemination event of the findings of the research took place in April 2010. Guest Speakers included Neale Pilkington and Mark Carter from NO LIMITS, and Dianne Hanke from Dudley Autism Outreach Service. Positive comments about the event included: “Very enjoyable, informative, excellent, fantastic, very professional”. visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 17 OUR CURRICULUM We deliver our curriculum in a variety of ways, not only through traditional full-time and part-time courses but also increasingly through apprenticeships, advanced apprenticeships and work- based NVQs. Our diverse curriculum includes:

A LEVELS ACCOUNTING and professional skills in their preferred vocational area, gain work experience We offer over 30 different A Level Our accounting courses allow learners with local employers and also provide subjects at both AS and A2 level to progress from basic book keeping them with the opportunity to progress including Sciences, Humanities, Business, and computerised accounts through to on to university or a career in the Arts and Language subjects. In 2009/10 a recognised Association of Accounting Early Years sector. Our Early Years we introduced AS Citizenship which Technicians (AAT) accounting qualifications enable learners to had a very high achievement rate. qualification at Level 4. We are also an specialise with children of selected Our offer of AS & A2 Communications AAT assessment centre. age groups. Learners are prepared to & Culture in 1 year continues to be work in a wide variety of settings, from popular and successful. ADMINISTRATION, nursery classes and infant schools to SECRETARIAL & IT working abroad as a nanny. ACCESS TO HIGHER The administration, secretarial and Learners may also chose to follow EDUCATION IT courses we offer provide general our Apprenticeship route to gain Our Access courses give adults who training in a range of areas, or allow employment and qualifications within have missed out on educational for specialisation. They are suitable the sector. opportunities earlier in life, or those for those people just starting out or who are looking to change their career, for those looking to progress their COMPUTING & IT the opportunity to gain qualifications careers. All of the courses lead to Substantial investment in training which will allow them to enter Higher nationally recognised qualifications and equipment has helped to raise Education on a degree or HND and most offer work experience. We the quality of our IT provision at the course. The varied pathways offer also deliver apprenticeships, advanced college to meet the needs of learners opportunities to move on to higher apprenticeships and NVQs at levels 1- and employers. By offering a range education courses at a range 4 in Business & Administration. These of industry recognised hardware of universities are delivered in the workplace and take and networking qualifications, 6-18 months to achieve depending on including Cisco CCNA, A+ Computer the level. Maintenance and Installation and the HNC/D in Computing. The quality BUSINESS STUDIES of IT provision is of a standard that Our business courses enable learners allows the development of high to gain a good understanding of the level vocational and academic skills. business and finance industry. We run Programmes on offer begin at Entry courses to suit all abilities including Level 3 and offer progression to HND. National and Higher Certificate/ Diplomas giving learners the chance CONSTRUCTION to progress on to university or join We offer a number of full and part time a trainee management scheme. On construction programmes from entry our full-time courses we offer work 3 to level 4, covering both practical and experience and run a fully functioning theoretical elements. The vocations convenience store which retail learners on offer include Brickwork, Carpentry, incorporate into their studies. Plumbing, Plastering, Electrical Installation, Mechanical Services, CHILDCARE Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. & EARLY YEARS Apprenticeships are offered in These full and part-time and courses Plumbing, Heating & Ventilation, enable learners to develop personal Refrigeration & Air Conditioning,

