Skills for a sustainable future are the focus of a new £2.3 million Advanced Green Skills Hub announced by Stoke-on-Trent College.
The 9,000 student, two-campus centre continues its transformation with the latest project on its Burslem campus, to be delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in partnership with Stoke on Trent City Council.
On the same day as the new project’s unveiling, spades went into the ground on the state-of-the-art £8.1 million teaching building at its Burslem campus.
Exciting capital expenditure projects were just one focus of an event marking a year since the launch of the college’s Skills Ready, Future Ready strategy – a manifesto to support students, employers and the economy by recognising and filling skills gaps and needs.
Progress was also reported on the new Connect Building at the Shelton campus, and the opening of a hi-tech, fully-equipped health ward, complete with interactive dummy patients, to support much needed training in health and caring.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal at Stoke on Trent College, said the college had forged a new reputation and its journey as a major contributor to Staffordshire’s economy, and to students’ and employers’ education and training journeys, would continue to drive forward.
She said: “We set out our vision to be the technical and professional college of choice for Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area by placing ourselves at the heart of the community and of business.
“Learners are at the heart of all we do and our mission is to help them to progress to the next stage.
“Our student numbers continue to grow, as does our provision with the delivery of eight new T Levels this year, each with access to industry standard facilities.
“New students enrolling this year are experiencing inspiring teaching and learning facilities, exposure to industry, and an inclusive, nurturing environment where they can learn and achieve their career goals.”
Key achievements at the college over the last 12 months include:
- 96 per cent of learners go on to employment, further or higher education or an apprenticeship
- Almost 9,000 learners enrolled at college in the 2023/24 academic year boosting the income by over £5m since 2020
- Winner of an national student services award (NAMSS)
- Apprenticeships have grown 10 per cent within key priority sectors
- £19.7m secured for two brand new buildings and a capital programme of new industry standard facilities in construction, green skills, health, science and digital media
- The launch of the college’s new alumni network Made at Stoke on Trent College
A lunch in the college’s showcase Hammersley restaurant – run by students – heard Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s City Director Jon Rouse pay tribute to the college’s progress, which he said surpassed any he’d seen in 25 years as a senior leader.
University of Staffordshire Vice Chancellor Martin Jones pointed to the lasting relationship, and an exciting future, between further and higher education in Staffordshire.
Both paid personal tribute to Lisa Capper MBE, who is set to leave the college to take up a new post as CEO at Sandwell College in Birmingham.
Read more about Skills Ready, Future Ready here.
