Local Member of Parliament, Kate Griffiths, has today (24th February 2022) joined the Government’s Skills Minister, Alex Burghart MP, in visiting Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC).
The post-16 education institution in the centre of Burton offers a wide range of full and part time courses, from basic entry level programmes to degree level qualifications.
The two MPs were joined by the Chief Executive and Principal of the College, Dawn Ward CBE, to tour the campus and to see the education facilities available to students. The tour included a visit to the LEGO Education Innovation Studio which encourages a hands-on learning approach with innovative learning techniques to inspire tomorrow’s scientists and engineers.
In December last year, the Government awarded the college £251,614 to purchase new specialist tech equipment as part of the next wave across the country of innovative new Institutes of Technology. Working with Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, BSDC will be offering higher technical STEM education and training in key sectors such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing and Health.
Following the tour, the Minister and local MP met with students and staff to hear about the high-quality courses the College offers as well as with local business leaders to ensure that employers have the skilled workforce to thrive.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP said:
“I am delighted to have joined the Skills Minister on a visit to Burton and South Derbyshire College today. I know Alex was very impressed with the students he met and the investment going into the campus to ensure that they are being skilled in the technologies and jobs of tomorrow.
“I have previously highlighted that reducing the skills gap is key to our town’s future if we are to be successful in levelling up our local area. BSDC has a huge role to play in helping deliver that but Dawn and her team have a track record of working with local employers to ensure that we have a skilled workforce locally which I know is a relationship greatly valued by local businesses.”
Skills Minister, Alex Burghart MP, said:
“It was brilliant to see how Burton and South Derbyshire College is working closely with local employers to get young people the skills they need to progress in sought-after careers in engineering and manufacturing in their area.
“Strong partnerships between local employers and colleges are vital to plug skills gaps, and ensure local economies have a talented workforce pipeline.”
Chief Executive and Principle of BSDC, Dawn Ward CBE, added:
“We were delighted that the minister found the time in his incredibly busy schedule to visit BSDC and hear how our work with employers directly benefits our learners and staff. As a technical/vocational focussed college, we understand the need for industry to be woven into our curriculum so that our learners develop both the technical and soft skills needed to be successful in sectors that are vital to the UK economy. Our employer partnerships exemplify this approach and I am delighted the minister got to see this first hand.”
