FE colleges are facing challenges due to reduced public funding and a shift in training budgets directly to employers. To adapt, they can enhance their offerings by focusing on business needs, developing new digital solutions, and reframing their value propositions to both learners and employers. By effectively communicating their truths, beliefs, promises, and vision, FE colleges can attract learners and address the workforce demands of employers.

1. FE Colleges
Turning up the volume
on business.

2. In the last few years FE colleges
have invested heavily in facilities
to attract learners.
Photography: Richard Moran

3. But the FE landscape
is changing leaving many colleges
facing an uncertain future. ?

4. How do FE colleges respond?
Reduction in
public funding.
Employers
receiving
training budgets
directly.
Academy Schools.
Digital
transformation.

5. We believe
FE colleges have the
opportunity to
reframe their offer.

6. Learners EmployersFE
By turning up the volume on business

7. Employers
FE colleges
are the
conduit
Learners
Value for learners is the
opportunity to enter
meaningful employment.
Value for employers is the ability to
shape and access a skilled, flexible
and motivated workforce.
The FE value chain

8. EmployersLearners
Inspirational career
support and guidance.
Becoming more
commercially-minded.
Opportunities
Identifying gaps in
business needs.
Developing opportunities
with SME’s.
Appointing business
leaders to the board.
Encouraging enterprise
reflecting the rise in
self-employment.
Developing new digital
products and services.
Challenging negative
perceptions about the
vocational route.
FE colleges

9. Communicate the value you bring
each audience with multi-channel
messages based on:
• Your truths (facts you can prove).
• Your beliefs (what you stand for).
• Your promises (what you will deliver).
• Your vision (how you see the future).
Compelling
stories
Truths
Beliefs
Promises
Vision
Telling compelling stories

10. Getting it right means employers will
attract learners and vice versa.
Learners Employers