This week we are celebrating #CollegesWeek2026 at The Sandwell Colleges.
On Monday we’re shining a light on adult learners who are building new futures through education. With the right support, adult learning can address multiple challenges from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation, to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.
Wayne is studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills. He says the course has given him the confidence to deal with situations and interact better with people.
He says: “It’s the freedom it can give you, knowing I can do what I set out to do. Learning these new skills has made me realise that half of these skills I had naturally anyway. It’s just putting them into the right context and the right boxes. That’s how it’s helped me.”
On Tuesday we are celebrating the young people who are building essential skills, growing in confidence, and forging bright futures at college. From classroom learning to real-world experience, colleges open doors to opportunity and help learners succeed.
On Wednesday we are highlighting how apprentices of all ages are developing skills both on the job and in the classroom. We are recognising their achievements, and the employers who support them.
Kate is the head nurse at Bilston Dental Practice and a Higher Apprentice of the Year finalist at the Express & Star Black Country Apprenticeship Awards.
Here she explains how studying for her higher apprenticeship with Sandwell College has developed her dental career, from dealing with lab work, training up new nurses and helping them with surgeries, to auditing and assisting the practice manager with stock control.
Mindset for Management
“The apprenticeship has given me a good mindset for management, for leading and being able to get more understanding of the business aspect of the work that you don’t tend to think of as a dental nurse.”
More Professional
“I’ve become a lot more professional in general and been able to talk to the other nurses in a leading way. I feel like I can listen a lot more and I can help them as head nurse if they need anything. I can step in quickly to give them the confidence that they need as well.”
Confidence
“Sandwell College has given me more confidence as I’ve been able to get more understanding of the management side, and get the insight on stock and audits.”
Patients
“I’m a lot more confident in my job role and as a clinician in surgery, assisting the dentist or talking to patients. I’ve been able to talk to them on a deeper level and give them more understanding when colleagues need it or patients need help.”
Experience
“I really enjoy the classroom experience too. Natalie explains everything in detail. She’s always there to help me and offer me the extra help when I need it. I’ve never done anything management-wise so I tend to lean on Natalie a lot when it comes to assessments or the essays. She has been really helpful and it has made me feel a lot better when it comes to the course. I feel like I’ve come pretty far. In the last few months my confidence has shot up.”
On Thursday we are celebrating higher education learners developing advanced technical and academic skills, and how colleges deliver local, flexible, and career-focused courses that open doors to opportunity.
On Friday we’ll be wrapping up the week of celebrations by paying tribute to our strong community of dedicated staff, and all those who work in colleges, as well as the key partners and stakeholders who support learners across local communities.
#LoveOurColleges #CollegesWeek2026
