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Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) has been awarded Chartered Status securing membership to the prestigious Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE).
The award is an acknowledgement of the outstanding work taking place across the three colleges in west and south London driving skills and helping to meet the future needs of its 16,000 learners, and employers.
CIFE was established to highlight the excellence of further education and skills across the UK. As well as being the only FE-related organisation with Royal Assent to provide chartered status, the CIFE works alongside industry to shape and influence the national skills system ensuring that skills providers are recognised as the key drivers of economic growth and development within their local communities. As a membership body for FE organisations with exceptional standards, CIFE works alongside industry to influence and shape the national skills system, it also promotes collaboration and the sharing of good practice.
HRUC was officially recognised as a member of The Chartered Institution for Further Education at a prestigious Admissions Ceremony held at The Apothecaries Hall in London.
To celebrate the proud moment on behalf of HRUC, Keith Smith, CEO, attended the ceremony with Nick Davies, HRUC's Chair of Governors, Deputy CEO Dylan McTaggart, Senior Leaders Shane Woodhatch and Peregrine Perrott FIoD, FLPI, FIKE, College Principals Jo Withers and Gavin Hughes, one of our key employer partners Poorvi Patel from Heathrow and representatives from our health and social care provision, Section Manager Rose Etim-Ibom alongside one of students - Harry Haynes.
After the ceremony Keith said:
“I am thrilled that HRUC (Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges) has been invited to join the Chartered Institute for Further Education. This is a proud moment for our students and our staff as the institute works under a Royal Charter and exists to promote the very best in FE. We are one of 25 organisations and colleges with chartered membership and this will open up further opportunities for professional development for our staff, enabling them to continue to provide our students with the very best educational experience.
“One of our core values is around high expectations and being great in everything we do and the Chartered Status is a proud reflection of the amazing work that goes on across our college group at Harrow College, Richmond upon Thames College, Uxbridge College, West London Institute of Technology and HRUC Apprenticeships & Skills. We are delighted to be officially recognised as members of the Chartered Institute for Further Education and this demonstrates our continued commitment to a sector that really does change lives.”
On 27th June, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) Level 2 Art and Design students unveiled their final major project of the academic year at the Museum of Richmond's 'Artificial Silk' Exhibition.
Earlier in the year, the Museum of Richmond explained to the students how material, Rayon Viscose was invented in the nearby, Kew Gardens. The museum also explained how the amazing artificial fibre has transformed textiles since its creation.
The students were greatly inspired by the transformative processes involved in its manufacture and decided the theme of their final project was 'Transformation'.
Students' work was made in textiles, ceramics, printmaking, product design and painting amongst other media, and photographed for the exhibition.
Each student exhibited a framed photo of their work, these will be on display in the museum's exhibition until March 2024.
At the Opening Reception, the Chair of the Museum, Hilda Clarke, and the Director of Kew, Richard Deverell, praised the quality of work made by the students.
At the opening reception, students were joined by RuTC staff, Toby Rye, Kirsty Chau, Paul Williams and Julia Hembrow.
Toby Rye was proud of his students work and efforts in creating the pieces for the exhibition, explaining, “The students really impressed me with their creativity and skill in creating these pieces for the Museum. It's been exciting to work on a project so close to home, learning more about Kew Gardens and its influence on the textile industry. I know the students have greatly enjoyed this project and seeing their work on display in public.”
Learn more about studying Level 2 Art and Design here.