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Castleford College today celebrated a major milestone in its commitment to skills, education and regional growth, as Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, officially opened the College’s new state-of-the-art construction facility.

The opening of the Lagentium Building marks a significant investment in construction education, providing learners across Castleford and the wider district with industry-standard facilities designed to reflect real workplace standards and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

Speaking at the launch, Yvette Cooper officially unveiled the Lagentium Building in front of employers, local authorities, education partners, governors and colleagues of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, recognising the importance of high?quality apprenticeships, training and skills provision for the future of the construction workforce in the region.

Principal and Chief Executive of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Sam Wright, also delivered a moving opening speech, saying: “The development of our brand-new construction facility has been an ambitious project, and I’m incredibly proud to mark the opening of the building alongside colleagues, governors and key stakeholders of the Group. It is also a great honour to welcome Castleford’s MP, Yvette Cooper, to officiate at this momentous occasion. From the outset, our vision for this facility has been about far more than bricks and mortar. We set out to create a space dedicated to high-quality teaching, apprenticeships and hands-on skills development – one that supports both academic learning and advanced vocational training. Most importantly, it is a space designed to serve our learners and staff for many years to come, helping our region play its part in bridging the construction skills gap and building a stronger, more sustainable future.”

Following the official opening, guests were also invited to tour the new facilities and see the learning spaces in action.

Named after the Roman fort Lagentium, historically located in Castleford, the building provides over 1,580 square metres of modern learning space and has been designed as a hub for teaching, apprenticeships and hands?on skills development.

The new building supports construction learners across a wide range of disciplines, including Brickwork, Carpentry & Joinery, Design, Surveying and Planning, Electrical Installation, Plastering and Plumbing.

Learners are already reaping the benefits of the new facility, with Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery student Jake, saying: “We’ve started working in the new building now and I’m really impressed with the facilities. Everything feels modern and well-equipped, and it’s exciting to learn in such a fresh, professional environment. We’re all looking forward to spending more time working here.”

The ground floor features an open, contemporary workshop space which enables learners to develop practical skills across all wood occupations, supporting hands?on learning in a setting designed to reflect modern industry standards.

The first floor features three modern classrooms, including a professional digital suite, ensuring students have access to the digital technologies used in today’s construction sector. The learning environments have been built to a high specification to support a professional culture and mirror real workplace expectations.

A strong focus has also been placed on sustainability and green skills, with facilities supporting training in next?generation construction practices, including retrofitting, helping learners prepare for the transition to a more sustainable built environment.

The project was delivered with funding support from the Department for Education, alongside the work of key project partners, including Moss Architecture Interiors Ltd, Meldrum, MDA Consulting and more.

This comes after the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group ranked first in Yorkshire & the Humber for 16-18 student achievement amongst General Further Education Colleges in the latest Department for Education National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs) for 2024/2025.

In addition to the Group placing as the region’s highest-performing FE college for learners aged under 19, it also achieved fourth place regionally for its Apprenticeship achievement rates – showcasing its strength across further education and skills training.

Find out more about the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Construction provision, at: www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/

Selby College has developed a brand-new suite of gaming and website development courses, designed to equip aspiring creators with the skills, experience and confidence to thrive in the rapidly growing games industry.

The Level 2 Creative Media Production & Technology (Games & Web Development) and the Level 3 Creative Media Production & Technology (Game Development) programmes offer students a hands-on, immersive journey into game and website creation, blending technical training with creative exploration. From mastering core game design principles to developing fully functional websites, learners will gain practical insights into how modern games and websites are built, tested and published.

Ideal for learners taking their first steps into digital creation, this Level 2 programme equips students with foundational skills in game design, web design, programming, UX, animation, and interactive media. The course blends creativity with technical training and is taught through engaging, project?based units, including developing original games using industry?standard tools such as the Unity engine.

Whereas the Level 3 course is a deep dive into modern game development, guiding students through every stage of creating playable, publishable games. From mastering gameplay mechanics through programming to exploring platform?specific publishing processes, learners gain real-world skills using industry-standard software.

Rob Charlish, Head of Digital Industries and Computing at Selby College, which is part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “The global games industry continues to expand at remarkable speed, creating a surge in demand for skilled developers, designers and digital artists. That is why we have created our new gaming and web development programmes, which will empower students to stop simply playing games – and to start creating them. Through real-world projects and direct support from industry professionals, students will gain the knowledge and experience needed to turn their ideas into polished, playable realities.”

