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Gower College Swansea is celebrating a fantastic set of medals success at Skills Competition Wales 2025.

Staff and students from the College attended the recent ‘watch party’ and medal ceremony at Swansea Building Society Arena where they brought home five Gold medals, five Silver and seven Bronze.

In addition, there were 14 Highly Commended certificates awarded to College students and two learners – Sarah James and Eva Roberts – were designated Best in Region in their respective categories.

The attendees from Gower College Swansea were thrilled to take their place alongside representatives from Coleg Sir Gar, Coleg Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire College, NPTC Group of Colleges and Coleg Elidyr, who had all gathered together to celebrate ‘the best of the best’ in vocational skills and achievement.

Gold
Rhys Freeman – Industrial Electronics
Sarah James – Childcare
Chloe Eames – Digital Media Production
Evangeline Roberts – Photography
Nicole Farcas – Cyber Security

Silver
Kobi Williams – Industrial Electronics
Eva Robins – Inclusive Skills: Restaurant Service
Layla Melville – Childcare
Cai Smith – Coding
Brandon Price – Web Development

Bronze
Cieron Redden – Brickwork
Meena Gray – Laboratory Technician
Connor Brown – Industrial Electronics
Ffion Davies – Creative Make-up
Kaleb Piecko – Inclusive Skills: Health and Social Care
Hannah Leach – Graphic Design
Holly Pitt – Cyber Security

Highly Commended
David Reed – Carpentry
Oliver Jones – Industrial Electronics
Thomas Rideout – Industrial Electronics
Thomas Weston – Industrial Electronics
Keisha Wilde – Beauty Therapist
Zaria Jenkins – Creative Make-up
Ethan Berry – Inclusive Skills: Food Preparation
Ryan Robinson – Inclusive Skills: Food Preparation
Neve Price-Horton – Inclusive Skills: Restaurant Service
Sophie Wheland – Health and Social Care
Kelsey Scales – Health and Social Care
Cassie Henderson – Inclusive Skills: Health and Social Care
Evie Basher – Childcare
Cameron Crayford – Plumbing and Heating

Best in Region: West Wales
Sarah James – Childcare
Eva Robins – Inclusive Skills: Restaurant Service

Skills Competition Wales aims to raise the profile of skills in Wales and offers students, trainees and apprentices in Wales a chance to challenge, benchmark and raise their skills by taking part in competitions across a range of sectors.

Funded by the Welsh Government and run by a dedicated network of colleges, work-based learning providers and employer-led organisations, it consists of a series of local skills competitions, aligned to WorldSkills and the needs of the Welsh economy.

Shipley College is set to host a large-scale Critical Incident training event, designed to test and enhance the real-time emergency response skills of its Health & Care students.

Taking place on Friday, 4th April, Shipley College, Saltaire, will be transformed into a high-pressure emergency scenario. Students will respond to an innovative major road traffic accident simulation, featuring volunteer casualties covered in realistic wounds and fake blood.

Participants will work through the full emergency response process, from accident scene assessment and triage to providing hands-on treatment for simulated injuries such as broken bones and concussions. The exercise will also involve key emergency procedures, including calling for air ambulance support, using evacuation chairs, and accounting for missing individuals in the exciting learning experience.

This immersive 3D training environment will allow students to practise their communication skills, decision-making, and ability to remain calm under pressure—essential qualities for careers in the NHS and allied healthcare professions.

A spokesperson for Shipley College said:

“At Shipley College, we are committed to using innovation and real-world scenarios to train our Health & Care students for the challenges they will face in their careers. In real emergencies, there is often chaos and unpredictability, so we are working to make this as realistic a scenario as possible. This exercise will push our students to apply everything they’ve learned in a high-stakes, real-life situation, testing their professionalism and ability to perform under pressure. Thanks to our strong partnership with Bradford Royal Infirmary, many of our students go on to secure placements and careers in the NHS, gaining valuable experience from events like this.”

Shipley College offers a range of Health & Care courses, including Midwifery and Therapies all designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge required for successful careers in healthcare.

The college also works closely with Bradford University, and this type of practical experience has helped many Shipley College graduates secure university places and NHS careers.

