Why are we backing calls for better collaboration between colleges and universities? Because FE colleges already play a vital role in helping people access high-quality higher education. As Principal of Newcastle College and Chair of Mixed Economy Group Jon R. says: "Across the country, thousands of young people and adults are undertaking first class higher education training and studies at their local college. If we are serious about addressing the government's targets for participation in higher technical skills, as outlined in the recent Skills White Paper, then a re-examination of the traditional Further and Higher education relationship is required and the critical role of colleges in providing the skills needed to boost our economy, locally and nationally, needs to be fully recognised and rewarded." Now a new report from LifeLong Education Institute on behalf of MEG colleges has set out why more collaboration with universities is essential to meeting the UK’s higher-level skills needs. We welcome the Partners in Progress report’s call for: • Joint FE–HE course design • Streamlined HTQ awarding powers • Stronger place based planning based planning • Recognition of colleges’ role in higher technical education 📄 Read the full report at https://orlo.uk/Lt2e0 #LifelongLearning #MEG #HigherEducation #FurtherEducation

We are proud to continue strengthening our industry partnership with Bubble Food. This collaboration provides our learners with valuable, real‑world experience in professional kitchens and live event environments supported by demonstrations, masterclasses and guided work placements that help them build the skills, confidence and work readiness the sector needs. Through sustained employer engagement and Bubble Food’s contribution to our Employer Advisory Board, this partnership ensures our curriculum remains closely aligned with industry expectations while supporting the development of the next generation of hospitality and catering professionals. We are always keen to collaborate with employers who want to help shape future talent, influence curriculum design and create meaningful pathways into the sector. If you’d like to get involved, please visit: https://orlo.uk/ZZhmV #LewishamCollege #CollegesWeek2026 #EmployerPartnerships #SkillsForLife #FurtherEducation #HospitalityCareers #LoveOurColleges

Today we brought together over 70 digital and tech employers at Newcastle College for our Digital Business Breakfast, developed with Newcastle City Council's Inclusive Employment Team and colleagues across the Combined Authority. ✨ We celebrated how regional employers are using T Level industry placements, apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications and degree apprenticeships to recruit, develop and retain brilliant young talent. And the message was clear: Young people in the North East want technical pathways. We now need more opportunities to match their ambition. With one third of T Level learners being offered an apprenticeship by their placement employer, the potential is huge, but partnership is how we unlock it. This morning guests heard from leading voices including Tim Pain, Jen Hartley and Dr David Dunn, followed by an insightful employer panel focused on building smarter, future focused talent pipelines. Spotlight conversations with learners and apprentices brought the impact to life and showed the real stories behind these pathways. Thank you to every employer who joined us and to our colleagues from Work and Thrive and the North East CA Shine North East team for supporting the next steps. Together, we can make the North East the Home of Real Opportunity.    #NAW2026

We are delighted to welcome our staff back onto campus for a CPD day 🥰 The morning sessions focused on 'Working Together for Student Success' which was hosted by Guy Walker from Dovetail & Slate, before an NCG session for those within an educator role. The afternoon will focus on bespoke team sessions that have been designed to support each team's unique needs and priorities.

Colleague Highlights of the Term - Part 3 of 3 🎬 Our final first-term highlights is here! From partnering with organisations to create new opportunities for students, to staff taking their first steps into teaching and investing in their own professional development, this final video captures a term full of growth and collaboration. Here’s to 2026 and another successful term at Newcastle College! #ThinkNewcastleCollege

A Tale of Two Conferences I spent last week at two conferences, in some ways so very similar, in others so very different. I started the week at the Association of Colleges Conference in Birmingham, catching up with current and prospective Unloc partners in FE. I spoke to so so many great people but special shout-outs to two college leaders I’ve been working very closely with a for a few years now; Joe Baldwin at Coleg Penybont | Bridgend College and Sarah McGrath at Carlisle College - both super committed to learners having an active part to play in decision making, listening to them, taking action on student priorities, and providing the support and training required to enable to students to lead. Another shout out to Lily-Anne Knobel and Luca Frederick who did a great job of sharing their stories and flying the Unloc flag as young change makers. I finished the week with Global Edge at FOBISIA’s Annual Leadership Conference in Kuala Lumpur, supporting some incredible young people to develop their public speaking skills before they went on stage in front of over 400 school leaders from across South East Asia! Shout out to the students of The Alice Smith School who tracked, and offset, the carbon emissions generated by people’s travel to the conference! Similarities: 🌏 Young people have some of the same priorities all over the world, they care about our planet, they want to develop the skills they need to navigate the world, they feel there are elements of education that just don’t work for them. 🫶 Teachers care more than ever and are super dedicated to their students, despite not always being appreciated. 📣 Whether in the UK or SE Asia, schools and colleges know that they need to do better on student voice and student leadership. Differences: 🍛 Food is better in South East Asia, it just is. (Sorry) 🗣️ The private sector is giving far more attention to students’ wider skills development than the state sector, and this needs to be fixed. 🤝 UK colleges are very good at being part of their local communities and this should be applauded. All in, it’s clear we need to keep speaking up for young people (wherever they are and whatever their backgrounds), providing as much opportunity as possible - there is no upper limit! #Unloc #GlobalEdge #youngpeople #youth #international #colleges #furthereducation