Redcar and Cleveland College has been named a finalist for the 2023 Empowering Futures Awards today.

The college is in the running for the Access to Higher Education Centre of the Year.

One of four colleges to make the shortlist, winners will be announced at the Empowering Futures Conference on November 9.

Redcar and Cleveland College’s curriculum manager for health, early years, access and distance learning, Michelle Kelso, said: “As the access team we couldn’t be more pleased on receiving this recognition. We are extremely proud, thrilled and overwhelmed.

“To be named a finalist for the Access to Higher education Centre of the Year demonstrates the hard work, dedication and commitment that we provide to our learners.

“Redcar and Cleveland College is a great place to learn, we raise the aspirations of learners within the local community and inspire them to reach their goals of becoming professionals of the future.”

The AIM Empowering Futures Awards celebrate the achievements of end-point assessment organisations, AIM recognised centres and employers in the past year.

Redcar and Cleveland College’s executive principal Jason Faulkner said: “We are incredibly proud of our access to higher education offer here at the college.  The team members are hugely committed to our students and doing all they can to help ensure they achieve their goals.

“To be shortlisted for this award shows our staff go above and beyond for our access to higher education learners and, as our students tell us, the results make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The inaugural awards ceremony will take place at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

AIM Qualifications and assessment Group’s chief executive officer, Kevern Kerswell, said: “We’re delighted that for these inaugural awards we have received so many entries dedicated to celebrating the achievements of AIM’s centres and partners. All the entries are of a really high standard and demonstrate great commitment to supporting and empowering individuals to go on to do amazing things. Congratulations to all finalists.”