Today, HSDC Havant is announcing a £43,860 grant from The National Lottery Heritage
Fund to allow students to work with the Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson to celebrate the 80th
anniversary of Victory in Europe day and preserve memories for future generations.
There were joyous celebrations across the country following Germany’s surrender to the
Allies on 8th May 1945, none more so than in Portsmouth, which had played a critical
strategic role in the war. Festivities in the city were recorded by the Portsmouth News, but
the archive of the pictures took on the day is undocumented and currently inaccessible to
the public.
Working with staff at Fort Nelson and professional filmmakers from Millstream Productions
in Emsworth, digital media students at HSDC Havant will feature the photographs as part of
a short documentary that will mark VE Day in Portsmouth. The students also plan to bring
together existing testimony of those who attended the celebration events and hope to
interview some of the few people who are still alive and were present on the day. The
documentary will be shown during a two-day VE Day 80th anniversary event to be held at
Fort Nelson in July. In addition, the students will help digitise all existing materials related to
VE Day in Portsmouth and make it accessible to the public via a digital archive.
Media lecturer Steve Murray from HSDC said: “We are thrilled to have received this support
from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the events
that took place in Portsmouth on VE Day will be better recorded and made accessible to the
public.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage
Fund, said: “We are delighted to support this project, which thanks to money raised by
National Lottery players, will mean that more people will be able to get involved with,
protect, and learn about the exciting heritage right on their doorstep. Heritage has a huge
role to play in instilling pride in communities and boosting local economies, and this project
is a fantastic example of achieving those aims.”
Nigel Hosier, Head of Operations, at Royal Armouries Fort Nelson, said: “We are delighted
to be working alongside HSDC and Millstream as the heritage partner on this exciting
project. These students will be creating a piece of history which is significant to mark this
anniversary but will also be treasured by generations to come. We’re excited to see the
footage produced by the students and look forward to screening the film at an event to mark
VE/VJ Days in the summer at Fort Nelson.”
Students at the college are keen to hear from anyone who can remember the events of VE
Day in and around Portsmouth and are able to share their memories. Please contact Steve
Murray via email at steve.murray@hsdc.ac.uk with any information.

Boston Brilliance transformed Boston Town Centre into a mesmerising spectacle on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February, captivating thousands of visitors with breathtaking architectural projections, interactive exhibitions, and live performances.

Eight iconic landmarks were lit up in a dazzling display of colour, celebrating Boston’s rich heritage and artistic talent. This incredible event was made possible through a collaboration between Boston College, the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and The Projection Studio, with funding from Arts Council England and additional backing from local councils and businesses. A special thank you to Greenyard Frozen, Ruddocks and Chattertons, whose generous support helped bring this ambitious festival to life, creating a stunning celebration of Boston’s history, creativity, and community spirit.

Visitors explored stunning projections across Cammacks, Waterstones, Pescod Hall, St Botolph’s Church, St Botolph’s Bridge, The Assembly Rooms, Sam Newsom Centre, Boston Guildhall, and Fydell House.

Boston College’s Graphic Design students played a pivotal role in the festival, creating three striking installations:

• ‘Brilliance’ at Cammacks – A bold, abstract display inspired by the town’s energy and Art Deco architecture.
• ‘By Sea and By Land’ at Sam Newsom Centre – A projection highlighting Boston’s maritime and agricultural heritage.
• ‘Boston Life’ at Waterstones – A dynamic portrayal of the town’s past and present through light and motion.

This hands-on project gave students the opportunity to collaborate with internationally renowned projection artists, allowing them to work on a live brief and gain invaluable real-world experience.

Beyond their creative contributions, Catering students prepared and served nachos and crumble, developing their skills in food preparation and customer service. Travel and Tourism and Uniformed Public Services students took on essential event stewarding roles, managing crowds and assisting visitors, gaining hands-on experience in event coordination and public engagement. Meanwhile, Business students played an active role by distributing light-up wands in exchange for donations to the College’s Be Brilliant Foundation, combining fundraising experience with customer interaction. Media students also gained valuable real-world experience by capturing the event through videography, documenting the festival’s highlights and atmosphere. These opportunities reinforced Boston College’s commitment to industry-focused learning, equipping students with practical skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

Claire Foster Principal and CEO said, “Boston College has always been at the heart of our communities, but this event has taken that special relationship to a whole new level. Boston Brilliance has been a unique opportunity, giving students the chance to learn from world-renowned projection and sound artists, showcasing their own creative talents and gaining invaluable life skills for the future. It’s been really hard work, but we can’t wait to do it again!”

