Career Colleges Trust has appointed Roger Dawe CB OBE as new Chairman
Roger will be taking the helm from Luke Johnson, who has led Trust’s Board since its inception in 2013.
Roger had a long and distinguished career in the Civil Service. He served as Private Secretary to Prime Minister, Harold Wilson from 1966-1970 and then worked in a range of posts in the Departments for Employment and Education from 1970 until 2000. In that period Roger gained experience of further education, vocational training and working with Colleges and employers.
He was appointed Director General of the Manpower Services Commission in 1988 and then Director General for Training, Enterprise and Education in the Employment Department, and, finally, was Director General for Further and Higher Education in the Education Department from 1992-2000.
Since leaving the Department Roger has worked for KPMG as a senior education advisor, was Deputy Chair of the Open University, and until March this year was Chair of the Corporation of Bromley College of Further and Higher Education (now London South East Colleges).
Founder and Trustee of the Career Colleges Trust, Lord Baker, says: “Roger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, which will be of huge benefit to both the Trust and our individual Career Colleges.
“We are delighted to have Roger on board, to help lead our mission to improve and develop career-led education for young people around the country.
“I am also extremely grateful to our incumbent Chairman, Luke Johnson for the support and guidance he has provided the Trust with over the past four years. Luke’s business expertise and industry knowledge has helped the Trust to expand from what was ultimately a start-up to a thriving charity with 15 Career Colleges in operation around the country.
“I look forward to working with Roger and wish him all the very best in his new role.”
Roger will chair his first Board meeting when the Trust meets later this month. He says: “It is a privilege for me to take on this role. High quality technical and vocational education is crucial for our economic future and for people to make the most of their talents. I strongly believe that the Career College concept, which focuses on employer-led education, is key to addressing the skills shortages that many industries are facing.
“I look forward to working with the Trust and with the Career Colleges, at what is a crucial time for skills education in this country. I am keen to ensure that we help more young people progress into successful careers, while helping businesses to secure their future workforce with a pipeline of talented employees.”
Outgoing Chairman, Luke Johnson, adds: “I would like to take this opportunity to offer Roger Dawe my very best wishes in his new role. I thank the Career Colleges Trust board and its staff for their hard work over the past four years and wish them all every success going forward.
“Career Colleges are filling a vital need – fully preparing young people for the world of work and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. This is offers a win-win for both employers and young people and I will continue to support the Trust in every way I can.”
The Trust, founded by Lord Baker, works with employers and education providers to set up Career Colleges. There are currently 12 Career Colleges open around the country, and this number will rise to 18 by the end of 2017. Career Colleges specialise in industries facing skills shortage, including; health and care, hospitality, digital, professional services, engineering, construction and land-based tourism.
Each College has an employer board, which helps to design and deliver the curriculum, ensuring that industry skills needs can be met. Career College students get a unique career –focused educational experience, with employer partners offering masterclasses, work placements, live project briefs and an insight into the real world of work. Practical training is provided alongside a rigorous academic programme, ensuring that students have a broad and balanced education.
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