Bursary scheme supported over 850 learners in the most disadvantaged areas
Newly released Annual Impact Report shows
iTEC and VTCT are pleased to share our annual impact report which focuses on the incredible work undergone by training providers, employers and learners during a most challenging year. The COVID-19 world–wide pandemic hit the educational industry hard and presented it with new challenges not previously faced. However, through hard work, perseverance, and determination, many learners have successfully completed their Vocational Qualifications.
A key highlight from the report is the newly launched VTCT Grants and Bursaries Programme. This programme was created, by the VTCT Board of Trustees, to assist in supporting learners, particularly those who may be disadvantaged and would not otherwise have had the means to study.
At the launch event, Dr Chris Laws, the then Chair of Trustees, announced: “We’re keen to ensure that our resources are used to support learners from all backgrounds that may face challenges in gaining access to learning.”
Speaking of the significant impact the bursary had made, a representative from one of the fifteen training providers to be awarded a bursary, said, “Cardiff and Vale College has the highest level of deprivation in Wales out of all other colleges with 30% of learners living in poverty. Attending an inner-city college and starting a new course creates barriers for some of our hardest to reach learners.”
Reflecting on the academic year, Chief Executive Alan Woods OBE shared: “As for many, this last academic year (2019/20) was a supremely challenging year for VTCT. During the lockdown we worked tirelessly with our centre colleagues, pulling out all the stops to support learners world-wide. Our ability to provide first-class services was only possible due to our talented, motivated and dedicated workforce, guided by our brilliant trustees led by our Chair, Jenny Sworder. This impact report illustrates the resilience of training providers and employers. It focuses on their stories and the work they do that allows a learner to achieve their goals. Learners are at the heart of everything we do at VTCT.”