Alongside Boston College students, artwork from local schools, including St Nicholas C.E. Primary Academy, Gipsey Bridge Academy, Carlton Road Primary School, Hawthorn Tree School, and Boston Grammar School was displayed on The Assembly Rooms throughout the event. This provided young artists with an incredible opportunity to see their work projected onto one of Boston’s key landmarks.

Alongside the work of Boston College students, the festival featured stunning projections from a lineup of internationally acclaimed artists:

• Ross Ashton and Karen Monid (The Projection Studio, UK) – Specialists in large-scale projection mapping, with experience spanning the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the FIFA World Cup, and international light festivals.

• Noémi Prud’homme (France) – A visual artist renowned for intricate light-based storytelling, creating a medieval manuscript-inspired projection at Pescod Hall.

• Pep Palau (Spain) – An expert in immersive visual storytelling, known for his work on Versace’s fashion events, Canada’s Winter Olympics, and Denmark’s Global Climate Change Conference. His piece ‘The Kraken’ at The Assembly Rooms combined poetry and projection.

• Video Architects (Lithuania) – A collective specialising in 3D projection mapping, whose installation ‘Diptych’ at The Assembly Rooms explored contrasts of light and shadow through cutting-edge digital techniques.

• Alex Birch (UK) – A lighting artist who transformed St Botolph’s Bridge into a ‘Bridge of Light’, featuring ever-changing, multi-coloured animations.

The event came alive with a vibrant mix of interactive experiences. Visitors stepped back in time with guided tours of Fydell House, uncovering its rich history, while a captivating VR experience at Boston Guildhall, led by MBD’s Infinite Museum Artists in Residence, immersed guests in the Mayflower story and families enjoyed hands-on fun at Hannah Peacock’s Arts and Crafts Workshop. The atmosphere at St Botolph’s was enhanced by a stunning live performance from pianist Charlie Hooper-Williams, with projection mapping bringing the music to life. Local artists and students showcased their creativity at pop-up stalls. Pescod Square echoed with a medieval soundscape, and the streets were filled with energy from street theatre performances by Theatre Illuminere, Rhubarb Theatre, and Feasible Ferret.

Speaking of his contribution to Boston Brilliance, Ross Ashton said, “Boston Brilliance was a fantastic project to work on. This was my personal opportunity to bring forward the UK’s first Projection Mapping Festival. It was a pleasure to bring some of the biggest names in the world of projection mapping to Boston, and they created some incredible artworks using the town’s history and architecture as their inspiration. I wanted to give local artists, students, and school children the chance to have their work displayed alongside these international names, and the work they produced was outstanding. My dream, in collaboration with Boston College and Boston Borough Council, was to make Boston a centre of excellence for this kind of artwork and to establish this festival as a ‘must-see’ attraction. The people of Boston truly got behind this project, and we received so much support in making it a reality. Thank you, Boston!”

Cllr Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Culture at Boston Borough Council and representative on the Story Tellers NPO culture board, said: “Boston Brilliance has truly lived up to its name, transforming our town into a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of art, history, and community spirit. This festival has not only illuminated our iconic landmarks but has also shone a light on the incredible creative talent we have here in Boston. The involvement of local students, schools, and internationally renowned artists has made this a unique and inspiring event for all. We are incredibly proud to have supported this project, and I hope it is the first of many successful events for Boston in 2025.”

With its incredible success, Boston Brilliance has set a new standard for cultural events in the town, leaving a lasting impact and a glowing legacy for the future.

ENDS

Paula Morley, Boston College Head of Marketing and Admissions

paula-mo@boston.ac.uk

Images provided by: Bernice Bradley Photography, Boston College University Level Photography Student

Boston College students have recently returned from three-week international work experience placements in Berlin, Germany and Seville, Spain, made possible through the Turing Scheme. This government-funded initiative aims to provide students with invaluable global learning opportunities, equipping them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.  

Following a rigorous selection process, 21 students from Business, and Sport, Fitness and Wellbeing made the journey to Berlin, while nine students from Engineering and Digital Technologies travelled to Seville. During their time abroad, both groups of students immersed themselves in professional environments that were tailored to their current college course of study, as well as their specific career aspirations. Each student undertook a work placement within a local business, ranging from IT services and engineering manufacturing to accounting and childcare. This hands-on experience enabled them to develop industry-specific skills, enhance language proficiency, and deepen their cultural awareness.  

