The College's Community Development strategy has two major aims:
- to attract more people into learning, particularly those from disadvantaged areas and those with few skills and qualifications
- to provide help for people who need to develop their employability in order to get, and keep, a rewarding job
Widening Participation
Our mission is to make sure that there are attractive, free courses in a wide range of subjects available locally. We work with a wide range of partners in the voluntary and community learning sectors, developing new courses but also trying new ways to attract people who don’t see themselves as “learners” anymore.
Stevenson believes that many people are held back, not by their real capabilities, but by their low self-esteem and lack of self-belief. We help people to see more in themselves, to raise their aspirations and to get more out of life.
Our STEPS course enables people to see that there are real possibilities for success whatever their current circumstances. The course gives people a sense of purpose and helps them get out and do things. And many develop the confidence they need to take a College course, get a qualification and get on.
Building Employability
Many unemployed people are keen to work but are held back by low skills or lack of qualifications. But it is often the case that employers will train people in new jobs - what they do look for however is people who are motivated and reliable.
Our community development work has a strong vocational focus, helping people to understand the needs of the local jobs market and to develop the qualities employers need. Please see our WEACT page for more information about our community-based job access agency.