This week is Colleges Week, a campaign to showcase and celebrate the impact colleges have and how they support local communities, boost businesses and support individuals.
To mark the occasion, Hayley Johnson met with Stoke-on-Trent College’s newly appointed CEO and Principal Hassan Rizvi.
“I am absolutely delighted to have joined Stoke on Trent College and work in this great city,” Hassan says as he reflects on his first few weeks in the role. “Stoke-on-Trent is brilliant, full of potential and the people are so lovely, helpful and welcoming.”
Hassan joined Stoke-on-Trent College from a London college in mid-January, a story broken exclusively by Daily Focus.
He says the things that drew him to the college are aspects that should be celebrated this week.
“It is our inclusive approach which really stands out,” Hassan said: “I feel privileged and humbled to be given this opportunity to be Principal and CEO of Stoke-on-Trent College.
“Being an anchor institution, while we support people and communities with basic skills such as English, maths, digital employability and so on, we are also delivering higher level skills across key sectors including Engineering, Construction, Digital, Creative and Health through multiple pathways including T levels and Higher-Level Apprenticeships. A true reflection of Stoke on Trent College’s ‘Skills Ready, Future Ready’ vision.”
Being aware of the challenges that learners and communities face, Hassan said: “It’s a comprehensive programme of delivery, ensuring that young people and adults are equipped with wider skills for employability alongside core knowledge and vocational and technical skills – and offering learning opportunities in a flexible way that works for our learners and employers.
“It cannot be overstated how important our links are with local businesses and stakeholders. It is important to work with them to address the skills needed and to provide learners with the right skillset and attitude of learning, something employers are keen to emphasise and we deliver for them by adapting our delivery, through closely working with them in curriculum design, planning and delivery.”
Multiple events are being held at the college this week where key stakeholders will be invited in to discuss the significant impact colleges have and to see students demonstrating their skills and celebrate their success.
Students will also be encouraged to share their love for the college via message boards and those on hospitality and catering courses will be making heart-shaped cookies to share with visitors to add to the celebratory atmosphere.
When it comes to his own skillset, Hassan brings a wealth of experience following an 18-year career in education, most recently working as Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Quality at Waltham Forest College, in London.
But he also draws upon experience gained during 15 years spent serving in the military.
Hassan was born in Pakistan and was part of the military until he came to England in 2004 when he began a PHD in politics and then went into teaching.
He said: “I was in various different roles and ranks in the military and acquired leadership, organisation, administration and instructional skills.
“During instructional appointments, I enjoyed imparting knowledge and that attracted me to education, leading me to do my PHD.
“The transferrable skills I gained during my military career were really useful when I moved into education and as I worked my way up from being a lecturer, through to different managerial and leadership posts. I have and continue to use these skills every step of the way.”
To find out more about what courses are available at Stoke on Trent College for you, your business or your young person visit www.stokecollege.ac.uk