Speaking about his experience in Spain, Engineering Student, Marshall Scargill, said, “Doing work experience in Spain was incredible. I got the opportunity to do my placement at Nomasa, an aviation manufacturer that produces parts for a range of aeroplanes including the Airbus Tier 2. We worked in a variety of areas, and one task I did was painting a part to stop corrosion. The surreal thing is that the parts we worked on are going to be used to build a working aeroplane! I learned so much while I was there, from international engineering regulations and adapting to a different work culture, to communication skills and teamwork. Alongside the work experience, we had opportunities to socialise and engage with the local community – I played a few football matches with the local people, which was fun! The whole experience has given us all a huge confidence boost and the ambition to live and work abroad in the future.” 

The students participating in the scheme not only benefited from international work experience but also developed independent living skills and had the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of two of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Throughout the trip, the students managed their own budgets for food and leisure activities while embracing the chance to immerse themselves in the local life and culture.  

Matilda Spencer, Sport, Fitness and Wellbeing student, reflected on her time in Berlin, she said, “Being in Berlin has to be one of the best experiences of my life, having the opportunity to learn new things, such as a new language, the different culture and rich history. I did placement in a Day Care Centre where I looked after loads of amazing children. They were really enthusiastic and we completed many different activities together, including playing in the snow! On the days I wasn’t working, I went out into the city and explored different museums and attractions. My favourite memory by far is overcoming my fear of heights on Europe’s highest swing! This experience has been a once in a lifetime opportunity!” 

From exploring the historical landmarks, including the Plaza de España, Catedral de Sevilla, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag, to enjoying day trips to Berlin Zoo, the Berlin Spy Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, the students had a wealth of opportunities to take in the extraordinary sights of the two European cities. 

Boston College’s Student Experience Coordinator, Axel Sedgwick, said, “The trip was a great opportunity for the students to develop transferable skills, cultural awareness and independent living skills. The students went to a football match to experience a game at the Olympic Stadium and visited many famous monuments in Berlin. They met the famous panda twins at the Berlin Zoo and reflected on the history of a concentration camp. The overall experience was phenomenal, and it was remarkable to see the students develop whilst on the trip.” 

Funded by the UK Government, the Turing Scheme is the UK’s global social mobility and international opportunities programme, replacing Erasmus+ following Brexit. The scheme supports students to study and work abroad, enhancing their career prospects and reinforcing the UK’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in education.  

Abid Hussain, Assistant Principal: Student Experience, highlighted the impact of the Turing Scheme, he said, “I am delighted that our students have had the chance to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. The Turing Scheme offers young people a fantastic opportunity to spread their wings and thrive, gaining not only valuable experience in the workplace, but also the chance to travel abroad and experience a different culture, learn a foreign language, and develop their independence. Our students have learned a lot from their three weeks away – they have grown in confidence and enhanced their employability skills to take forward into their future careers.” 

Boston College will continue its dedication to championing global education opportunities, ensuring students gain the skills, experiences, and perspectives needed to excel in an increasingly globalised workforce. With initiatives like the Turing Scheme, the College can empower students with transformative experiences that brighten their futures, preparing them to succeed in a diverse and evolving professional landscape. 

See the highlights of the students’ international work experience on our social media – [@bostoncollegeuk] on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and [@bostoncollege.uk] on TikTok.  

To switch up your future and access amazing opportunities at Boston College, visit www.boston.ac.uk.  

ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

For more information, please contact Hannah Jones, Boston College Digital Marketing Officer, hannah.jones@boston.ac.uk  

 

About the Turing Scheme 

The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s global programme to study and work abroad. The?scheme?provides funding for international?opportunities?in education and training?across the world.?Funding is open to UK and British Overseas Territories organisations from across the education and training sector through higher education,?further or?vocational education and training, and schools’ projects. Eligible?organisations?can apply for funding?through the Turing Scheme?for projects that offer the opportunity to study or gain work experience abroad. 

The scheme is delivered by a consortium of the British Council and Ecorys UK.  

For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/turing-scheme-international-placements-2025-to-2026  

Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery learner Glory Olanrewaju has presented her journey as a woman in construction to her classmates, showing a clear pathway for women in a typically male-dominated industry.

