INTRODUCTION

  1.  AoC (the Association of Colleges) is the representative body for colleges of further education, including general FE colleges, sixth form colleges and specialist colleges in England, Wales (through our association with fforwm) and Northern Ireland (through our association with ANIC). These colleges are the largest providers of post-16 general and vocational education and training in the UK. They serve over four million of the six million learners participating in post-statutory education and training, offering lifelong learning opportunities for school leavers and adults over a vast range of academic and vocational qualifications. Levels of study range from the basic skills needed to remedy disadvantage, through to professional qualifications and higher education degrees.

  2.  The key role played by the sector and its 250,000 staff in raising the level of skills and competitiveness of the nation's workforce makes colleges central to the Government's national and regional agenda for economic prosperity and social inclusion. AoC services to member college corporations include information, professional development and support in all aspects of institutional management, governance, curriculum development, quality, employment, business development and funding. AoC also works in close partnership with the Government and all other key national and regional agencies to assist policy development, continuously to improve quality and to secure the best possible provision for post-16 education and training.

  3.  The Association of Colleges West Midlands region represents 49 colleges with 560,000 students of which 470,000 are adults. Many of these colleges were actively involved in assisting those who lost their jobs when Rover closed. We have restricted our comments to the effectiveness of the recovery package and specifically the role of local further education colleges.

MG ROVER—SUMMARY

  4.  The closure of the Rover plant was a massive body blow to the economy and community in Birmingham and the whole of the West Midlands. However, local FE colleges responded quickly to the needs of the Rover workers and with the financial help of the Learning and Skills Council, Advantage West Midlands and the regional Government Office.

THE RESPONSE OF LOCAL COLLEGES

  5.  The response to the closure of Rover was an excellent example of interagency working. The colleges were quick to respond and imaginative in designing solutions to meet the needs of the individuals affected. They worked effectively with the LSC, Advantage West Midlands, the Government Office West Midlands and Jobcentre Plus who supported the joint approach and provided funding to enable the response to develop. Rules about the time an individual is able to study without losing benefit were relaxed so that individuals were able to complete their training quickly and move into employment. For example, individuals were able to complete training programmes in an intensive 13 week period rather than the usual 12 months. The college sector should be congratulated on the way it responded and therefore helping ensure that 4,000 ex-Rover workers have been able to find new employment (DTI media release, 7 March 2006).

  6.  On the day when the closure of Rover was announced a group of Principals from colleges in Birmingham and the Black Country met to discuss the range of support and re-training that they could offer to those Rover workers who had lost their jobs. The colleges then put a proposal to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which included converting the Hollymoor Centre (located in Northfield and owned by Bournville College), situated near the Rover factory, into a skills advice centre. Within 36 hours of financial support being given by the LSC, classes had been relocated, IT equipment installed and staff seconded. It was open from 9 am to 8 pm for the first two weeks and also at weekends. Up to 150 people a day visited the centre during those early days. The centre was staffed by 30 people to cope with demand. The dedication and commitment shown by these FE staff was outstanding. Transport was provided by the colleges from the Longbridge plant to the Hollymoor Centre and to Jobcentre Plus.

  7.  In addition, staff from colleges were on site at Rover giving information and ensuring workers were able to access support and guidance. Collaboration between colleges, the LSC and Advantage West Midlands provided a platform for the response.

  8.  The LSC agreed with Jobcentre Plus that after each individual claim clients would be offered a full skills assessment with a skills advisor who would complete an individual training plan. This was in addition to help with CV preparation and job search activity provided by Jobcentre Plus. 120 skills advisers from FE colleges were trained to deal with enquiries and produce Individual Training Plans.

  9.  A curriculum group was established with representatives from all the colleges. The curriculum offer was complex and needed to deal with a wide range of training needs in high volume. This was an excellent example of cross college collaboration. Private providers were drafted in where colleges could not offer the provision required (eg HGV driving). Individual training plans were prepared with the ex-Rover employees and provision was based on individual need. The situation had impact not only on MG Rover but on companies in the supply chain. The response from FE colleges and other partners recognised this and training was offered for those affected throughout the whole region via various skills hubs.

  10.  Examples of specific responses include:

—    At the time Matthew Boulton College had Rover Apprentices on programmes at the college in both Management and Administration. To secure the continuation of their studies the apprentices were paid by the college for one week whilst they investigated ways of continuing their studies. Ten were assigned to various sections of the college. They were given the opportunity to apply for positions as they became vacant and seven were successful in securing jobs at the college. Some are now progressing on to Foundation Degree programmes. During the summer period, an introductory course was delivered for ex-Rover employees who had expressed interest in teaching as a career. Several took up the opportunity to work-shadow a lecturer. One ex-Rover employee is currently employed by Matthew Boulton College as a lecturer in Electrical Installation, whilst studying for a teaching qualification.

—    Burton College acted as the Skills Hub for referrals for Staffordshire people made redundant by MG Rover or companies in the supply chain. 100 individuals were referred to Burton College. 29 have taken up at least one course. 45 training opportunities have been delivered. Courses include a range of vehicle related courses such as driving instructor training, fork lift truck, LGV courses, construction courses and IT. Early indications are that many of the beneficiaries who took part in training are intending to become self employed. Some of the 100 referrals have indicated that they did not take up training because they have gained alternative employment.

—    South Birmingham College made an agreement with the construction company Laing O'Rourke that every Rover employee completing a 13 week construction skills training programme would be guaranteed employment with the company. Those taken on by the company will be completing further study at the college.

March 2006