18 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk OUR CURRICULUM

Plastering, Brickwork and Carpentry. All learners, including local school pupils have access to specialist training workshop areas equipped with some of the latest technology. We are currently working with a number of leading manufacturers to deliver renewable energy training programmes. ENGINEERING Engineering is one of our key curriculum areas; we offer a wide range of engineering and technology courses, staffed by highly qualified and skilled engineering practitioners. We have invested substantially in new equipment and technology resources to enhance the learning experience for our learners. We offer work- based learning and full and part-time courses in Engineering at levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 including Electrical and Electronic, Electronics and Computing, Operations and Maintenance, Manufacturing and Motor Vehicle Studies. We are currently developing a suite of qualifications in environmental technologies. ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL), ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (EFL) AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES We offer a wide range of English Language courses to both international and home learners, from Entry level to English for learners who wish to go to university. Classes are offered in college in specialist accommodation, in the community and in the workplace. Learners can study towards Edexcel exams and develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Our foreign language provision focuses on European business languages and can be delivered on company premises. We also deliver ESOL to companies at their premises. visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 19 FIRST AID & FOOD HYGIENE Our First Aid courses include programmes specifically for the workplace and for those working with children. Our recognised Food Hygiene qualifications are essential if food handling is likely to be a part of a job role in any sector of the food industry. HAIR & BEAUTY We offer a full range of vocational courses in both Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. Learners have access to fully equipped salons and treatment areas. Learners treat clients under realistic working conditions. Regular demonstrations of the latest hairdressing and beauty techniques are provided by guest presenters. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Learners can study a range of qualifications which include NVQs level 2 and 3, and BTEC Awards, Certificate and Diplomas at level 1- 3. We also have NVQ apprenticeships and offer an Access to Higher Education – Nursing programme. INDEPENDENT SKILLS FOR LIVING & LEARNING These programmes are for young people and adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and are designed to develop their communication skills and confidence levels. There are six vocational pathways offered at Entry level. Support is available to meet learner needs and prepare them for both work and mainstream study. MANAGEMENT & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Our Management & Professional courses offer a wide range of professional qualification pathways, encompassing many business-focused subjects: Personnel and Development, Leadership and Management, Credit Management, Accounting, Marketing and Purchasing & Supply. Learners can develop skills and improve career prospects, either within an existing career path, or in an entirely new direction. We offer courses from Level 3 to Level 5.

20 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk OUR CURRICULUM

MUSIC PERFORMANCE We have increased the breadth of our media programmes by offering Music Technology and Music Performance National Diploma. These are specialist programmes that prepare learners for courses in performance and composition. PUBLIC SERVICES Popular with 16-18 year olds, these programmes are for anyone considering a career in the emergency services or armed forces. These courses require active participation in a range of fitness and outdoor related activities as well as academic studies. Qualifications range from Level 1 to Level 4 and are recognised in all public services. Colleges of Sport (BCS), learners VISUAL ARTS, DESIGN have the opportunity to compete RETAIL & at a national and regional level. Our AND PERFORMANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE Team Sports Programme includes Our Visual Arts, Design and Our Customer Service NVQs at Basketball, Cricket, Endurance Sports, Performance courses provide learners Level 1, 2 and 3 cover subjects such Football, Fitness, Netball, Volleyball and with a range of qualification pathways as understanding and delivering good Racquets. Significant investment has from Level 1 through to higher level customer service and dealing with ensured that learners have access to awards. Pathways include Fashion customer complaints. Retail NVQs industry standard fitness equipment and Textiles, Photography, Graphic provide an insight into the principles supported by fully qualified tutors. Design, Theatre Design, Drama, Dance, and processes of retail and provide Music, Music Technology and Musical learners with an understanding of Theatre. Our drama and performance TEACHER TRAINING learners have access to good studios how to maximise sales and profit, We offer a range of courses for those and workshops and working with good customer care, efficient stock involved in teaching and training. leading experts in these fields further control and merchandising. Courses are offered for Teaching adds to the experience for learners Apprenticeships at Level 2 and 3 are Assistants in Primary and Secondary from both media and performing arts available for both areas. schools and for Learning Support disciplines. In 2009/10 we introduced Assistants in Basic Skills. We deliver a Foundation degree in Musical the three latest qualifications required SKILLS FOR LIFE Theatre running in conjunction with to teach in the Lifelong Learning Skills for Life courses are for adults the University of Wolverhampton Sector delivered under a partnership who would like to return to learning which attracted a lot of interest and agreement with the University in order to improve their English and has now successfully recruited for a of Wolverhampton. We also run Maths skills. Reasons for returning second year. are varied, but many wish to improve Assessor and Verifier awards. job and promotion prospects or to support their children with school TRAVEL & TOURISM work. Courses are available to suit These programmes are very popular all levels of ability and learners work with our 16-18 year old learners, at their own pace in small groups. and provide a basis for a career This supports a major government in the travel and tourism industry. initiative to improve the basic Courses offer a broad range of skills skills of the workforce. to prepare learners for work in travel and tourism, e.g. ticketing, airline cabin SPORT crew and aviation. The college offers an extensive range of sports related courses and through our Team Sports Programme which is affiliated to the British

