The Scottish further education sector has secured eight places on the shortlist for the TES FE Awards 2017, where the best institutions and individuals from across the UK will compete in 15 categories.
West Lothian College has secured three nominations - for contribution to the local economy, employer engagement and apprenticeship programme of the year.
Meanwhile, Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow Kelvin College, Ayrshire College and Dundee and Angus College have been shortlisted in one category each.
Paul Little, principal of City of Glasgow College, is also in the running for the FE leader of the year award.
Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said it was “testament to the hard work and creativity at Scottish colleges” that so many were in contention for awards.
“Scottish colleges are doing a phenomenal job, and are playing a key part of building a successful Scottish economy and delivering high-quality courses,” she said.
“It is therefore great to see so many shining examples of how Scottish colleges are delivering world-class initiatives, even when the sector remains under financial pressure. We wish the Scottish contingent all the best on the awards night itself.”
Celebrating success
The prestigious TES FE Awards, now in their sixth year, will see leading colleges, providers, teams and individuals line up to receive recognition for their hard work.
The shortlist is being announced today (click here for full details). Winners of the 15 categories will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 24 February, 2017. In addition, the winner of the prestigious lifetime achievement award will be announced on the night.
The winners of the FE college, training provider and sixth-form college categories will also go head to head to be named the winner of the flagship prize of overall FE provider of the year.
Last year, London-based training provider ELATT Connected Learning enjoyed triple success, claiming the employer engagement, training provider of the year and the overall FE provider of the year awards. Forth Valley College was the only Scottish college to win an award, for the best teaching and learning initiative.
‘It is great to see so many shining examples of Scottish colleges’
Earlier this year, principal Ken Thomson told TESS: “We took 10 staff to London and they still talk about it. It was a great opportunity to network and to meet colleagues at colleges from all over the UK.”
He added: “The award is a great accolade, and one that we use with our partners. This is about positioning our college at a UK level.”
TES FE editor Stephen Exley said: “Our judges have been extremely impressed with the high quality and quantity of entries we have received this year. Congratulations to everyone on the shortlist - we look forward to seeing you on 24 February.”
Scottish minister for further and higher education Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I’m delighted to see so many of our colleges being recognised for their good work and shortlisted for the TES FE Awards.
“I wish them all the best for the awards ceremony in February.”
She added: “Colleges are at the centre of our efforts to build Scotland’s workforce by focusing on job-related skills.”
