The Secretary of State for Education visited NSCG Stafford College for a factfinding tour of its brand new Skills and Innovation Centre.
Gillian Keegan was updated on the progress of the £28 million facility which will be ready to welcome new and existing students when doors officially open this September.
The Minister and other dignitaries were able to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour. They were shown the construction and engineering workshops, hybrid vehicle technology facilities and 300-seat auditorium as they discussed opportunities for education institutions to develop digital and manufacturing skills in the region.
NSCG has been working in partnership with a consortium of education providers and key employers on the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (IoT) and the Secretary of State was also keen to find out how this will play a role in closing the skills gaps in important STEM-led industries.
She said: “It’s vital that young people and adults from across the region can continue to access high quality technical education and the new building will make sure that is happening for generations to come.
“It is a brilliant addition to Stafford town centre and will ensure learners gain the skills that are super valuable in the workplace.”
During the visit, students were also given the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session with the Minister who was eager to hear more about life at NSCG and find out about the range of courses and pathways available to students.
NSCG Principal and Chief Executive, Craig Hodgson said: “We were delighted to welcome Secretary of State Gillian Keegan to NSCG Stafford College.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the progress we are making on our new state-of-the-art Skills and Innovation Centre and demonstrate the positive impact government funding will have on our facilities, and ultimately our learners.
“We are pleased that the visit provided an opportunity for the Secretary of State to tour our campus and meet talented students from a range of course pathways.”