Students will learn from experienced industry professionals, work on real-world projects first-hand and build a portfolio of work they can use to showcase their skills to potential employers. Most importantly, they will be able to gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in the industry.

By the end of the courses, students will have produced a portfolio of working game prototypes alongside a solid understanding of the game publishing landscape – placing them in a strong position to progress into further study or pursue a career within the games industry.

If you would like to find out more about the Digital Industries Department at Selby College, please visit: Digital Industries

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has ranked first in Yorkshire & the Humber for student achievement amongst General Further Education Colleges, also securing fifth place nationally.

This highly impressive result follows a strong performance across the Group’s 16–18 provision, with the latest Department for Education National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs) for 2024/2025, confirming the Group as the region’s highest-performing FE college for learners aged under 19.

In addition to this success, the Group also achieved fourth place regionally for Apprenticeship achievement rates, further highlighting its strength across further education and skills training.

The results position the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and its three colleges – Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College – as having the best achievement results of all further education colleges in Yorkshire & the Humber region and being the fifth top-performing further education college in England, reflecting the quality of teaching, support and student outcomes delivered across its campuses and programmes.

The NARTs are key summary indicators of performance in education and training and apprenticeships and demonstrate the percentage of students that were awarded their qualifications. Published annually, the national tables rank over 150 colleges.

Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “I am so proud of this phenomenal accolade. Being ranked first in the region for our 16-18 achievement rates and fifth nationally is something we are incredibly proud of and reflects both the ambition of our students and the quality of education and support across the Group. These results are a true reflection of the dedication and care shown by our staff, who go above and beyond every day to help our learners succeed academically, grow as individuals and move forward with confidence into their next steps.”

Combining Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College, the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group saw outstanding pass rates in 2024/2025, with Selby College securing a 99% pass rate across its A Level programmes and Wakefield College a 98%. Castleford College and Wakefield College also achieved an impressive 100% pass rate for their T Level courses.

A significant number of its learners also progressed onto employment or higher education, including Russell Group universities such as the University of Oxford, University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham and many more.

Following strong results, Sixth Form students Ben Nelson and Henry Toye progressed to the University of Oxford to study Chemistry and Law.

Across its colleges, the Group offers a broad range of 16–18 study programmes, including A Levels, T Levels and vocational and technical courses. It also delivers a wide variety of apprenticeships, designed to reflect local labour market needs and support learners into meaningful careers.

To find out more about the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, visit: https://www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group recently held its annual Give Construction A Try (GCAT) event, giving local secondary school pupils the opportunity to explore the wide range of career opportunities available within the construction industry.

Over 200 pupils from sixteen local schools took part in the event, taking part in a range of activities including brickwork, plastering, quantity surveying, scaffolding and digital technology.

Held at Castleford College, the event was opened by Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and Andrew Drisdelle, Civil Construction Director for Milestone, who was the headline sponsor of the event.

In his opening speech, Andrew celebrated the multitude of opportunities available for young people within the construction industry and highlighted the important role that education plays in enabling young people to achieve their goals.

Throughout the day, over thirty employers ran various workshops that gave pupils the chance to explore and learn numerous construction skills. Some of the activities that were on offer included trimble laser scanning, controlling a plant simulator, emergency crisis planning, constructing a communications tower and building a low carbon Lego house.

Sessions were delivered by Hargreaves, Willmott Dixon, Caddick, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Vico Homes, Sigma, Wienerberger, Robertson, Illingworth & Gregory, BAM, Bowmer & Kirkland, Wates, Milestone, Tri-Tech, Marlborough, TransPennine Route Upgrade East Alliance, Meldrum Group, Equans, Keepmoat Homes, Kier Group, Flannery, KOREC Group, Cantidad, YIRTG, Building Futures, Consult DJH and Managing 2 Succeed.

Debbie Lee, Employer Engagement Manager at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Give Construction A Try provides a valuable opportunity to connect leading and emerging construction industry employers with young people who are beginning to explore their GCSE options. It allows pupils to discover the wide range of careers within the sector as we support them in expanding their understanding of future opportunities. The event was highly successful in achieving this, and we must thank the employers, schools and college staff that made the day so rewarding for pupils.”

With Give Construction a Try placing a strong emphasis on closing the gender gap within the construction industry, Kier delivered an inspiring session for female students to highlight the routes that they can take within the sector.

Hannah Jackson, a Graduate Quantity Surveyor at Kier, shared her personal journey into construction and reiterated that it was not a path she had ever considered pursuing until after she had left university.

