Warrington & Vale Royal College principal Nichola Newton has issued an open invitation to Prime Minister Andy Burnham to visit the college – as more than 1,000 prospective students are expected to attend its latest open evening.
Speaking exclusively to Warrington Worldwide during the first open evening of the new academic year, Ms Newton said the college had “never seen it so busy”, with huge numbers arriving within the first half-hour.
And with the Prime Minister currently putting a strong emphasis on technical education and skills, she said he would be very welcome to come and see what the college is doing for himself.
“It’s a local lad and he says all the right things that you want to hear,” she told Warrington Worldwide.
“We should have invited him. Mr Burnham, if you’re listening, you’re very welcome to come to our next college open event on October 21 if you’re free.”
The college saw more than 1,000 prospective students to come through its doors during the evening, making it the busiest open event to date.
Curriculum teams were showcasing their courses and facilities across the college, giving young people and their families the opportunity to find out more about the wide range of education and career pathways available.
Ms Newton said the Government’s renewed focus on technical education and skills played directly to the college’s strengths.
“That absolutely plays to our strength, which is all that skills and technical education,” she said.
She also welcomed the emphasis on inclusion and helping young people who may otherwise find themselves outside education, employment or training.
“There is an awful lot coming down the line, and we’re getting stuck in,” she said.
The college’s next open evening takes place on Wednesday, October 21, from 5pm to 8pm, providing another opportunity for prospective students to explore what is on offer.
And there was even time for Warrington Worldwide to discover another important college facility during the visit – an impressive coffee machine!
