Staff, students and community partners gathered at City of Bristol College recently to celebrate its prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award for Widening Participation. The College won the award for its Education Unlimited (EUL) project, which has significantly reduced the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Bristol.

As part of the project, the College works with a range of local community partners to raise the motivation, aspiration and skill levels of disengaged learners by offering them support and activities that meet their specific needs.

Since 2006, nearly 2,000 young people, including ex-offenders, young parents and substance abusers, have taken advantage of the programme. As a result, 80% obtained qualifications and 60% progressed to work or further training.

One young person whose life has been transformed by the EUL programme is Matt Luxton. Matt, from Easton, left school at 16 with no qualifications and joined the EUL programme in 2009. While he was on the programme, Matt gained valuable skills and hands-on experience in recording and producing music. Matt is now one step closer to achieving his dream of doing this as a profession, as he hopes to start a music production course at college this September.

Matt said: “The EUL programme is brilliant and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. It gave me the chance to do something constructive and I really enjoyed recording music in the studio and putting songs together. I’m now producing tracks as part of my volunteer work, and I can’t wait to start a College course in the near future.”

Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the AoC, commented: “The Education Unlimited programme is a shining example of how colleges are making a tangible difference in their communities. It is particularly commendable for its remarkable success in inspiring disengaged young people to give education another chance and for opening up a world of opportunities to them. The Beacon Awards celebrate innovation, creativity and responsiveness, and it has been a pleasure to present the award for Widening Participation to City of Bristol College.”

Keith Elliott, City of Bristol College Principal, said: “The Education Unlimited programme has made a real difference to many young people in Bristol as well as to the local economy. The programme has enabled these students to gain the right skills to move into work or further learning, and we are delighted that its impact has been recognised with an award.

He continues: “The award is testament to the tremendous commitment of our staff and community partners and to the achievements of our students, so congratulations to everyone involved.”

The project was described by judges as an example of innovative provision which successfully engages young people aged 16-18 and aims to develop skills for life and qualifications to help them get work. One of the programme’s key strengths is the use of Young Person Advisors who act as buddies and deliver some of the courses, including creative arts, sports, numeracy and literacy and job clubs.