Higher Skills Learners - Enrolments (Updated In-Year)

The figures below show our enrolments onto full or part time HNC/D programmes. As can be seen there has been a slight increase in the number of adults choosing to study in this way. We have seen however a significant growth in people doing higher apprenticeships to support their development. We believe that many employers are choosing the apprenticeship route as a more cost effective means of training staff to a higher level. We continue to review of higher level offer and development new curriculum in the lead up to the opening of our Institute of Technology (opening in 2021).

Higher Skills Learners - Enrolments (2018-19 Year-End Data)

Engagement and participation rates

Learner engagement trend analysis

The college considers higher skills learners as:

1. HNC/D learners – those studying dedicated HE programmes on a full or part-time basis.
2. Classroom based Level 4+ learners – adults studying FE provision that is level 4 or higher – including professional programmes such as Teacher Training.
3. Higher Apprenticeships – those studying at level 4 and above through an Apprenticeship programme. Whilst these numbers are shown above, they do not feature in any of the subsequent analysis. This is shown in the Apprenticeships section of the ASIA.

From the above it can be seen that the numbers on HNC/D and classroom based L4 programmes have remained static. In total in 2018/19 we had 370 learners undertaking higher level learning through classroom based and HNC/D programmes and 350 through Higher Apprenticeships. The number studying through Higher Apprenticeships almost doubled in each of the last two years. These learners continue to be a strategic priority for the College and we have plans to further expand our HE offer, particularly through the opening of the Institute of Technology (planned for 2021).

Travel to Learn Map

The map shows the travel to learn pattern of our higher skills learners in 2018/19. The majority of learners are from Dudley borough, as you would expect, with increasing numbers of learners looking to remain in Dudley to study rather than travel elsewhere. However, it also shows that the College is attracting higher level learners from across the wider Black Country and beyond. We are pleased to see that, as we strengthen our higher level offer and build our reputation for quality delivery of learning and skills, we are able to recruit learners from greater distances.