Employment course shortlisted for AoC Innovation in FE award

A training course that includes a free suit at the end of the programme to help get the unemployed back to work has been shortlisted for a top innovation award.

The two-week Suited Booted Recruited programme, which was created by South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, is up for the Association of College’s Innovation in FE Beacon award.

Originally held in Filton, the course has supported more than 3000 learners as it has been rolled out across neighbouring cities, including Bristol, Stroud, Weston-Super- Mare, Swindon, Bath and Trowbridge.

Sarah Kopera, business development manager for Suited Booted Recruited, said: “There is no more worthy winner than the course itself and the entire team who work so hard to make a difference to each individual leaner who attends. I have never been more proud of the work we do, my team, the learners themselves and the results we deliver.

“I have everything crossed that the course is rewarded and recognised with this award which it deserves wholeheartedly.”

The winner and further details of those shortlisted will be announced at the Association of College’s annual conference, which takes place between 19 and 21 November.

Natalie Thornhill