She said: “The industry has come a long way and there’s always space for women and girls, who bring fantastic perspectives. My goal is to inspire more young girls to explore the opportunities the sector offers.”

Local schools who participated on the day included Kings High School, Carlton High School, Castleford Academy, Airedale Academy, Crofton Academy, Trinity Academy Cathedral, Woodkirk Academy, High Well School, St Thomas a Beckett, Kettlethorpe High School, Outwood Academy Freeston, De Lacy Academy, Selby High School, Barlby High School, Evolve Academy and Minsthorpe High School. 

This coincides with the completion of Castleford College’s new state-of-the-art Construction facility – a major investment that strengthens the Group’s Construction provision and gives students high-quality spaces to develop real industry skills and future career pathways.

To find out more about the Group’s Construction courses, visit its website: https://www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/.

Gower College Swansea is celebrating another amazing round of medals success in the Skills Competition Wales 2026.

Students were invited to a special ‘watch party’ and medal ceremony at the Tycoch Campus where they picked up three Gold medals, eleven Silver and three Bronze.

In addition, there were 23 Highly Commended certificates awarded to College students. 

Gold
Matilda Topliss – Industrial Electronics
Solomon Bunn-Sovin – Fashion Design and Technology
Steve Sebastian – Graphic Design

Silver
Brandon Price – Web Development
Connor Brown – Net Zero Skills 
Joshua Stock – Brickwork
Keyna Peynado – Graphic Design
Kobi Williams – Net Zero Skills
Kori Williams – Carpentry
Marley Blakemore – Industrial Electronics
Maya Brooks – Photography
Rhys Freeman – Net Zero Skills
Sophie Hockley – Ceramic Craft Skills
Thomas Rideout – Net Zero Skills

Bronze
Benjamin Hutchins – Photography
Jesse Moxham – Industrial Electronics
Maizie Lee – Beauty Therapist

Highly Commended
Aaron Moore – Plastering 
Amber Grey – Childcare
Ben Winstone – Accountancy
Bethan Guard – Childcare
Courtney Taylor – Inclusive Skills: Life Skills
Cynan Kingdon – Coding
Dalat Adebari – Health and Social Care
Emily-Grace Kitchin – Textiles and Surface Pattern Skills
Ethan Butler – Coding
Harley Dark – Creative Make Up
Isabelle Tracey-Fall – Beauty Therapist
Jack Hopkins – Photography
Josef Nisbet – Coding
Joshua Pritchard – Brickwork
Kaya-Louise Quinn – Industrial Electronics
Kelsey Smith – Beauty Therapy Practitioner (Body)
Louis Morgan – Industrial Electronics
Max Thomas – Accountancy
Nafis Islam – Inclusive Skills: Horticulture
Nikita Kod – Accountancy
Olga Roshchupkina – Hairdressing
Shimar Nazeem – Industrial Electronics
Tom Noble – Carpentry

Skills Competition Wales raises the profile of skills by giving students, trainees and apprentices the chance to test and improve their abilities through competition.

Funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by a network of colleges, work-based learning providers, and employer-led organisations, the competitions align with WorldSkills standards and support the needs of the Welsh economy.

“The Skills Competition Wales framework is invaluable in supporting and championing vocational skills and achievement across a broad range of subjects and sectors,” says Gower College Swansea Principal, Paul Kift. 

“We have a strong track record in these competitions, and we’re absolutely delighted to celebrate the success of these learners again in 2026. A special mention must also go to the College’s teaching and support staff who guide and mentor their students throughout the process, and whose dedication and commitment play an integral role in this continuing success.”

The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, visited Telford College’s new sixth form centre as part of a wide-ranging education visit.

The Secretary of State visited the Telford 6^th building in Station Quarter during a trip which also included Wombridge Primary School, Thomas Telford Free School, Telford Park School, and Harper Adams University at the Quad.

The visit highlighted Telford’s education journey, celebrated the work of local teachers and staff, and discussed how national education policy can better support pupils, teachers and families across Telford.

The visit was organised by the town’s MP Shaun Davies. The Secretary of State said: “It was great to visit Telford and see the hard work happening in schools and colleges across the town.

“Meeting students, teachers and education leaders and hearing about their ambitions for Telford was incredibly valuable.”

“Hearing directly from pupils and staff provides real insight into what works and what doesn’t. For the government, this is key to shaping the change that actually benefits our families, especially in areas such as SEND provision, school funding, and opportunities for young people.”

Telford College principal and chief executive Lawrence Wood said: “Today’s visit was a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength of partnership working among education providers in the borough.

