Learners encouraged to share experience to shape future provision
31 January 2022
Press release: Learners encouraged to share experience to shape future provision
To help ensure teenagers receive tailored support about the benefits and realities of further study and training after school or college, young people in Cumbria are being invited to share their views about support they have already received.
Responses to a new survey launched by the Hello Future partnership, led by the University of Cumbria, will allow it to tailor its future activities. In turn, this will help future young learners in the county receive the specific support they need when they consider their own further and higher education study and training options.
The survey will provide a snapshot of learner needs and will help researchers identify how Hello Future can help, by highlighting specific student concerns and skills gaps.
Through its tailored workshops, mentoring programmes, trips and residentials, Hello Future aims to address issues raised in the survey, as well as contribute to reducing the gap in participation in higher education between the most and least represented groups in Cumbria.
Hello Future is a partnership led by the University of Cumbria together with employers, colleges and skills organisations. The partnership aims to provide information, advice and guidance about higher education tailored to learners in Cumbria.
It is part of the national Uni Connect programme delivered by the Office for Students which has been set up to support government social mobility goals to increase the number of young people from underrepresented groups going into higher education.
Lisa Jackson, Hello Future Programme Manager, says, “Hello Future supports Cumbrian learners with their next steps after school or college and we aim to do this as effectively as possible. We are so excited to launch our ‘Future Selves’ survey as the answers we receive will help us to offer activities and support to suit the different learners we meet. Local schools, colleges and others have been really supportive of the survey as it will tell us what Cumbrian learners think about going to university or studying an apprenticeship in the future.”
In conjunction with the ‘Future Selves’ survey, Hello Future is also rolling out its new ‘My Future Self’ sessions in schools and colleges across Cumbria. The sessions aim to encourage learners to think about their future selves, helping them to feel confident and in control of their future decisions.
Learners who have already participated in early sessions have explored what their ideas are for their first dream job as well as considering current ambitions and how to get there.
Hannah Pears, Careers Leader at Lakes College says, “Hello Future supported a number of groups of learners across a full week of delivery by running the My Future Self session. Students found the session interesting and staff were interested to hear about what all the students wanted to be when they were five years old; answers ranged from ballet dancer to spaceman to vet. We look forward to receiving the survey results back to inform our plans.”
Hello Future works with students both inside and outside educational settings, and provides support from Year 9, right through their educational journey; as well as school-based workshops and assemblies. A wide range of resources, advice and e-courses are available on the Hello Future website.
The Hello Future partnership is led by the University of Cumbria, together with BAE Systems, Carlisle College, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria LEP, Edge Hill University, Furness College, Kendal College, Lakes College, Lancaster University, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Myerscough College, Centre for Leadership Performance, NHS Better Care Together, University of Central Lancashire and the React Foundation.
To get in touch with Hello Future and find out more about the different kinds of advice and interventions they can give, go to www.hellofuture.ac.uk or call 01228 634 760.
ENDS
For further information, contact a member of the University of Cumbria communications team or email news@cumbria.ac.uk
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Lisa Jackson, Hello Future Programme Manager
Notes
- Hello Future is a partner of the Uni Connect programme funded by the Office for Students. The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England. Our aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.
- Hello Future works with young people from targeted areas across Cumbria, to ensure that everyone is able to make informed and inspired choices about their future, whoever they are, wherever they’re from. From information and practical sessions in schools and college, to projects and experiences in the community and with employers, we give those who aren’t sure if college or university is for them a new perspective on higher education.
- Hello Future works closely with key stakeholders, teachers, advisors, parents and carers to support the conversation around higher education and create opportunities to develop the skills needed for continued education and training.
- The OfS Uni Connect Programme – impartial advice and guidance on college and university. https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/promoting-equal-opportunities/uni-connect/