City of Wolverhampton College celebrated after receiving a prestigious Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Beacon Award at a presentation ceremony last week.

The college was presented with the Careers Education and Guidance Award by Alastair Falk, Head of Education at The Careers & Enterprise Company, at Wellington Road Campus on Friday May 18.

I attended alongside my colleague Eleanor Smith MP and we were joined by students and staff involved in the award.

The college scooped the award for the high standard of careers advice and guidance it provides to its students, including impartial advice on learning opportunities, occupations and career development, as well as the best routes into careers.

In the last year the hub has provided advice and guidance to more than 2000 young people, with students able to access financial support, additional learning support and counselling all from one collaborative centre.

Assistant Principal for Student Engagement Louise Fall said: “What we do helps transform lives, and it’s no surprise that 98% of our students progress on to further study or employment. Our student support team should, quite rightly, be very proud of this award, that recognises the positive impact they have on young people.”

The awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK further education and sixth form colleges.

It was great to be at the college in Bilston to celebrate with them.