“The government recognises that post?16 education and training is a vital stage in a young person’s journey towards a rewarding career, and it was a privilege to welcome the Secretary of State, future students and colleagues to see for themselves our vision for the new Telford 6th.

“This development will be deeply connected to our communities, and will open up fresh opportunities for the people we serve.”

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion with Telford & Wrekin Council, local education leaders and partners. Hosted by European Innovation, it focused on opportunities for innovation, skills development and the role of emerging technologies in supporting the region’s future workforce.

Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, said: “It was great to welcome the Education Secretary to Telford and show her the brilliant work happening here.

“This visit was about celebrating that work but also making the case absolutely clear that to back our schools and families we need to go even further.

“I was also able to pass on feedback I’ve heard directly from parents, carers and partners including from recent conversations about SEND support.

“Telford has a real story to tell when it comes to education one built on ambition, hard work and opportunity and it was fantastic to showcase that during such a busy and productive visit.”

Chris Morris says he owes his Telford College careers adviser a huge thanks for setting him on the road to a successful career in sales.

The 37-year-old currently works for Sky Media, creating targeted TV advertising platforms which allow businesses to show different ads to different households watching the same programme.

He enrolled on a two-year IT course at Telford College after graduating from Abraham Darby Academy in Madeley, unsure precisely what he wanted to do when it was completed.

“I picked IT because it felt like it would give me transferable skills, but didn’t apply myself at college as well as I should have done,” he said.

“I always remember a conversation with a Telford College careers adviser who took time to talk about me as a person – what I was good at, strong at, and not so strong at – and we discussed the sort of jobs they felt would suit me.

“We ended up coming to the conclusion that the best use of my skill set would be a job that involved being a ‘people person’. It set me on my way, opening up a whole list of job opportunities I hadn’t even realised existed until that point.”

From there, Chris spent two years with Wellington-based estate agents Coleman Estates, before moving to the Shropshire Star as an advertising sales executive, initially on the business team at Ketley and later at its Ludlow office.

Six years later, Chris moved to Global Radio, followed by a period specialising in outdoor billboard sales, before taking on his current role at Sky around three years ago.

“The college was brilliant, the course and the tutors was great, and I made lots of friends,” he said.

“It’s so great to have been able to return to the campus now in my current capacity, helping the college to explore TV advertising opportunities.

“I’m able to work from home, and get the chance to go out and visit businesses, helping them to plan advertising campaigns which can target the homes which match their needs, and demographics.”

Telford College has been highly commended for its ‘innovation in training’ at a national awards ceremony.

A delegation from Telford College attended the prestigious Apprenticeship and Training Awards in Liverpool which received more than 650 nominations from employers, training providers, colleges and universities.

The awards are run jointly by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, and delivered in partnership with City and Guilds.

Telford College was given a Highly Commended award in recognition of the success of its Health Care Support Worker Induction Programme, developed in partnership with NHS and the Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care System.

Sarah Davies, executive director of partnerships and employer engagement at Telford College, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised at these prestigious awards, which celebrates the leading training providers in the UK.

“Our work in partnership with the Integrated Care System has had a significant impact on the workforce and transformed the way training is delivered.

“With the sector under immense pressure, we’ve embraced creativity and innovation in our delivery methods, and we’re delighted to see this recognised.”

Shane Mann, chair of the judging panel and chief executive of FE Week’s publisher EducationScape, said Telford College’s work ‘stood out strongly’ during the judging discussions.

“There were some lively debates among the judges, which speaks to the high standard of nominations from a sector that is constantly innovating and raising the bar.

“It was fascinating to see how training providers and employers are embedding AI into their programmes to personalise learning and enhance the curriculum.”

Telford College’s health care support worker induction programme is a pioneering initiative that has redefined health care training in the area since its launch in 2022.

Co-designed and co-delivered with NHS employers, the two-week course blends online learning, in-person workshops, and simulation-based training.

It is a flexible and scalable model that means new recruits can be onboarded swiftly, while maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.

Sarah added: “It also serves as pre-placement training for health apprentices and health T Level students, so they are fully prepared for the workplace and ready to integrate into the workforce as part of the team.

“The programme has significantly enhanced learner engagement and success by creating a training experience that is safe, immersive, emotionally intelligent, and directly aligned with real-world care environments.

“This innovative approach has led to improved retention, reduced early attrition, and increased learner confidence. Feedback consistently shows that learners feel well-equipped and supported, with many progressing into apprenticeships or permanent roles within the NHS and social care settings.”