The education and training needs of society are constantly changing and our portfolio of programmes aims to respond to these changes. The biggest change to our offer this year was, of course, the Government's introduction of Curriculum 2000 with its mixture of A and AS levels, AVCEs and Key Skills. With every new scheme and initiative there are challenges and difficulties, and this was no exception. However, we are confident that the broader approach to study at 16 will be beneficial to their future careers - it has certainly proven to be popular with students. One new course on the AS programme - Photography - amazed us all with its popularity. We had projected an uptake of up to 18 enrolments, but an overwhelming 84 students chose this course as the 'broadening' element to their programme, and - armed with cameras and rolls of film - they have produced some stunning work which was showcased in our end of year exhibition.

'Fantastic!' was how Tony Davis, Head of the Arts Faculty, described the work on display. He said the high level of achievement and the 'broad church of influences' that was so clearly apparent, had been commented upon by the external examiner. He particularly remarked upon the work of such students as Vicki Lucas, which he said was already of degree level. Vicki studied Foundation Art and Design and has now gone on to the Norwich School of Art to study towards a degree in Fine Art.

A new IT qualification for Business - the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) - was introduced when it was recognised that it was fast becoming the most valued IT qualification in Europe. The course covers all the aspects of IT a business needs and is studied on a flexible basis.

A unique opportunity for unemployed people to gain a recognised industry qualification, and be interviewed for a permanent job with an established national company, all within 14 weeks, is now available as a result of a new NVQ for Call Centres free course. Since it was first offered the demand for places has grown steadily and over 85% of all students completing have gained employment.

Employees within local schools, or within Social Services and the Prisons Service, have been given the opportunity to learn more about the drug problems affecting the youth of today by enrolling on a new NCFE Certificate in Drug Awareness course.

And in response to strong demand from local pet owners, the College launched an innovative Introductory Dog Grooming course - the only one of its kind in the area - with various breeds of dogs in attendance to enable students to gain hands-on experience in the necessary techniques required for cleaning and caring for a dog, and the knowledge needed to pursue a career in dog grooming.

We also launched a range of innovative courses designed to deliver on-the-spot forklift truck training to businesses and organisations across the United Kingdom. The courses cover all types of rider operated lift trucks and offer the flexibility of training either at customer premises or at the College itself.

In September 2000, the Wakefield Hub was established to deliver learndirect on-line learning across the district. Working in partnership, with Wakefield College as its recipient college, the Hub has established 11 centres based in college premises, local libraries, adult education centres and local businesses. The Hub also offers the first virtual learning centre provision in the region.

With a portfolio of over 650 courses, learndirect offers adults the opportunity to learn at a time to suit the individual via computers from learning centres, the home or the office. During the first period, the Hub has engaged with over 1,200 adult learners who have participated in over 2,700 courses.