Virtual support for students applying for college, university or apprenticeships

Lancashire colleges and universities are using the latest technology to help young people and adults to make the right choice about their future education and training ahead of the start of the new academic year in September.

Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, colleges, universities and other education providers across the county, including school sixth forms, are working hard to ensure that individuals can find out about the fantastic education, training and apprenticeship opportunities that are available locally.

People who have already decided where they want to study next year can apply for a college, university or an apprenticeship place online. Interviews can be conducted online too meaning people don’t have to travel anywhere.

Education settings are ensuring students can still experience what colleges and universities have to offer by going on virtual campus tours, attending virtual open days and live ‘question and answer’ sessions with current students.

Adrian Phillips, Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum’s Education group, said:

“As a collective voice for the education sector in Lancashire, we do not want the Class of 2020 to miss out. We will use our powers to ensure our future generations do not lose out because of this unprecedented situation. It’s our priority to ensure that our learners continue receiving the education and opportunities they deserve to help them continue to thrive and succeed in their future education and career choices.”

Colleges and universities are continuing to support this year’s students by delivering on-line learning with regular one-to-one contact to make sure every student has the support they need.  They have loaned out thousands of laptops and other devices as well as providing on-line learning materials so that every student can continue to study from home.

Wes Johnson, Chair of the Lancashire Colleges, said:

“Choosing a college or a university is a decision that involves your head and your heart. It’s the job of all of us to provide all the information and support that we can do without students needing to leave their own homes.    This includes creating that sense of community so that prospective students can see who the people are that are going to support them when they start their further or higher education or training.”

Mr Johnson, who is also Principal and Chief Executive of Lancaster and Morecambe College, added:

“Colleges across the county are working to help connect prospective students with tutors and others so that they can find out everything they need to know about the wide range of education, training and apprenticeship opportunities available in Lancashire, helping them to make the right choice about their future education and training.”

If anyone needs help or advice you can ring your college or university recruitment teams, use the live chat facilities offered via college and university websites and social media channels as well as looking at information and resources available on the internet.

If you need any further help and support at this time, young people and families are able to contact Lancashire County Council’s Talkzone service.  The service is available every weekday by phone, webchat, texting, Facebook or email. To contact Talkzone, you can call 0800 511 111; text 07786 511 111; email talkzone@lancashire.gov.uk; or visit https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/youthzone/.