STUDENTS from Warrington’s Priestley College gave feedback on new vocational T-Level courses to the Minister for Further Education Michelle Donelan MP and Warrington South MP Andy Carter as part of a visit during National Apprenticeship Week.
Priestley College was one of the first FE colleges in the country to run T-Level vocational courses, which involve placements as well as college-based learning.
As well as hearing from students studying Digital Production, Design & Development and the Education & Childcare T-Levels the Minister also heard from Stockton Heath-based digital marketing agency Alcimi, who was one of the companies to offer placements to students.
National Apprenticeship Week aims to celebrate and promote the fantastic benefits which apprenticeships offer both learners and employers, spotlighting businesses who are investing in this life-changing education route. Since 2020, more than 46,250 apprenticeships have started in the North West.
Minister of State for Universities and Further Education Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP said: “It was fantastic to visit Priestley College this morning to meet a truly inspirational group of students.
“By investing in our schools and colleges, whether it’s through a T-Level, apprenticeship or university, the Conservatives are helping young people fulfil their dreams.”
Commenting on the visit, Andy Carter MP for Warrington South said: “I want every young person to get the best start in life and it’s really clear that Priestley are doing a great job to prepare students in Warrington South for their next steps, either into an apprenticeship, beginning work or further study at University – or even a combination of all three.
“As business starts to return to a more normal way of operating, I hope many more employers across the town will consider joining the likes of Ben Sefton from Alcimi in offering placement to students. It came across very strongly how much both the young person and the businesses can benefit from these extended periods of work experience. The opportunity to follow on to an apprenticeship makes complete sense for many young people.
“As part of the Minister’s visit Andy Carter MP hosted a round table event with Senior Schools and College Leaders from Warrington, to allow the Minister to hear first-hand some of the opportunities and challenges in schools in Warrington.
Mr Carter added:“I try to visit a different school each week and provide feedback into the Department for Education on what’s working and how we can make improvements across the sector. Head Teachers and I had a really productive conversation with the Minister today about how we improve standards in schools across Warrington to benefit every young person growing up in the town.”
During the visit, the Minister also met other Head Teachers and Education leaders from around the town.
