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Middlesbrough College is giving Teesside’s football talent a winning start with an exciting new partnership with Middlesbrough FC, launching dedicated programmes and pathways for both the men’s and women’s U19 teams for the 2026/27 season.

This collaboration combines elite football development with full-time education, offering local young athletes a professional-standard environment to progress both on the pitch and in the classroom.

The new Middlesbrough College MFC Women’s U19 Football Pathway marks a significant step forward for women’s football in the region. Designed to welcome up to 20 elite players, who are set to join the college in Year 12, the programme combines academic or vocational study with high-level football coaching delivered by UEFA A and B Licensed coaches.

Players will train in a professional environment encompassing technical and tactical development, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, physiotherapy support and competitive match play.

Central to shaping both teams is Sammie Leigh, Middlesbrough College’s director of sport and coach of England Women’s blind team. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in women’s football, Sammie highlights the importance of structured development and elite coaching for young talent. She said: “This programme gives girls on Teesside the chance to reach the next level in their football while building skills, discipline and confidence that will benefit them both in sport and in life.”

Ben Fisher, General Manager of Middlesbrough FC Women, emphasises the wider impact, adding: “Working with Middlesbrough College allows us to offer the coaching, facilities and support structures that help these players progress into careers in football, strengthening the sport across the region.”

The men’s partnership, the Middlesbrough FC/Middlesbrough College U19s, further builds on the College’s strong record of developing sporting talent. This team currently competes in the U19 National Youth Football League Northern Division and is on track for promotion for the 2026/27 season.

Through the partnership, players will wear the Middlesbrough FC badge on their match kits and gain access to state-of-the-art training facilities at Rockliffe Park and insight into the professional game.

The Academy experience is enhanced by a highly experienced coaching team with strong Middlesbrough FC heritage. Leading the team is Craig Hignett, former Premier League player and Boro legend, who scored the first goal at the Riverside Stadium. He is joined by Sammie Leigh, Jack Leicos, pre-academy coach at Middlesbrough FC, and former first-team player, Andy Collett, creating a coaching line-up with extensive local and professional expertise.

Pre-season for the men’s U19 team also begins in July, with recruitment underway in collaboration with local feeder schools.

Craig Liddle, Academy Manager at Middlesbrough FC, commented: “Working with Middlesbrough College allows us to strengthen the club’s connections with local further education institutions and provide strong exit strategies for Academy players moving on from Middlesbrough FC. We are proud to see Middlesbrough College players wear our badge with pride and look forward to welcoming them to our facilities.”

This partnership underscores Middlesbrough College’s commitment to dual-career development across the men’s and women’s teams. The College’s TASS Dual Career Accreditation ensures that players receive the support needed to excel academically while pursuing elite sport. This model reflects a growing emphasis in professional football on structured development and education, preparing athletes for both sporting careers and life beyond the pitch.

By combining academic achievement with high-quality football training, Middlesbrough College and Middlesbrough FC are creating clear, professional pathways for Teesside’s next generation of football talent.

This partnership represents a significant investment in the region’s sporting future, giving young men and women the tools, guidance and opportunities to succeed at the highest levels while staying in Teesside.

For more information on Middlesbrough College’s Football Academies and to find out about trials and recruitment, visit: https://www.mbro.ac.uk/services-and-support/sports-academies/

Telford College has launched its first dedicated Logistics Hub – designed to deepen collaboration with employers and ensure the college’s training offer keeps pace with one of the region’s most important sectors.

The hub, which meets at the college’s Wellington campus, brings together industry leaders, curriculum specialists and employer partners to shape the future of logistics training in the area.

By creating a structured forum for dialogue, the college says it will help to ensure training is aligned with real?time sector developments in the road haulage, warehousing, distribution and supply chain management sectors.

Guest speaker at the first session was Sally Gilson, policy lead for skills and drivers at the Road Haulage Association.

She highlighted the challenges currently facing logistics. Nationally, the loss of 117,000 drivers due to non?renewal of licences and CPC qualifications continues to place pressure on the workforce.

Employers in attendance, which included Kinaxia, Kuehne + Nagel, and Little Pot Transport, also discussed the ageing demographic of drivers, and the difficulty many businesses face in attracting younger entrants.

The positives and negatives of emerging technologies, including AI?enabled driver monitoring systems, were also identified as areas requiring greater awareness and skills development.

Rosie Beswick, from Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, also updated attendees on the latest Local Skills Improvement Plan research.

Aneeta Hazir, manager of partnerships and employer engagement at Telford College, said: “The hub is an opportunity for us to strengthen our engagement with employers, keep in line with industry challenges and for us to mirror this in our teaching.

“At the launch event, employers heard updates on the college’s growing success across its logistics programmes, including the positive impact on learner outcomes and the increasing number of students progressing into industry roles.

“Attendees also discussed ongoing work to enhance employer engagement, ensuring students gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in a fast?changing sector.”

She added: “The new Logistics Hub will act as a catalyst for tackling these issues locally, ensuring Telford College remains at the forefront of sector?led education and continues to equip learners with the expertise employers urgently need.”

