Aberdeen College

Who
Aberdeen College is the largest further education college in Scotland, with over 30,000 enrolments annually. In addition to the main campus in the city centre, the College operates in four satellite centres and in over 80 community locations. It has 521 employees.
 
What
The employees developed a programme No barriers to learning with local community partners to reach out to people in the community who would otherwise not have participated in education. They offered specially selected courses tailored to individual needs. Groups who experienced the programme included the long-term unemployed, those recovering from addiction, the elderly, primary school children, and teenagers.
 
Why
Aberdeen College recognised that despite all its efforts, there were communities and individuals who had not yet realised the personal and social benefits of education and training, and that these individuals are often either unwaged, poorly paid or experiencing a form of economic and social deprivation. Many of these individuals reside close to the College in social housing, they were the primary target for the programme No barriers to learning.
 
Business benefits
  • There has been an increase in the number of local residents applying for courses.
  • The programme promoted social inclusion, a key Scottish Government objective
  • The application process to gain a place on a course developed and now has less administrative and financial requirements
  • The media has reported on the No barriers to learning progamme positively
  • Individuals have been able to develop IT skills
  • Primary school children participated in sport and health related activities which led them to understand the importance of leading a healthy life
 
Community benefit
The local community is now involved with Aberdeen College and feel a sense of ownership towards the college. The No barriers to learning programme has helped to address the issues of long-term benefit dependency and disengagement from the productive economy, with the resultant costs to the public purse and the health and social issues that often accompany them. For the individuals who participated, the programme has changed their lives. With enhanced employment opportunities, improved health and wellbeing, newly developed skills, knowledge and attitudes they are ready to give more to the community and live a fuller life.
 
 
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