FVC and Camphill in top eight colleges for apprenticeship award

FVC and Camphill in top eight colleges for apprenticeship award
FVC were short-listed for apprenticeship award

Forth Valley College – in partnership with Camphill Blair Drummond - have just missed out on a UK TES Further Education Award 2021.

The College and its partner firm were finalists in the category of ‘Apprenticeship Programme of the Year’ at the awards which were held remotely online on Friday 28 May 2021. Just being shortlisted meant that FVC and Camphill Blair Drummond were in the top eight colleges in the UK in this category for 2021.

The submission for Apprenticeship Programme of the Year focussed on the College’s partnership with Camphill Blair Drummond based near Stirling. The registered charity became a Modern Apprentice employer in 2015 and since then has developed bespoke programmes to develop much needed recognisable qualifications within the care sector.

The Camphill Blair Drummond community offers at home, meaningful activities and opportunities for personal development to adults with learning disabilities and other special needs in the Stirling area. They believe that having well trained employees and Modern Apprentices are a crucial pipeline for the company to ensure they have adequate trained staff to provide the care their clients need.

Over the last four years, 14 of their employees studying SVQs have done so as part of a MA in partnership with Forth Valley College, achieving a 100% pass rate. They currently have seven MAs studying at FVC in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 7.

FVC Principal Dr Ken Thomson OBE, said: “Unfortunately we have just missed out on this prestigious UK wide award, in partnership with Camphill Blair Drummond, but it shows just how innovative, progressive and creative Forth Valley College continues to be in working with its partners.

“Just to be shortlisted means we are in the top eight of this category in the whole of the UK for 2021 and helping to lead the way in the Scottish further education sector and particularly in support of the healthcare sector. We are very proud of our relationship with Camphill Blair Drummond over the last few years and delighted that it is helping to train their extremely professional and talented employees.”

Angela Flaws, Learning and Development Leader from Camphill Blair Drummond, said: “The past year has been exceptionally challenging for everyone working in the social care sector. Despite this, our modern apprentices have continued to study, learn and gain professional qualifications throughout the pandemic. This is testament to the great partnership we have built with Forth Valley College over the years and the hard work and dedication of all those involved, especially our apprentices, assessors and business partner.

“Although we didn’t win, we are delighted that our collective efforts have been recognised by being nominated for the award. We will continue to work with the college to ensure our employees are supported to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver excellent care and support both now and in the future.”

TES Head of FE Julia Belgutay said: “Further education providers have excelled in what has been a truly challenging year, and the amazing individuals, teams and institutions on our TES FE Awards shortlist showcase that. Our judges were highly impressed with the calibre of entries and I want to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist – it is a brilliant achievement."