The building of the College
College History
Falkland College was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal on 18 November 2022, marking a significant milestone in the development of further education and training in the Falkland Islands. However, the College’s origins stretch back much further.
Its beginnings lie with a single member of staff delivering training to Falkland Islands Government employees from what is now the Department of Agriculture, under the Human Resources Department. In the early 2000s, provision expanded as City & Guilds courses were introduced through what became known as the Training Centre. Delivery evolved from International Vocational Qualifications (IVQs) to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in areas such as Business Administration and Health Care, supported by a growing team of assessors, and offering pathways for apprenticeships.
In 2005, the Training Centre moved into the former Plumbers’ Workshop, providing a dedicated workshop space, classroom facilities and a computer suite for CITB and Evolve examinations. Examination provision continued to grow, later including ACCA and AAT. The Centre also offered a range of online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and welcomed visiting specialists to deliver Leadership and Management training.
Renamed Falkland College in 2019, the organisation entered a new phase with the completion of a purpose-built facility in 2020. The keys were handed over just three days before the Islands closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, Falkland College plays a central role in community life, offering a diverse and growing range of services for learners of all ages. Alongside the Christie Community Library, we provide Driving Plant Operator Certificates (POC cards), theory tests and a wide range of examinations, as well as delivering the Employment and Enablement Programme and the Shield Programme.
Our curriculum spans from practical short courses, such as First Aid, through to GCSEs and A Levels, and vocational qualifications from Level 1 to Level 5 with City & Guilds and Highfield. Evening courses further enrich our offer, with opportunities ranging from English as a Second Language to creative subjects such as jewellery making.
As an approved examination centre for CITB, Pearson VUE and Evolve, we support both local learners and professional candidates in achieving recognised qualifications. Falkland College will also act as a host centre for people studying degree or professional qualifcations, including CAA examinations through Resource Group in the the UK.
Apprenticeships are an increasingly important part of our provision, with around 30 apprentices currently undertaking a variety of vocational pathways, developing the skills that contribute directly to the Islands’ future workforce.
Our modern facilities are also well used by the wider community. College rooms are regularly booked by private groups, organisations and visiting speakers for meetings, activities and lectures, making the building a lively and welcoming hub beyond the classroom.
We are proud of how far we have come and of the role we play within the Falkland Islands. We hope you will become part of our continuing story.
The building of the College