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Entries are now open for the Next Generation Learning Awards for the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector. The awards recognise and reward colleges and training providers that use technology in outstanding ways that benefits learners.

Now in its second year, the awards are set to showcase the contribution and impact of technology in further education. The awards will highlight best practice and raise awareness of the extensive benefits of technology to the learners, employers and communities as a whole.

The 2009 awards resulted in some truly inspiring practice, where an excellent example of partnership between HMP Garth and Lancashire Adult Learning won the Offender Learning sector award. They used technology to improve the training opportunities for prisoners coming to the end of long sentences. The technology has allowed them to gain qualifications and skills that they can use after their release to re-enter the work place.

There are seven categories available for colleges and training providers to enter, with winners receiving a cash prize to spend on technology equipment, provision, or training.

These categories are:

• Work Based Learning
• Adult and Community Learning
• Offender Skills
• General FE (inc land-based colleges)
• Independent Specialist Colleges
• Sixth Form Colleges
• Voluntary Sector

An eighth ‘Furthering my Learning’ award will enable learners to nominate individual tutors or organisations that are using technology to make a positive difference to the way they learn.

The closing date for award entries is 19 October 2009. The Next Generation Learning awards will take place on 8 March 2010 in Birmingham.

Entry forms and more information about the awards can be obtained from www.becta.org.uk/nextgenerationlearningawards, by contacting the awards team on email at nextgenerationlearningawards@becta.org.uk or by telephone on 0800 877 8777.