The Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP, has visited aspiring engineers and electronic mechanics on a visit to Uxbridge College - where she explored its outstanding facilities, technologies, and teaching.
The College (which has recently launched its new strategy) is part of Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) London's newest college group, supporting 16,000 learners. HRUC is one of the largest FE colleges in England.
The ministerial visit took place in the lead up to National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) – 5-11 February – a celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Ambitious apprentices, T Level students and employers discussed a range of courses, emerging workplace skills and new opportunities. Students spent time showing the Minister the College’s outstanding work in areas such as engineering and formula one car design, 3D workshops, electric vehicles, and wind turbine use. Carl Holmes and apprentices from Martin Baker, who have worked with the College for many years to train their apprentices, also demonstrated their skills in the workshop using tools and machinery to produce mobile phone holders.
The Secretary of State for Education was joined by local MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Steve Tuckwell. Together, they also saw new plans to revitalise Uxbridge College’s teaching and learning spaces, and its Institute of Technology - through a multi-million-pound investment initiative: Project Ambition – which will transform the site.
Keith Smith, HRUC CEO, said, "The Secretary of State for Education saw first-hand some of the fantastic facilities, outstanding opportunities, and extraordinary students we have here at Uxbridge College and across the HRUC group. We are pleased to work in tandem with government and our partners to ensure we continue to build on the work of our colleges and their vital contribution to London’s prosperity and prospects.”
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| Dylan McTaggart (Group Principal and Deputy CEO), Gillian Keegan MP (Secretary of State for Education), Keith Smith (HRUC CEO), Steve Tuckwell (local MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip). |
Dylan McTaggart, Group Principal and Deputy CEO, said, “I am delighted that the Secretary of State took the opportunity to meet our staff, who are working tirelessly to create an environment where all our students feel happy, supported, and inspired. We have a shared recognition of the important role colleges like ours play in driving the skills system to meet the current and future needs of learners and employers.”
Further information:
Uxbridge College is home to the West London Institute of Technology (WLIOT). The College partners with a range of employers both locally and nationally to offer a curriculum to students that brings education and business closer together, encourages collaboration between the colleges and business, and delivers world class technical education.