Former Telford College automotive students are thriving at motor dealership Furrows, building successful careers across a range of departments.

The dealership, which has bases in Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry, currently has six former college students on its payroll, working in areas such as the car and commercial workshop, accident repair and parts.

All have become fully fledged technicians in their respective fields, after successfully completing their training.

Gareth Richards, general manager and group parts manager, said: “We’ve worked with Telford College over many years, delivering talks to students and taking a number of them on work placements.

“It’s an arrangement that works for both parties – giving them a chance to find out what we are all about, and allowing us to offer employment to ones we are most impressed with.

“There’s a shortage of skilled staff out there right now and recruitment is difficult, so we see the opportunity to ‘grow our own’ with the help of the college really is an investment for the future.

“We’ve been working more closely with the college over the past four or five years, and it’s been a really good partnership for us.”

Krystian Drag – a self-confessed car enthusiast – started with Furrows in 2023 after completing level 2 and 3 automotive courses at Telford College’s Wellington campus.

The former Hadley Learning Community student said: “I always knew I wanted a job connected with cars because of my dad who is also a mechanic. I knew exactly what I wanted to do in college after finishing school.

“The college taught you the basics and the theory and was a really good introduction. I knew exactly how to use diagnostic equipment when I started here because of the work we did in college.

“But you still continue learning a lot when you get a job, particularly in the first 12 months, and that’s something I really enjoy.”

Declan Dunn, another former HLC student, is also a technician alongside Krystian. He completed his level one, two and three automotive qualifications at Telford College.

“I found the college studies really useful,” Declan said. “Working with individual technicians during our first six months of probation was valuable. Managers are really helpful, willing to step in when you need it. 

“Doing work experience at Furrows during our time at Telford College was also helpful, because it gave us a clearer idea of what to expect.

“Although we are stripping gearboxes, realigning clutches and doing other practical tasks at college which has its own training workshops, there is always going to be a difference between a workplace and college experience.”

He said there were ‘lots of opportunities for promotion’ and career development at Furrows.

Jonathon Laybourne, a former Charlton School student, secured a job in the accident repair department at Furrows in Telford after completing his college studies.

He said: “Painting cars is an incredibly satisfying job, because you can see the impact of your work when it’s done.”

Usman Afzal works on commercial vehicles, and also completed his level 2 and 3 automotive courses at Telford College.

The former HLC student said: “You can’t fully prepare for life in the workshop when you are dealing with real customers’ vehicles, but the college does a pretty good job.

“They’ve got vehicles, ramps and other equipment that we find in the workplace, but there’s an extra level of responsibility when you know the vehicle belongs to a real-life customer where their van could be their business, and their livelihood.

“What do I enjoy most about my job? I just enjoy taking things apart, gaining an understanding of how everything fits together, and giving the customer a level of reassurance they the work will be done to a high standard.”

Buckinghamshire College Group was delighted to welcome local MP Laura Kyrke-Smith to its Aylesbury Campus today as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, recognising the vital role apprenticeships play in developing skills for the local economy. 

During her visit, Laura toured several of the College’s specialist apprenticeship training areas, including Construction, Motor Vehicle, and Hairdressing. She met with apprentices, staff, and employer partners, gaining first-hand insight into the high-quality training, industry-standard facilities, and career pathways available to learners across Buckinghamshire. 

Laura spoke with apprentices about their experiences and future ambitions and engaged in positive discussions with employers about current opportunities and challenges within the local skills landscape. Conversations centred on workforce needs, emerging industry trends, and ways to further strengthen apprenticeship provision to better support businesses and apprentices throughout the region. 

Tracey Matthews, Vice Principal (Commercial & Partnerships) at Buckinghamshire College Group, commented:  

“We were delighted to welcome Laura Kyrke-Smith to the College during National Apprenticeship Week. We are grateful for the time she spent meeting our apprentices, employers and staff, and for her genuine interest in hearing about their experiences. Her visit provided a valuable opportunity not only for our learners and partners to showcase the impact of apprenticeships, but also for us to share key messages about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. We appreciate Laura taking these insights back to Parliament to help inform future discussions on skills and workforce development”. 

Buckinghamshire College Group is proud to champion apprenticeships and continues to work closely with employers to expand opportunities across a wide range of sectors. The College’s commitment to providing high-quality technical and professional education remains central to supporting the region’s economic growth and developing talent for the future. 

For more information about apprenticeships at Buckinghamshire College Group, visit: www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk/apprenticeships 

About Buckinghamshire College Group: 

Buckinghamshire College Group (Bucks College Group) is a further education college with campuses in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills education to over 4,500 students annually. The College provides full-time education for students aged 16 to 18, alongside a robust provision for adult learners and apprenticeships. Buckinghamshire College Group was formed from the merger of Aylesbury College and Amersham & Wycombe College in October 2017. The College is currently developing a new modern campus to be in the centre of High Wycombe which would bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites. 