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 21 PROFILE OF OUR LEARNERS

ALL LEARNERS - WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Dudley 51%

Other UK 23%

Sandwell 10%

Birmingham 8%

Staffordshire 7%

Other 1%

16-18 LEARNERS - WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Dudley 71%

Sandwell 15%

Birmingham 5%

Other UK 5%

Staffordshire 3%

Overseas 1%

22 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk OUR LEARNERS

19+ LEARNERS - WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Dudley 47%

Other UK 28%

Sandwell 9%

Birmingham 8%

Staffordshire 8%

Overseas 1%

LEARNER AGE - AGE/GENDER

19+ Male 51%

19+ Female 29%

16-18 Male 11%

16-18 Female 9%

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 23 LEARNER AGE/MODE OF ATTENDANCE

19+ Part-time 73%

16-18 Full-time 13%

16-18 Part-time 7%

19+ Full-time 7%

LEARNER ETHNICITY

White 76.3% Black African 1.7% Pakistani 4.9% Other Asian Indian 4.9% 1.4%

Not known/ Any other 0.9% not provided 3.4% Other Black 0.9% Mixed 2.6% Bangladeshi 0.7% Black Carribean 2.3% Chinese 0.2%

24 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk OUR LEARNERS

In the academic year 2009/10 we delivered over 20,000 qualifications, reflecting our diverse curriculum. The pie chart below shows participation by subject sector areas: PARTICIPATION BY SUBJECT AREA (BASED ON 2009/2010 ENROLMENTS)

Preparation for Construction, Retail and Science and Agriculture, Life and Work Planning and the Commercial Mathematics 1.8% Horticulture and 25.8% Built Environment Enterprise 5.8% Animal Care 9.2% Languages, 0.3% Engineering and Arts, Media and Literature and Manufacturing Information and Publishing 4.6% Culture 1.8% History, Philosophy Technologies Communication and Theology 16.3% Technology Education and Social Sciences 0.3% 9.1% Training 3.3% 0.4% Business, Administration & Health, Public Leisure, Travel and Law 10.7% Services and Care Tourism 2.6% 8.0%

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 25 OUR SUCCESS The success rates for college based learners are calculated by the Skills Funding Agency using a nationally agreed methodology. This approach enables all training providers to be compared on a like for like basis against nationally derived success rates. For these learners, our success rates include all relevant programmes but exclude short and very short courses (typically less than 6 weeks duration).

College College Success Success Rate % Rate %

Latest Latest Pub Nat Pub Nat Rate % Rate % NOT YET NOT AVAILABLE NOT YET NOT AVAILABLE

SUCCESS OF YOUNG PEOPLE SUCCESS OF ADULTS l Success rate of young people is maintained at 79%. l Success rate of adult learners is 74%. l Success rate of young people has improved by l Success rate of adult learners has improved by 14 11 percentage points over the last four years. percentage points over the last four years. l Success rate of young people is 2% above the latest l Success rate of adult learners has fallen slightly which published national rate. reflects the change in the mix and balance of provision following funding reductions.

26 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk OUR SUCCESS SUCCESS RATES FOR EMPLOYER-FACING PROGRAMMES

The following graphs show how well the college is performing against workplace delivered qualifications.

College College Success Success Rate % Rate %

Latest Latest Pub Nat Pub Nat Rate % Rate % NOT YET NOT AVAILABLE NOT YET NOT AVAILABLE

YOUNG PEOPLE ADULT APPRENTICESHIPS APPRENTICESHIPS l Overall young people apprenticeship success l Overall adult apprenticeship success rates are broadly similar to the latest published rates have improved significantly in 2009-10 national rate. compared to 2008-09. l Overall young people apprenticeship success rate l Overall adult apprenticeship success rates have has improved by 3 percentage points in the last improved by 6 percentage points over the last three years. 3 years.

