Colleges Week 2025!
Heather Marks celebrates the transformative power of Further Education and the critical role colleges play in driving economic growth.
“FE is a powerhouse for skills development, creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to access high quality training that fuels industries and supports regional and national prosperity.
“Growing up in an area of disadvantage, my own journey started in Further Education at 16. I left school with very basic GCSEs and needed to get a job to support my parents. I studied floristry through a two year apprenticeship. Years later, I fell upon hard times and I became unemployed and homeless, which led me seeking support from the now The King’s Trust (formally known as The Princes Trust). I was privileged to be supported by a mentor who was known as my “guardian angel” They undertake this work as volunteers, and I am so grateful for that support that was freely available to me.
“After completing the “Kickstart Programme back into Employment” I launched my own business. That experience gave me entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and resilience, setting me on a path I never expected but one that has shaped my entire career.
“I see every day how colleges equip learners with the practical skills and expertise that employers need. From land-based industries to business, digital, and technical education, FE ensures that the workforce of tomorrow is prepared for the challenges ahead.
“Economic growth starts with investment in people and that’s exactly what colleges do. By empowering learners with the right skills, we strengthen industries, boost productivity, and drive innovation. That’s why I love colleges, and why we must continue championing the value of FE”.
How has Further Education helped shape your career? Let’s celebrate its impact together!
#ILoveColleges #KickstartingGrowth #FETransforms #SkillsForLife #TheKingsTrust #FurtherEducation #EconomicImpact
