A London ceremony on Wednesday 5 February saw Loughborough College receive a ‘Further Education Oscar’ for College/School Partnerships.
Matthew Hancock, Minister for Skills and Enterprise, congratulated the College on the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award win for its Bridge to Work programme, which was set up to address the local need to prepare young people for apprenticeships, work and training whilst still at school.
The prize, sponsored by AQA and presented by Lord Willis, President of the AoC Charitable Trust, recognised the programme which grew out of a school links partnership that the College established over 12 years ago with eight local schools to offer ‘have a go’ hands-on vocational tasters.
Bridge to Work offers vocational and employability programmes after school and supports priority sector skills development, which the Beacon assessors said were outstanding and gave the programme particular value.
Loughborough College Vice Principal Yiannis Koursis said: “Staff and students are celebrating the presentation of this accolade at the national awards ceremony in London.
“Loughborough College is proud to have been named a winner in recognition of our innovative Bridge to Work programme.
“We have been able to meet a real need amongst young people and employers with the training, support and experience offered by the scheme.
“The College would like to thank the schools and local employers, our community and MP Nicky Morgan who have all played a vital part in the success of Bridge to Work.
“This tribute comes at an exciting time, with Bridge to Work on the brink of expansion and set to make a difference to young people and employers in the our region and across the UK.”
Loughborough College will host a local celebration event later this year.
Photo shows Matthew Hancock, Minister for Skills and Enterprise congratulating the Loughborough College team including Principal and Chief Executive Esme Winch and Vice Principal Yiannis Kouris and Lime Tree Day Nurseries’ Andrea Mardel Ferreira