SUCCESS RATES FOR TRAIN TO GAIN College l Overall college Train to Gain success rates have Success improved by 30 percentage points over the last Rate % 3 years . Latest l Train to Gain learner numbers have increased by Pub Nat 2556 in the last three years. Rate % NOT YET NOT AVAILABLE

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 27 DUDLEY COLLEGE ‘A’ LEVEL RESULTS HIGHER EDUCATION

MORE THAN 150 LEARNERS SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED A HIGHER LEVEL QUALIFICATION DURING 2009-10. OVER 100 OF THEM ATTENDED OUR ANNUAL HIGHER EDUCATION AWARDS CEREMONY IN NOVEMBER 2009, TAKING GREAT PLEASURE IN DONNING FORMAL ACADEMIC CAPS AND GOWNS TO BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENT.

Yet again, we are absolutely delighted to report on our A-level results. 96% of learners studying for A-levels passed, with an increased number achieving high grades (65%).

This year saw the introduction of the new A* grade at A-level and we were thrilled to see learners achieving this grade in several subjects including Law, History, Photography, Fine Art, Religious Studies and German.

We are particularly proud of the 100% pass rate in no less than 24 A Level subjects including major subjects such as English Language, Geography, Environmental Studies, History, Art & Design, Chemistry, Accounts, Business, Film Studies, Sport Studies, Biology, Sociology, Principal Lowell Williams said: “Most of those Citizenship & Religious Studies. graduating today are people who have studied part-time, achieving qualifications whilst working AS level results have improved full-time or bringing up a family. The effort that the considerably with 82% of learners graduates put in, and the support that they receive from their family and who took the examination passing friends never fails to astound us and events like this allow both our staff the qualification. and learners to showcase the results that individuals can achieve, whatever their circumstance”. As part of our partnership with local schools, two High Arcal school Among the graduates were mother and daughter Barbara and Lucy Everson, learners studied AS & A-level who both completed the HNC Business Management course. Mrs Everson, German outside of school hours and age 49, is a Sandwell Council Officer but after getting her qualification said: “I both obtained grade A*. want to focus on more personal goals, and now I’ve got this under my belt I can. I gave up everything to take care of my children, and now it’s my turn.” Principal, Lowell Williams, said: Her daughter Lucy age 27, finished the course after a two-year gap while she “This is an extremely pleasing changed jobs. She is now an assistant engineer at the Metrolink project in set of results from the learners Manchester. Lucy said: “It’s hard work and really challenging to juggle a full-time studying in our ‘A’ level Academy. job with study, but it’s definitely worth it. It’s a cracking course though, and will The investment the college has prove really useful in my job.” made, and will continue to make, in providing an exciting and innovative As part of the formal award ceremony, an audience of family, friends and learning environment is clearly employers alongside dignitaries were entertained by the college’s musical benefiting the young people who theatre learners who performed a variety of show tunes including ‘The Age of choose to study here and confirms Aquarius’ and ‘Let the Sunshine In’. the view of Ofsted that Dudley is a GOOD college!’

28 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk SUCCESS IN THE NEWS CELEBRATING SUCCESS The college works extremely hard to meet the needs of the local community through offering courses that help everyone to achieve their potential and make a difference to their lives.

