Welcome to the CMN…

The countdown has begun! With just 10 weeks left until the submission deadline, the FE First Awards 2024, organised by the College Marketing Network, are back to celebrate excellence in marketing within further education colleges and sixth forms across the UK. This prestigious event, highly regarded in the sector, is the only one of its kind, solely dedicated to recognising the remarkable achievements of marketing teams and individuals within the further education arena.

What are the FE First Awards?

The FE First Awards are an annual celebration of marketing excellence in further education. They shine a spotlight on the hard work, creativity, and innovation that marketing professionals bring to their respective institutions. This event provides a unique platform for colleges and sixth forms to showcase their achievements and be recognized on a national level.

Who Can Enter?

One of the most fantastic aspects of the FE First Awards is that they are open to all further education colleges and sixth forms in the UK. Whether you’re a member of the College Marketing Network or not, you have an equal opportunity to enter and compete. It’s an inclusive competition that welcomes everyone striving for marketing excellence in the further education sector.

Key Details:

• When: Monday, 29th January 2024, starting at 7:00 PM.
• Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Birmingham City Centre.

Submission Deadline:

Please mark your calendars and take note of this crucial date: the submission deadline for the FE First Awards 2024 is 17th November 2023. This gives you precisely 10 weeks from today to gather your materials, perfect your entries, and submit them for consideration.

Why Should You Enter?

1. Recognition: Winning an FE First Award is a testament to your hard work and dedication. It’s a badge of honor in the further education marketing world.
2. Networking: The awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham City Centre is not only an evening of celebration but also an excellent networking opportunity. Connect with peers, potential collaborators, and industry experts.
3. Showcase Your Institution: These awards allow your college or sixth form to showcase its marketing excellence on a national stage, attracting potential students and staff.
4. Inspiration: Seeing the innovative ideas and strategies employed by others in your field can inspire fresh thinking and creativity in your own marketing efforts.

Categories:

The FE First Awards feature a range of categories, each designed to recognize different aspects of marketing excellence. These may include awards for campaigns, publications, digital marketing, branding, and much more. Be sure to review the full list of categories to determine which best suits your achievements.

How to Enter:

Entering the FE First Awards is a straightforward process. You’ll find all the information you need, including guidelines, entry forms, and submission details here.

Conclusion:

With just 10 weeks remaining until the submission deadline, now is the perfect time to start preparing your entries for the FE First Awards 2024. These awards are your chance to gain recognition, network with industry peers, and showcase the fantastic work you’re doing within your further education institution. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine in the spotlight of the only awards event dedicated to further education marketing. Submit your entries and mark the date, January 29th, 2024, on your calendar – it promises to be a night to remember!

The College Marketing Network (CMN) is proud to announce the launch of a pioneering marketing campaign aimed at combating the declining participation of adults in education, specifically part-time courses. In a concerted effort to reignite interest and inspire lifelong learning, CMN has collaborated with over 20 of its esteemed member colleges from across the United Kingdom for this unprecedented initiative.

In the face of dwindling budgets and the formidable challenge of meeting recruitment targets, college marketing teams have united in a collective endeavour to maximize their return on investment through innovative collaboration. This strategic alliance not only reinforces the value of education but also emphasizes the significance of fostering a supportive and accessible learning environment for adults of all backgrounds.

Set to run throughout the months of August and September, the campaign is a concerted effort to reverse the trend of diminishing adult participation in education. Collaboratively crafted, this ambitious endeavour has brought together the expertise of the creative minds at media agency Forward and Thinking, along with the exceptional visual storytelling prowess of Media Partnership Ltd.

What sets this initiative apart is its national scope, engaging colleges from various regions of the UK. This collaboration marks a remarkable milestone, as CMN leads the way in pioneering a unified, nationwide approach to promoting adult education. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, CMN and its member colleges seek to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development among adults of all backgrounds and career stages.

Leveraging cutting-edge technology, several colleges are utilising the ground-breaking platform “Upskill Reskill.” This revolutionary tool empowers adults to assess their existing skills and gain insights into potential career paths that align with their passions and ambitions. The Upskill Reskill platform not only assists in identifying new career avenues, but also offers opportunities for individuals to refine and expand their current skill sets, enhancing their prospects in their chosen fields.

“We are excited to spearhead this ground-breaking national campaign in partnership with our member colleges, media agency Forward and Thinking Limited, and Media Partnership Ltd,” said Emma Wilde, Executive Director at The College Marketing Network. “Our joint efforts aim to not only address the decline in adult education but to inspire a newfound enthusiasm for learning among adults across the UK.”

The campaign will span a multi-channel approach, encompassing television broadcasts, social media engagement, print media, and a comprehensive digital presence. By utilising a diverse range of communication channels, the campaign aims to reach a wide audience and underscore the transformative impact of adult education.

The colleges involved, included: Bedford College, BMet, Boston College, Bradford College, Cambridge Regional College, Capel Manor College, Central Bedford College, Dudley College, Furness College, Halesowen College, Milton Keynes College, Moulton College, Peterborough College, RNN Group, Shuttleworth College, Solihull College and University Centre, Stamford College, Stoke-on-Trent College, The College of West Anglia, Tresham College, Warrington and Vale Royal College, Warwickshire College Group and Wigan and Leigh College.

As the campaign unfolds, it is anticipated that this collaborative effort will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals across the UK to embark on educational journeys that unlock their potential and reshape their futures.