East Durham College project to offer support for learners' progression

"Houghall" (the land-based campus) have always celebrated success of their animal management, equine and agriculture students graduating from HE and the successes of those students who have secured fulfilling careers within the animal industry.  They keep in touch informally with several past students.  The project is to formalise this by producing a database of alumni (former students), and to formalise the connections to support current students in their life choices. 

John Reid, Head of Animal Management, and former student Rebecca Hough will lead on this project.  Through creation of this database, past student success stories will be gathered and promoted to raise the aspirations of current students.  Focus groups will be run with past students, currently at university, to establish ways of supporting their transition from EDHCC.  A newsletter will also be set up, which will also serve to offer information, advice and guidance to students now in the work place who may wish to use the “aftercare service” that staff at EDHCC can provide in terms of career guidance, continued professional development (“CPD” maybe short courses) and applying for HE courses.

We look forward to hearing about the successes stories that are uncovered, and maybe funding some more activities identified through the alumni focus groups... Good luck with the reunions John & Rebecca.