Gower College Swansea has held a special awards ceremony at Swansea.com Stadium as part of Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026.

The event, which honoured the outstanding commitment and dedication of the College’s apprentices, staff and employer partners from across Wales and England, was hosted by presenter/broadcaster Ross Harries, who has been the face of Welsh rugby for more than a decade.

Guest speakers for the night were James Owen, Chief Executive of Medr, and Jonathan Morris, Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs Manager at Tai Tarian.

“Apprenticeships are a key priority for many employers in terms of meeting the skills needed to develop and grow their businesses and I am delighted that, especially in recent years, the College has been able to respond to this demand,” says Principal, Paul Kift.

“Today we have over 2,500 apprentices at any one time, but I am also delighted to report that the quality of the provision has also strengthened with our apprentices, staff and programmes being recognised in Wales at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru and the Inspire Tutor Awards, and also across the UK at the Times Educational Supplement (TES) FE Awards, the Annual Apprenticeship Conference (AAC) Awards, and the Association of Colleges (AOC) Beacon Awards.”

Our 2026 apprentices of the year are:

Accountancy Apprentice of the Year – Alex Hoskin, Castleview Accountancy
Activity Leadership & Sports Development Apprentice of the Year – Sinead Hogan, Ysgol Ty Gwyn
Built Environment Apprentice of the Year – Leon Lezzi, Swansea Council
Business Administration Apprentice of the Year – Mikayla Novak, EYST
Business and Quality Improvement Apprentice of the Year – Ross Cotter, Energybuild Ltd
Childcare/Educational Support Apprentice of the Year – Katy Campbell, Rocking Horse Day Nursery
Civil Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Lewis Colborne, RMG Groundworks
Community Development Apprentice of the Year – Richard Thomas, United Welsh
Construction Apprentice of the Year – Sonny Desmond, J Lynch Building
Contact Centre Apprentice of the Year – Matthew Roberts, TUI
Customer Service Apprentice of the Year – Caitlin Lockett, Robert Price Builders Merchants
Digital Learning Design Apprentice of the Year – Tetiana Bohach, JoJo Maman Bébé
Electronics Apprentice of the Year – Freddy Thompson, NHS
Engineering and Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Liam Atkins, CJ Motors
Facilities and Resource Management Apprentice of the Year – Zoe Payne, Swansea Council
Floorcovering Apprentice of the Year – Keenan James, Lee James Flooring
Health Care Apprentice of the Year – Elizabeth Illing, Swansea Bay University Health Board
Housing Apprentice of the Year – Ross Williams, Merthyr Valley Homes
Information, Advice and Guidance Apprentice of the Year – Daniel Payne-Wilks, TCH Group
IT and Digital Apprentice of the Year – Elisha Cook, DVLA
Laboratory and Science Apprentice of the Year – Isobel Taylor, Hydratech
Legal Services Apprentice of the Year – Ruby Shadrach, JCP Solicitors
Management and Development Apprentice of the Year – Hana Kubiszova, Adept Consulting
Social Care Apprentice of the Year – Zoe Thicker, Pembrokeshire Council
Youth Work Apprentice of the Year – Cerian Asplet-Phoenix, Flintshire County Council

Pencampwr Cymraeg Gwobr Prentis – Katy Campbell, Rocking Horse Day Nursery
Pencampwr Cymraeg Gwobr Prentisiaeth Cyflogwr – Adra
Pencampwr Cymraeg Gwobr Prentisiaeth Tiwtor/Aseswr – Lowri Williams

Electrical, Electronic Product Service and Installation Apprentice of the Year (England) – Bradley Ager, Fisher and Paykel
Facilities Management Apprentice of the Year (England) – Fathema Sarkar, Marlin

Apprenticeship Tutor/Assessor of the Year – Anne Fellowes
Apprenticeship Tutor/Assessor of the Year (England) – Michael Rowe

Apprentice Employer of the Year (England) – St Monica Trust

Apprentice Employer of the Year (1-49 employees) – Meithrinfa Ffalabalam Cyfyngedig
Apprentice Employer of the Year (50-249 employees) – Energybuild Ltd
Apprentice Employer of the Year (250+ employees) – Ecolab
Apprentice Employer Champion of the Year – Rachel Healion, Swansea Council

Foundation Apprentice of the Year – Ross Cotter, Energybuild Ltd
Higher Apprentice of the Year – Hana Kubiszova, Adept Consulting
Apprentice of the Year (England) – Hamza Imansouren, Fisher & Paykel
Apprentice of the Year – Liam Atkins, CJ Motors

Many thanks to the Gorseinon Campus Jazz Band, led by Simon Prothero, for providing the arrival entertainment, and our Theatre and Live Events Production team, led by Adrian Hocking, for their fantastic work on the set, lighting and sound.

The event was part of a wide range of activities the College organised to celebrate Apprenticeship Week Wales 2026.

On 4 February, the College held a special open evening especially for people who are interested in apprenticeships. The event was a great success, with over 500 attending to chat with lecturers and employers.