Hull College shines at further education conference
‘KEEPING UP WITH THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION’: Hull College’s Principal and CEO Debra Gray MBE
By Rick Lyon
Hull College made a big impact at the Further Education Partnership Network (FEPN) Conference.
The inaugural event, which provided a platform for education leaders and innovators to share valuable insights that can make a real impact in the sector, was marked by thought-provoking keynotes.
Hull College’s strong presence at the event showcased its commitment to addressing some of the pressing challenges in education.
The first day of the conference saw Executive Director of Digital Transformation Deb Millar deliver her insightful keynote address on ‘Teaching the skills needed for the future world of work’.
She delved into the critical issue of the skills gap in further education, particularly focusing on how teachers can better prepare students for the ever-evolving world of work.
‘TEACHING THE SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE FUTURE WORLD OF WORK’: Hull College’s Executive Director of Digital Transformation Deb Millar
As the job market continues to undergo unprecedented changes, Ms Millar emphasised the need for educational institutions to impart both transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration, as well as technical skills in high-demand fields.
She highlighted the necessity for educators to embrace innovative teaching methods, including project-based and experimental learning, to equip students for the dynamic jobs market.
Ms Millar also lent her expertise to a thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘Should we be fearful of the potential of AI?’ The discussion, featuring experts in the field, explored the benefits and challenges posed by AI tools such as ChatGPT.
The panel considered the impact of AI on student engagement, retention and academic performance, as well as the best practices for managing the increasing usage of enhanced education tools, including academic integrity policies and technological aids.
Hull College’s Principal and CEO Debra Gray MBE delivered a powerful keynote address titled ‘Keeping up with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.'
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Deb Millar at the Further Education Partnership Network (FEPN) Conference
She highlighted the profound impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the modern workplace and the necessary skill sets for success.
Ms Gray emphasised the challenges faced by the further education sector in keeping pace with this rapid transformation and shared insights into fostering a culture of innovation, including technology integration and real-world experiences in the curriculum.
Reflecting on her experience at the two-day conference, she said: “It was an incredible experience to share our insights at the FEPN Conference and to witness Hull College’s strong representation at this event. We are proud to be recognised for our work in curriculum development, and it’s testament to the dedication of our staff.
“The conference provided a platform to exchange ideas and best practices. It’s crucial for educators to come together and collaborate on addressing the challenges in education, especially in the face of rapid technological change. We must embrace innovative approaches and ensure that we are preparing our students for the jobs of the future.”
She also highlighted the importance of Hull College’s contributions, adding: “It’s not just about our college, but the broader impact we can have on the sector. We are dedicated to ensuring that education remains relevant and effective for the workforce of tomorrow.”
‘DOES YOUR CURRICULUM SUPPORT THE SKILLS SHORTAGE’: Hull College’s Vice Principal Curriculum Lynette Leith
The second day of the conference also saw Hull College’s Vice Principal Curriculum Lynette Leith lead a breakout session entitled ‘Does your curriculum support the skills shortage?’
In an ever-evolving economy, Ms Leith explored the critical importance of ensuring that further education curricula align with the skills needed by employers, addressing the potential gap between the skills being taught and the skills demanded by the job market.
The FEPN Conference is a two-day event designed to bring together senior leaders and transformational suppliers in the further education sector to connect, collaborate and learn around transformation and innovation.