During 2009-10, local people, and evening have already made an impact some from further afield, studied a on the local community through their vast array of qualifications, ranging school, and their achievements at from Accounting to Visual Arts, Design college mean that this contribution & Performance. The culmination of the extends to their adult life”. year was an event in June when prize- As around 250 guests congregated, winning learners attended an annual they were entertained in the awards ceremony to celebrate their courtyard by the college music success. Over 40 learners collected learners and magicians, creating special awards for their hard work unique and exquisite illusions. The and determination over the academic evening of entertainment continued year and celebrated with their family, with a vibrant catwalk extravaganza Jo Wooldridge Tutor and Kelly Millward at the Celebrating Success Awards Evening. friends and tutors at a from fashion & textile learners. magical ceremony held at the The spectacular evening closed with outstanding talent we have, right here Broadway campus. Musical Theatre learners performing a in Dudley”. sequence from ‘The Little Shop Bob Chapman, Director of Learning of Horrors’. One proud student was Kelly commented: “We design our courses Millward age 32 from Priors Mills, to best support the needs of local College Principal, Lowell Williams said, Dudley. Kelly studied the NVQ level people, thereby ensuring that both “The ceremony was an overwhelming 3 Beauty Therapy course and worked we, and our community, can make a demonstration of how our local extremely hard to complete her positive contribution to the area”. community continue to triumph qualification, despite juggling her role He added: “Many of the learners who through difficult times and allowed as a single parent while attending a full celebrated with us on this spectacular us to exhibit just some of the time course.

TRAINING ENGINEERS FOR THE FUTURE The commitment to the training and development Carl Timmins, Carl Timmins, Curriculum Manager of professional Engineering Technicians (EngTech) at Curriculum Manager for Engineering proudly Dudley College has been endorsed by the Institution of for Engineering at holding the IMechE Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), one of the world’s leading Dudley College said, certificate. professional bodies. “The approval of the college’s training Working with the college, the Institution has assessed scheme underlines and approved the Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship Dudley College’s and confirmed that the quality and content of the recognition of the programme meets the requirements for Engineering vital contribution made by engineers to the region’s Technician (EngTech) registration. Engineering Technicians future prosperity. The scheme we have in place and the are recognised by the Institution and the Engineering partnership we have with the IMechE and local employers profession as competent individuals concerned with ensures that our Technicians become well rounded applying proven techniques and procedures to the individuals who can deal competently with a variety of solution of practical engineering problems. complex issues”.

The IMechE underpins industry with a supply of high IMechE Senior Business Development Manager, quality apprentices from approved colleges or training Steven Gasser said “Dudley College and the IMechE providers or graduates from accredited universities. The have a very productive working relationship; the Institution has 89,000 members in 120 countries across approval of their training scheme indicates the the world and with almost 7000 members in the West importance that the organisation places on the Midlands alone it proved that Engineering is alive and well. development of young engineers.”

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 29 WORKING WITH EMPLOYERS

At Dudley College we recognise that the skills of employees can have a major impact on the efficiency and profitability of employers. Our main aim over the last 12 months has been to help businesses add value by developing the skills and knowledge of their staff. This will become increasingly important as we face the economic challenges approaching the Black Country and wider West Midlands region. During 2009-10 we have worked with many employers on a range of initiatives, for example:

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES Apprenticeship training was delivered through the work based learning curriculum teams and included National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or QCFs (Qualification and Credit Framework). The apprenticeship qualification also included key or functional skills and a technical certificate. These frameworks are available in many subject areas and set the apprentices on the right path for their chosen career, with the support of an employer for work placement and experience.

We trained over 250 apprentices in the areas of Accounting, Administration, Construction, Customer Service, Engineering, Electrical Technologies, Hairdressing, Librarianship, Mechanical Services, Motor Vehicle, IT Practitioners and Support, Retail and Warehousing and Distribution.

Programme Led Apprenticeships are an important alternative to traditional employer-led apprenticeships, providing a path for young people who may find it difficult to gain employment, or for those who require an initial phase of upfront training before progressing onto an employer-led apprenticeship.

In 2009-10, we recruited 220 16-18 year old learners, who were looking to complete an apprenticeship programme, but due to the economic climate at the time, found it very difficult without having some skill base first.

As with employed-status apprentices, these learners worked towards the same apprenticeship framework, giving them the opportunity of working towards several qualifications that included an NVQ or QCF, and key or functional skills. They also undertook training in any other specialist training that was relevant for employment when the programme finished or while studying.

As each student moved into employment and completed the course, further progression pathways were available.