Glory’s presentation titled, ‘A Woman in Construction’ detailed how she first became interested in a more technical career path and what she has learned to date.

The presentation detailed:

• How different perspectives will create a more diverse and innovative workforce
• A team with a wider demographic can lead to enhanced problem solving
• Working in a diverse team can improve communication
• Embracing diversity can make teams for adaptable and agile
• Wider representation allows construction companies to work with a wider client base

She had a fascination for the designing and manufacturing process required to construct a building from a very young age. After exploring carpentry courses at the college, Glory was enthused by the College’s inclusive culture.

“I understand that an environment that is well diversified will always teach you new things and develop your mindset,” Glory said.

Glory has shared how previously she was burdened by peer pressure for not pursuing a career path considered more ‘feminine’ and has spoken to women already in the construction industry who have faced similar prejudices.

“This acted as a constant catalyst for me to not get swayed away from my childhood passion of working in the construction industry,” she said.

Glory is ambitious with her career goals, and wants to be seen as a trailblazer for women in the construction industry. She now has a vibrant LinkedIn presence which allows her to network with other construction professionals and allows her to speak to more women in construction about their experience and the need for greater inclusivity.

“There are times where I have to operate outside of my comfort zone, but this shows me the importance for greater inclusivity. I have learned to be direct and assertive when needed to gain the respect of my peers,” Glory commented.

Glory has also become an ambassador for Regeneration Brainery, a nationwide academy that gives young people more opportunities to explore careers in the property sector.

She concluded,

“Every step we take toward a more inclusive, diverse and equal construction industry is a step toward a better future. The challenges are real, but the opportunities are even greater.”

Hassan Rizvi, CEO & Principal at Stoke on Trent College said:

“We pride ourselves in being an inclusive college and it is great to see learners such as Glory leading the way for the future of women in construction.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk

Shipley College welcomed Anna Dixon MP as part of Colleges Week 2025.

The visit aimed to highlight the college’s “cutting-edge” learning facilities and its role as a health and social care training provider in the district.

During the visit, Ms Dixon met with students and staff, experiencing how Shipley College is equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with practical skills and learning experiences.

The ‘immersive learning suite,’ a high-tech space that is designed to simulate real-world healthcare environments, was a key feature of the tour, demonstrating how students gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce.

A Shipley College spokesperson said: “We are proud to be leading the way in health education in our district.

“The demand for skilled healthcare professionals is growing, and we are committed to providing high-quality training that supports our local NHS and social care sector.”

The visit aligned with Colleges Week’s focus on how further education can help solve national skills shortages, particularly in health and social care.

 

Shipley College Marketing Department, 01274 327200, sdowns@shipley.ac.uk

Nottingham College has won the Outstanding Apprenticeship Programme Award, at the prestigious national Apprenticeships and Training Awards 2025.

Emtec Automotive Apprenticeships, which is part of Nottingham College, took home the honour, having beat off stiff competition from across the country.

Through its apprenticeship provision, Nottingham College welcomes more than 400 automotive apprentices through its doors every single year, and partners with over 180 leading employers nationally.

The accolade comes a year on from the college’s ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspection result for its residential apprenticeship provision at Ruddington, that sees students from across the UK come to the college for their training, with overnight and often weekly stays, in Nottingham.

The awards, ran jointly by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) and delivered in association with City & Guilds, drew in over 600 nominations across 20 categories.

The winners were announced at the annual apprenticeships and training conference (ATC) gala dinner on 11 March 2025 at Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

Finalists were selected by a 20-strong panel of judges, including AELP’s CEO Ben Rowland, apprenticeship influencer Holly Hobbs, former skills minister Anne Milton and UCAS head of apprenticeships Lindsay Conroy.

Lindsey Smith, Assistant Principal at Ruddington campus, said:

“I am extremely proud of this achievement. To be recognised for the exceptional teaching delivered at Nottingham College is so deserved and is testament to the hard work and dedication showcased by our teams, day in day out. At Nottingham College we are renowned nationally for our apprenticeships provision and now both our apprentices and partner employers can share our pride in this award win too.”

Shane Mann, chief executive of FE Week’s publisher EducationScape and chair of the ATA judging panel said: 

“Our winners are proof of the dedicated professionals in the sector and the excellent work that puts apprentices front and centre of their provision.”

