Courses at Further Education (FE) colleges can range from standard academic courses to vocational subjects. Most students at FE colleges are over 16 and all colleges have part-time and adult students.
All colleges publish a free prospectus which includes information about their facilities and the courses on offer. They also have open days so that you can take a look around, get more information and talk to the tutors.
Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE)s
Some FE college departments excel in areas of vocational learning. These are called Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). There are 290 CoVEs across England and the skills you can learn include construction, engineering, agriculture and hospitality. They offer:
- Basic skills
- NVQ equivalent) levels 1 – 4
- Foundation degree (leading to higher education).