Monday 2nd March
Day 1
Celebrating Adult Learners!
It’s National Colleges Week 2026, and today, we’re shining a light on adult learners who are building new futures through education. With the right support, adult learning can address multiple challenges from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation, to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.
Tuesday 3rd March
Day 2
Enabling young people in further education
Young people are building essential skills, growing in confidence, and forging bright futures at colleges across the country. From classroom learning to real-world experience, colleges open doors to opportunity and help learners succeed.
Read our good news stories
NEWS 25-02-2026
Gwendolyn’s Norland dreams about to become reality
They’re the nannies who care for the children of the rich, the famous and the royal. They’re the Norland Nannies, and one of City of Portsmouth College’s own is about to take the next step in joining them.
NEWS 24-02-2026
COPC rocks! Student band nominated for Portsmouth Music Awards
A band featuring two City of Portsmouth College students has been nominated twice for the 2026 Portsmouth Music Awards – and you can vote for them to win!
NEWS 23-02-2026
Following in the Fab Four's Footsteps on Abbey Road
City of Portsmouth College students have followed in the footsteps of musical giants with a visit to the iconic Abbey Road Institute in London.
NEWS 09-02-2026
Anya’s Apprenticeship Bus Achievement Unveiled
A colourful bus designed by a City of Portsmouth College art and design student made an off route stop this week, as it pulled into Guildhall Square for its official unveiling.
Wednesday 4th March
Day 3
Proud to be supporting Apprenticeships
Apprentices of all ages are developing skills both on the job and in the classroom. Today, we recognise their achievements, and the employers who support them.
What can an apprenticeship offer me?
Hands-on and real-life experiences with local and reputable businesses
Shadowing and learning from experienced professionals
No student loan tying you down!
Get paid whilst you learn
Work your way up through a business, and learn about progression opportunities
Finish your apprenticeship with the potential of a permanent job
Develop strong connections in your chosen industry
Learn new skills and put them to practice regularly
Find out early in your career whether you enjoy your chosen industry day-to-day
Want to BECOME an apprentice?
Not only a fantastic way to learn and earn at the same time, apprenticeships come with a whole host of other advantages to set you on a successful career path.
Want to RECRUIT an apprentice?
Help your business to grow by bringing fresh new talent through the ranks or upskilling your team. Our expert team support you every step of the way.
Thursday 5th March
Day 4
Today is all about Higher Education
Today we are celebrating higher education learners developing advanced technical and academic skills, and the colleges delivering local, flexible, and career-focused courses that open doors to opportunity.
Friday 6th March
Day 5
Inspiring our community all day, every day
Behind every successful college is a strong community of dedicated staff. Today, we're paying tribute to all those who work in colleges, as well as the key partners and stakeholders who support learners across local communities.
Read more about a handful of our incredible staff
Yasmin Ahmed
Student Attendance and Support Officer
What was your dream job?
Running my own beauty and wedding management company.
How many jobs have you had in your lifetime?
Seven.
What was your first job?
Foreign books publisher at a British Publishing House.
What has been the hardest part about your career history?
Having to go through a complete transition between my home country (Egypt) and moving to the UK and starting from the beginning. I had to work speaking English, which is my second language.
What has been the best part of your career history?
Working as a Public Relations and Event Management Coordinator at the Library of Alexandria, and having to deal with high-profile guests.
Have you overcome anything to get to where you are today?
Leaving all my friends and family in Egypt, and starting a family here in the UK.
Do you have any advice for our students who are about to enter the world of work?
Looking through my challenging career journey, I can highlight some key points:
- Embrace life-long learning: your education doesn't end here. Be curious, seek opportunities to learn, and adapt to new challenges
- Build relationships: networking is key. Connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals - relationships often open doors
- Be proactive: show initiative and a willingness to go beyond what's asked. Employers value problem-solvers and self-starters
- Communication is key: practice clear and respectful communication, both written and verbal. It’s a cornerstone of professional success
- Stay resilient: challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth
- Manage your finances wisely: start saving early, budget effectively, and plan for the future. Financial security provides peace of mind
- Work-life balance matters: prioritise your wellbeing alongside your career. A healthy balanced life leads to sustained success
- Last but not least, always always believe in yourself: confidence and self-belief will take you far. Trust your abilities and be open to learning from your mistakes.
Ai Parlagreco
Personal Tutor
What was your dream job?
To become an artist.
How many jobs have you had in your lifetime?
I've always been a florist. I've worked several places back in Japan and England, then taught floristry here at COPC and now I'm a personal tutor!
What was your first job?
Florist.
What has been the hardest part about your career history?
Dealing with difficult customers.
What has been the best part of your career history?
Making people smile!
Have you overcome anything to get to where you are today?
Yes!
Do you have any advice for our students who are about to enter the world of work?
Just be positive, confident and always smile!
Matt Hancock
Events Manager
What was your dream job?
I wasn't sure to be honest! Something sports event related.
How many jobs have you had in your lifetime?
6 full-time jobs, and including part-time, 15+.
What was your first job?
My first full-time job was teaching English abroad in China. My first part-time job was in a village pub peeling vegetables, washing up and restocking drinks.
What has been the hardest part about your career history?
Not getting feedback from job applications and even acknowledgment when applying for roles.
What has been the best part of your career history?
Getting a buzz out of events I helped organise, working with fab colleagues, and visiting some amazing venues across the country.
Have you overcome anything to get to where you are today?
I've had a stutter since childhood and when I started going to interviews for full-time, permanent positions, I was getting knocked back due to coming across as introvert, shy and nervous, which isn't great when applying for event related positions, where you need to be fairly outgoing and confident. This was mainly due to having a stutter. After 9/10 interviews, I decided to do something about it and went on a speech therapy course, which taught me new ways of breathing/speaking to control the stutter. My first interview following that, I got the job and stayed there for 15 years.
Do you have any advice for our students who are about to enter the world of work?
Be yourself, try and find your passion and something you love to do, it's not always easy but do persevere. Surround yourself with good role models/managers, learn from them, but on the flip side, don't be shy about what you can bring to the table. They too can learn from you!
Guess the job
Can you guess the job these people do from the GCSEs they took?
National Careers Service
Looking for further careers information, advice and guidance? The National Careers Service can help you make decisions at all stages in your career.
Take the careers quiz!
Why not see how you score in the UCAS careers quiz?
Check out our latest news
Read more about the latest news and updates from City of portsmouth College.
See our upcoming events
Get involved with us by exploring our events. From open days to creative festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to get stuck in.