Gower College Swansea has picked up two awards at the prestigious WorldSkills UK Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Heroes Awards in London.

The awards, which are sponsored by the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) and Skills and Education Group, recognise those championing diversity and inclusion in the education sector.

The College was successful in two categories:

Learning Area Manager for Built Environment, Hannah Pearce, won the Women in STEM Award, sponsored by The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

The Landscaping and Eco Construction team took home the Social Mobility Champion Award, sponsored by Skills and Education Group.

Hannah was recognised for her exceptional contribution to supporting and empowering women in the STEM sector, particularly within the construction and built environment industries. Over recent years, Hannah has demonstrated outstanding leadership in championing sustainable building practices and in advocating for greater female participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Her passion for change has led her to an influential role as the Head of Built Environment at Gower College Swansea. In this capacity, she has instigated and developed community engagement programs through outreach initiatives, working closely with industry to create opportunities for placements and apprenticeships, including shared apprenticeship programs.

Furthermore, she has been pivotal in developing new curriculum pathways to align with the evolving technological demands of the industry, ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed for the future of construction.

The impact of Hannah’s dedication has been nothing short of transformative. Under her leadership, Gower College Swansea has seen a staggering 366% increase in female participation in the Built Environment courses in the 2023/24 academic year compared to the previous year. She was also named as one of the CITB’s Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction for 2024.

The College’s Landscaping and Eco Construction Team has revolutionised education for young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) in recent years. Their journey began in 2019 with a pilot program which saw their learners successfully complete their qualifications and gain essential skills in resilience, organisation and teamwork.

The program’s success sparked the creation of an innovative ‘outdoor learning school’ which emphasises holistic learning and community networks, moving away from traditional unit assessments to hands-on projects with tangible outcomes. The team’s philosophy focuses on patience, care and compassion, enabling them to see beyond the curriculum and learners’ prior struggles. Their work has resulted in significant improvements in attendance and progression rates, with over 87% of learners advancing to higher levels every year.

Fast forward to 2024 and the team were able to move their learners into the Green Hwb at the College, a purpose-built space featuring a food production area, pond, polytunnel, orchard and, inside, brand new workrooms and art rooms.

“A huge congratulations to all the winners,” says Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK. “We’ve been truly inspired by the incredible people and the powerful stories behind the nominations. Together with our partners, we’re committed to celebrating the individuals and organisations driving real change, and we’ll use their success to inspire even more opportunities for young people, from all backgrounds, to choose apprenticeships and technical education as a route to success in work and life.”

As part of Colleges Week 2025, Peterborough College welcomed Andrew Pakes MP to its Health & Social Care department to see first-hand how further education is supporting the NHS and social care sector.

During the visit, Andrew met students and staff in the College’s state-of-the-art hospital training room, where learners develop practical, hands-on skills to prepare them for careers in healthcare. With the NHS workforce remaining a national priority, the College’s curriculum ensures students leave education with the skills and experience needed to fill critical roles in the sector.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, commented, “At Peterborough College, we ensure our curriculum is aligned with both regional and national priorities. With the NHS workforce high on the government agenda, we are proud to play a role in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our courses, including T Levels, provide students with hands-on experience that meets industry standards and prepares them for real-world careers in health and social care.”

Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough said,

“It was fantastic to visit Peterborough College and see the next generation of NHS and social care professionals in action. The students’ passion and dedication really stood out, and it’s clear the hands-on training they’re getting will set them up for success. With our health and care services under real pressure, we need to back further education and apprenticeships to make sure young people have the skills they need—and that our communities have the workforce they rely on. Colleges like this are at the heart of that effort, and I’ll keep making the case for more support and investment.”

T Level qualifications, which include a work placement component, equip students with practical experience and skills essential for their future careers. Having completed their placements in a real-life hospital setting at Peterborough City Hospital, students at Peterborough College are now well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare sector with confidence.

“Using the theory they’ve learnt at College and simulating it with real patients, alongside real hospital staff is a great opportunity for T Level Health students. Giving them this experience at such a young age is really beneficial for both the students and the NHS. If they go on to do nursing at university, they already have a head start” shared Rebecca Janaway, Assessor & Trainer and Lead HCA Facilitator at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.

The visit formed part of Colleges Week, a national campaign that highlights the vital role of further education in shaping the future workforce.