Following an in-depth inspection by an independent external assessor, City of Bristol College is proud to announce it has been accredited with the matrix standard for the quality of their careers education, information, advice and guidance service (CEIAG).
The college’s assessment which took place earlier this year, highlighted a significant number of strengths in its CEIAG provision confirming that the service is of the highest standard.
The assessment report commended the college on adopting a holistic approach to its Careers and Progression Strategy, engaging virtually all academic and support staff in its delivery. Student Services staff and Study Coaches were highly praised for delivering the careers programme, ‘recognising how crucial timely advice and prompt decisions are for the retention and well-being of students’. Additionally, ‘well-being, careers and student progression are clear priorities’. The college’s Careers and Progression Strategy was further commended for ‘providing clarity of direction and purpose’ to enable effective implementation across all parts of the college.
Lee Probert, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Bristol College, commented: “Our Careers and Progression Strategy has been developed to ensure that the college meets expectations set out by the Government’s Careers Strategy, but to also complement and enhance our own curriculum and careers related learning. Matrix standard is an important accolade that gives us an external seal of approval, pride and confidence in what we do for our students and their future career growth.”
Jana Smidkova, Director of Marketing, Communications and Customer Services and Careers Leader at City of Bristol College, added: “Our aim is to provide lifetime of learning opportunities to support the continuous progress and ambitions of our students. The achievement of matrix standard endorses our commitment to providing effective careers education, information, advice and guidance to everyone studying in our college. We are delighted to be retaining the award for another three years.
“Our Careers and Progression Strategy is underpinned by a strong ethos of collaborative working internally and with employers, and creating a holistic approach that runs through all touchpoints of student journey. Our curriculum and careers programme extend beyond the academic, technical or vocational learning and provide for students’ broader development, enabling them discover and nurture their interests and talents to prepare them for future success and personal well-being.”
Tim Bowles, the West of England Mayor commented: “This is a great accolade for City of Bristol College. Good careers advice is so important to our young people. We need to ensure they know what the world of work can offer them, and have the right skills for our region’s employers.
“Through our West of England Careers Hub and Enterprise Adviser Network programme, we are working with schools and colleges to improve the quality of careers advice available to young people – strengthening links with the business community to ensure our future workforce is fit for the future.”
Abdisalaan Ibrahim who is studying Foundation Degree in Business at City of Bristol College commented: “I have used the careers service at City of Bristol College previously and they are the reason I am now doing a subject I enjoy. They have supported me with my progression and advised me on the route to take to get to my main goal which is to become a secondary school teacher teaching Business Studies.”
City of Bristol College was first awarded the matrix standard in 2015 and will retain its latest accreditation until 2021. The college welcomes over 11,000 students each year. In 2017/18, 78% of leavers progressed to a positive destination. If you would like to find out more about study options available at City of Bristol College, go to www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/courses or visit any college centre.
