FE Colleges Welcome Intake
Students are back to face-to-face learning as new academic year begins
The six Northern Ireland Colleges have welcomed students back to campuses this week as face-to-face learning resumes for Further and Higher Education.
All six Further Education Colleges have implemented strict social distancing measures and guidelines to ensure students and staff remain safe while attending lecturers, seminars, and classes.
Students are being encouraged to take lateral flow tests before entering college campuses.
College leaders are also urging students to get vaccinated, with mobile vaccination centres to be made available for those who have yet to receive their Covid-19 vaccine.
Mobile vaccination units will visit College campuses on designated days in September.
Intensive work has been undertaken by the FE sector in collaboration with the Department for the Economy and other stakeholders to ensure all necessary safety measures are put in place to protect the wellbeing of staff and learners.
Ken Webb, Chair of the Further Education Colleges Principals’ Group said: “It has been a positive step to be able to welcome back students to campus after a long eighteen months of virtual teaching.
“We pay tribute to our students and staff for the resilience shown throughout this period and are thrilled to have them back in our buildings.”xa0
“Significant work has been undertaken across the College estates to make the necessary changes to ensure this safe return.xa0We have been working with our student population to remind learners that face masks and social distancing are still required on college grounds, as per the PHA guidelines. We are also encouraging students to use Lateral Flow Tests as an extra precaution.”
“The six colleges are proud to work with our partners including local trusts and the PHA to promote the Covid-19 vaccine to our student population.
“Mobile vaccine centres will be available to learners on campus on specific dates in September, offering even more opportunities to receive the vaccine in a convenient location.
“We hope as many students as possible take up this opportunity to protect themselves, their peers and their families.”
