Colleges Week 2026 celebrates the transformative power of Further Education, Higher Education and apprenticeships across our communities.
At Activate Learning, we are proud to bring this year’s national theme — Skills for All — to life by showcasing how education and training create opportunities at every stage of life. From adult learners retraining for new careers to young people gaining vocational qualifications, apprentices developing skills in the workplace and higher education students progressing to professional careers, our colleges are building futures.
Throughout the week, we’ll share learner stories, employer partnerships, progression journeys and community impact across our group.
What is Colleges Week?
Colleges Week is a national celebration of the vital role colleges play in delivering technical education, vocational training, apprenticeships and Higher Education.
As anchor institutions in their communities, colleges support employers, strengthen local economies and provide inclusive pathways for learners of all ages — including those with SEND and those returning to education later in life.
Colleges Week 2026 themes
Each day, we will focus on a key area of skills development, reflecting the breadth of Further Education and Higher Education provision at Activate Learning.
Monday – Adult Learning Pays
On Monday, as part of our Adult Learning Pays campaign, we celebrate adult learners who are upskilling, retraining or returning to education.
Flexible courses, community-based learning and career-focused qualifications empower adults to:
- Change careers
- Gain professional qualifications
- Improve confidence and wellbeing
- Progress into employment or higher-level study
Explore Adult Education opportunities at Activate Learning.
- From courses to lifelong learning: Reimagining adult education
- Breaking down barriers: How online learning expands opportunity
Tuesday – Skills for Young People
On Tuesday, we will spotlight young people studying academic and vocational qualifications, including A Levels, T Levels and technical pathways.
Our colleges support learners to:
- Build confidence and independence
- Develop industry-relevant skills
- Progress to university, apprenticeships or employment
- Access inclusive SEND support
Discover courses for school leavers at Activate Learning.
Wednesday – Apprenticeships: Skills in the Workplace
Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.
On Wednesday, we will showcase:
- Apprentice case studies (current learners and alumni)
- Employer partnerships
- Progression and career success stories
- Video interviews and workplace insights
Our employer partners play a crucial role in developing local talent and strengthening regional skills pipelines.
Learn more about Apprenticeships with Activate Apprenticeships.
Thursday – Higher Education in colleges
On Thursday, we will highlight Higher Education (Level 4 and above) delivered locally within our colleges.
Our Higher Education (HE) provision offers:
- Technical and professional qualifications
- Flexible, career-focused study
- Employer-informed curriculum
- Widening participation opportunities
Students benefit from smaller class sizes, local access and clear progression pathways.
Explore Higher Education courses at Activate Learning.
Friday – Community, partnerships and civic impact
On Friday, we conclude the week by celebrating our role as civic and community partners.
Activate Learning works with:
- Local employers
- Community organisations
- Sustainability partners
- Schools and universities
- Local authorities
From civic engagement and sustainability initiatives to award-winning projects, our colleges extend far beyond the classroom.
A year of skills and impact
Alongside new Colleges Week content, we will reflect on the past year’s achievements — including employer collaborations, SEND specialisms, civic engagement, sustainability initiatives and award recognitions.
By working with stakeholders across our group, we ensure our stories reflect the real impact of skills development across our communities.
Join the Colleges Week 2026 conversation
Follow Colleges Week 2026 across Activate Learning social media channels and help us celebrate Skills for All.
Together, we are developing the skills, confidence and ambition that power local communities and regional economies.
