Events - PACE Conference & Exhibition
An action packed National Conference featured a wide array of speakers from Colleges, Industry and government. PACE CEO opened the conference with an outline of the PACE Mission and Aims and Objectives for the coming year. The New Website was announced and an update given on PACE's involvement in key issues such as, Funding, Curriculum review and development; Links with Schools; Progression to University programmes, the introduction of the 14-19 Diploma and partnership working. Details of emerging ICT opportunities were given alongside excellent input from Bob Harrison (Toshiba) and Andrew Goff (Sony). The theme of the Conference was reinforced along with need to represent the sector as 'One Voice' with shared values, resources and expertise contained right here at the heart of the membership.
Input for The National Skills Academy for Hospitality and for Bakery and Food Production was given from Lindsey Campbell, Steve Mannock and Liz Pattison. This included information on the aims and objectives and purpose of the Academies, as well as practical advice on how to achieve membership.
The Conference heard updates on the direction of Government funding and curriculum priorities from the LSC and received guidance on working with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) as a means of providing local training in response to local needs. Adrian Pratt detailed a successful Work Based Learning operation at NEW College Nottingham, describing operational measures introduced to ensure its success. Donna Taylor and Professor David Russell gave some fascinating and practical advice on the Olympic preparations and how colleges could become actively involved in associated planning and projects. The delegates heard input from the SSAT on training opportunities relating to the 14-19 Diplomas as well as an update on how the current diplomas are progressing in schools.
The OFSTED Report into high functioning college hospitality offers (outlining best practices) was given in a presentation given by Nigel Flood.
An energetic performance was given by Peter Gorton as he detailed his career and work with primary schools and pupils of all ages, showing a film illustrating his TV work too.
Marc Verstringhe gave an impassioned speech on the importance and inspiration derived from partership collaboration with colleges and organisations abroad and Phil Grey gave a graphic and entertaining account of working with NEETs, with an excellent insight given into the value of Competition work from Raj Mandall and Dave Gilpin.
Martin Christian Kent gave details of curriculum strategies and challenges facing the college sector as well as information on the Qualification Credit Framework and its implications for training providers.
At the Gala Dinner, The CEO for the National Skills Academy, David Mchattie and the Academy's Chair, Bob Cotton awarded Certificates to the first 4 member colleges for their involvement in the work of the Academy todate and their delivery of the new Professional Cookery Diplomas.
PACE Awards were issued to College Winners after a bumper number of Best Practice entries this year, illustrating the exceptional work that is taking place around the UK in colleges.
We are looking forward to the coming year with its increased challenges and opportunities. One thing is for certain, the college sector needs to ensure it speaks with a coherent message, one clear voice amongst all of the emerging issues and changes.
