College showcases strategic partnerships in Ministerial visit

Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart met with employer representatives from a range of sectors on Thursday 24th February during a visit to Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC).

During the visit representatives from organisations such as Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK), St. Modwen Properties and Autoclenz spoke to the minister about their strategic partnerships with the College and how these are specifically designed to meet current and future skills shortages in related sectors.

Examples of this leading practice included a jointly ran Apprenticeship Development Centre (ADC) with TMUK that develops a future pipeline of talent for the company and its supply chain, an Autoclenz on-site training centre providing Motor Vehicle learners with the skills needed for the prestige car valeting industry and a construction focused partnership with St. Modwen Properties that is leading the way in securing a diverse talent pool for the company. 

Speaking during the visit, Minister Burghart 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.”

Dawn Ward CBE, Chief Executive and Principal 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.”

During the visit, the College, which is a member of the Chartered Institution for Further Education, also showcased the outstanding work of its learners in app and games development for local businesses and partnership work with other Colleges in the development of a new Digital Literacy programme to improve these skills in young people. The College also outlined its plans in launching the Government’s new pioneering qualification, T Levels and its exciting Stronger Towns Fund proposal that will see over £3M worth of investment in new education and technology infrastructure that will deliver improved skills in a range of subject areas as part of the Government’s levelling up agenda.