At York College & University Centre, we believe every learner deserves the opportunity to build a brilliant future. We are proud to support learners from across York and North Yorkshire, and we are committed to ensuring every individual develops the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed.
The Brilliant Futures Pledge is our commitment to helping every learner and apprentice develop the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours valued by employers, universities and the wider community.
Working closely with our employer partners, we have identified eight key skills that are fundamental to success in the workplace, further study and everyday life:
- Communication - expressing ideas clearly, listening effectively and adapting communication to different audiences.
- Problem Solving - analysing challenges, finding solutions and making informed decisions.
- Collaboration & Teamwork - working positively with others, valuing different perspectives and contributing to shared goals.
- Dependability - demonstrating reliability, professionalism and taking responsibility for your actions.
- Resilience - adapting to challenges, learning from experiences and continuing to progress.
- Innovative & Curious - showing creativity, exploring new ideas and having a willingness to learn.
- Self-Awareness - understanding your strengths, recognising areas for development and reflecting on your growth.
- Adaptable - responding positively to change and being prepared for new opportunities and challenges.
Through the Brilliant Futures Pledge, learners will have opportunities to develop, demonstrate and evidence these skills throughout their time at York College & University Centre. These achievements will be recognised through our accreditation framework, providing learners with a transferable record of their skills that can support applications for employment, apprenticeships, university and further study.
The pledge is embedded throughout the learner experience. Learners and apprentices will develop these skills in a variety of ways, including:
- Through curriculum and course activities
- During Personal and Professional Development (PPD) sessions
- Through work experience, industry placements and employer engagement
- By taking part in enrichment, enterprise, volunteering and extracurricular activities across the College
The Brilliant Futures Pledge also supports the development of skills aligned with the UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Key Competencies, helping learners and apprentices become confident, responsible and adaptable individuals who are ready to make a positive contribution to society and the world of work.
At York College & University Centre, we want every learner to leave with more than a qualification. Through the Brilliant Futures Pledge, learners and apprentices will leave with the skills, experiences and confidence they need to achieve their ambitions and build a brilliant future.
To find out more about the Brilliant Futures Pledge or how to get involved, email careers@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Liam Garside Director of Student & Apprentice Services, says:
“The Brilliant Futures Pledge is our commitment to ensuring every learner is equipped to progress confidently into their chosen next step, whether that is higher education, an apprenticeship, or employment.
While qualifications are essential in developing your knowledge, understanding, and technical expertise, employers consistently tell us that success in recruitment is also shaped by the skills you can demonstrate and articulate. The Brilliant Futures Pledge identifies the eight key employability skills that employers value most and actively look for when recruiting.
Throughout your time with us, you will have opportunities to develop and evidence these skills through your curriculum, Professional & Personal Development (PPD) programme, enrichment activities, work-related experiences, and the wider student experience. This ensures that alongside gaining valuable qualifications, you build the confidence and capability needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
The programme is endorsed by a range of leading employers demonstrating these skills are critical in meeting the demands of today's workplace.
By participating in the Brilliant Futures Pledge, you will create a portfolio of experiences and achievements that helps you showcase your talents, stand out from other applicants, and progress confidently. Whatever your ambitions, the Brilliant Futures Pledge will help you develop the skills, evidence, and self-belief needed to achieve them.”
Watch our Brilliant Futures video below:
