Higher Futures reflects on achievements and looks to the future at a recent event
On Thursday 15th October 2009, Higher Futures held a major conference to showcase some of the achievements over the last three years and to look to the future sustainability of the partnership. The event was attended by nearly 90 delegates, including the wider network team, employers, regional bodies and our partner stakeholders. Based at Magna Science Adventure Centre, the surroundings were very appropriate, with background sound effects and an opportunity to experience what it was like when it was a booming steel manufacturer during a guided tour at lunch.
Rob Harrison, Director of Higher Futures set the scene by giving a background to the network, providing a sense of its main achievements and touching on the theme of sustainability. Sue Ransom, Principal of Dearne Valley College then shared her experience of partnership working before a poster exhibition of some of Higher Futures' key achievements. Delegates were able to network and meet colleagues from a variety of sectors and institutions, as well as get an overall picture of the work of the Higher Futures. One delegate commented that they enjoyed "having the 'whole picture' on Higher Futures, meeting colleagues, the lovely food and the Tour."
Following lunch, including homemade treats such as steamed hot chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce and cream, delegates rejoined to witness an on stage interview by Rob Pittam from the BBC, with four vocational learners, each with different experiences to share. One delegate commented, "It was good to have a range of learners sharing their experiences."
The afternoon saw presentations from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Sheffield City Council, who shared their experiences of working with Higher Futures. Rhiannon Billingsley also provided reflections on her time as Chair of the Higher Futures. The conference concluded with a thought provoking input from Paul White, Pro-vice Chancellor at The University of Sheffield, looking at the future context for higher education and the network.
The day was a huge success with some very positive comments from delegates including, "The programme provided an excellent mix of context; facts; real stories; and a relevant tour (considering the vocational nature of the event)" and "I had a fabulous day, thoroughly enjoyed myself - thank you!"
Other feedback requested that copies of the posters were made available online, please click here to see the posters that were on display.