30 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk WORKING WITH EMPLOYERS LEMA ACADEMY During 2009-10 we successfully developed an innovative the apprentice with apprenticeship model: the ‘Lean Engineering & the education and Manufacturing Academy’ (LEMA) which teaches current environment to learn, engineering and manufacturing skills combined with an practice and implement integrated core understanding of up to date continuous core lean, engineering and improvement (lean) techniques. manufacturing skills.

The Lean Engineering & Manufacturing Academy is a This structured approach allows the apprentice time unique collaboration between the college and Lean to understand employers’ specific engineering needs Education and Development group (LEAD), who and allows them to develop their skills and knowledge specialize in lean techniques and implementation. to encompass this during the following two years of the programme. The Academy will provide opportunities for 16-18 year old apprentices seeking a career in the engineering Once the candidates have completed stage1, they will or manufacturing industries. During Stage 1 (the first continue their apprenticeship training at college on a 6 months) of an apprentice’s training, LEMA provides day release basis.

‘SUCCESS TO EMPLOYMENT’ PROGRAMME

This very successful programme was aimed at assisting long term unemployed adults. Over 260 people participated, all developing existing skills or acquiring new skills to maximise previously unreachable employment opportunities. The provision ranged across a variety of employment sectors such as Door Supervision, Domiciliary Care and Leisure Industries.

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 31 TRAIN TO GAIN

The college had yet another very successful year in terms of attracting employers to engage in training through the Train to Gain initiative. Almost 6,000 employees undertook training, largely NVQs, in a wide variety of subjects ranging from Warehouse Distribution to Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools and Food Manufacture.

A range of new qualifications were developed in response to customer demand, particularly in the construction sector in the specialist areas of insulation, flooring, highway maintenance and interior design.

In addition, we adapted the Business Improvement Techniques qualification (originally designed for the engineering industry) to suit a wider range of businesses and delivered this to both local authorities and office- based enterprises. This led to two major projects being delivered to both Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Telford and Wrekin Council.

We worked with some large international companies such as Hertel UK, Balfour Beatty, GKN Aerospace, Ideal Standard International and Gemalto UK to name but a few though the majority of our work is with SMEs (small to medium enterprises). One of our big successes was with small construction companies employing less than 50 people. The need of these companies was met by providing training for employees in order for them to gain CSCS cards – a legislative requirement for working on construction sites. The NVQ assessment that the college provided allowed employees to demonstrate competency and consequently supported the need for development within the industry as highlighted by the sector council.

Terry Guy, Sales Manager reports “During the year we worked with a wide variety of companies from both the private and public sector, and ranging from large companies with over 500 employees to individuals running businesses as owner/managers. For example, we delivered training to large numbers of staff of the Ringway Group, a large international construction company. We also delivered training to self employed individuals in subjects such as Hairdressing and Plastering”.

Employers typically reported a range of positive outcomes as a result of the training received, including:

‘being in a stronger position when tendering for business’ ‘higher staff morale’ ‘reduction in the level of waste generated’ ‘generally we are now more efficient’.

32 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk WORKING WITH EMPLOYERS The range of qualifications delivered during the year is detailed below:

NVQ in Business- NVQ in Carry and NVQ in Customer NVQ in NVQ in Improvement Deliver Goods 6% Service 5% Supporting Hairdressing 4% Techniques 30% Teaching and NVQ in NVQ in Learning in NVQ in Plant NVQ in Wood Fenestration Decorative Schools 5% Operations 4% Occupations 7% Installation 6% Finishing and Idustrial Painting NVQ in Occupations 5% Performing NVQ in NVQ in NVQ in Warehousing Business and Manufacturing Health and Operations 4% and Storage 4% Social Care 6% Adminstration 5% NVQ in Food Manufacture 5% NVQ in Engineering Maintenance and Installation 4%

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 33 WESTLEY PLASTICS Westley Plastics For lots of sectors the economic conditions of the last 12 months have proved particularly trying, not least in the plastics industry.

Times have been particularly tough how they could best be resolved. awareness of health and safety in terms of the reduction of large The proposal that was made issues and a range of topics including scale orders and Westley Plastics, an to the company resulted in the risk assessments, use of abrasive established Black Country company establishment of a programme of wheels, emergency first aid and basic employing around 40 staff, is no training designed to encourage young engineering safety. exception. people to remain and develop their engineering skills and knowledge. The company were delighted to The particular challenges that the discover that they were eligible for company wanted to address are: to The main thrust of the delivery Train to Gain funding, which meant become more competitive within project was centred around a that the only contribution that they a market that is increasingly reliant programme of NVQs at level had to make was to release staff on technology; to increase their 2 in Performing Manufacturing from normal duties to attend training competitive edge when tendering Operations. This programme involved sessions. for contracts particularly in the assessing current skills levels and defence sector, and to raise levels updating areas of identified need of motivation across the existing within a variety of job roles. workforce. In addition the programme included To tackle these challenges head on, delivery of literacy and numeracy Westley Plastics began talks with qualifications, training in forklift Dudley College. The college’s sales truck and overhead crane operation team played a big role in helping and sessions on recent work the company to establish exactly related legislation. Alongside the what their training needs were and training emphasis was put on raising

UTOPIA BATHROOMS “Our aim at Utopia is quite simple – to turn your dream bathroom into a luxurious and practical reality”.

Firstly, Utopia wanted to raise levels of the delivery of NVQs across a range of 2 and 3. The company reports that staff individual performance and secondly, job roles, ranging from Administration morale and levels of confidence in job to introduce more efficient working to Driving Goods Vehicles and Business roles have increased, and the skills set practices through the application of Improvement Techniques. of individuals has improved. lean techniques. They also felt that it was important to raise the status of One of the key benefits of the Samantha Bradburn-Willans HR the Operations supervisors. relationship between the college and Assistant, commented: “In particular, the company was that the college was the Business Improvement Technique The college’s sales team played a able to help Utopia secure Train to training has worked well in conjunction significant role in helping Utopia to Gain funding. with introducing Lean Manufacturing identify the most appropriate training Techniques.” programmes that would meet their In total, 74 employees have been business objectives, which resulted in accredited, to date, with NVQs at levels

34 DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk CASE STUDIES DREAMS You’ve seen the advert and probably been in a store. You may even have enjoyed a night’s sleep on one of their beds. Dreams are Britain’s leading bed retailer – and they are expanding despite the economic conditions. 44 new stores were opened in 2009. They are a people-focussed business whose aim is to send you to sleep!

Dreams turns over more than There is a hard commercial edge to £280 million annually and employs this private firm who have opened 2,000 people. 250 stores since their founding in 1987, have their own mattress At their ‘Academy of Dreams’ in factory and a thriving online the West Midlands, they train many presence. They will even recycle of their staff in the skills essential your old bed. to support the growing business. Visitors to the Academy are Dreams turned to Dudley Staff Training Dreams style immediately impressed with the College’s sales team to supply fun atmosphere – the site manager their Central Hubs team with wanted. The assessors have worked is known to tether to his vehicle a training in warehouse, distribution across our nine depots across the huge gas-filled balloon, emblazoned and driving National Vocational country and made themselves with the Dreams logo, and drive it Qualifications (NVQ) at levels 2 available to drivers at very unsocial around the site whilst trainees look and 3. The College also helped staff hours.” on from their upstairs classroom! in the mattress factory attain their NVQ in Performing Manufacturing Lowell Williams, College Principal, Mock sales areas are festooned Operations. said “We pride ourselves in with the latest beds complete with understanding our customer’s large teddies! John Sanderson, Head of the needs and then working hard to Academy, said “Dudley College meet them.” has shown the level of flexibility we

visit us online at: www.dudleycol.ac.uk DUDLEY COLLEGE ANNUAL REVIEW 09/10 35 Our mission: outstanding learning which develops skills, raises aspirations and changes lives.

Dudley College, The Broadway, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4AS www.dudleycol.ac.uk | Tel: 01384 363 363

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