Government minister at South Staffordshire College

South Staffordshire College continues to be the area's first choice for high ranking government and opposition MPs intent on communicating with the FE/HE sector.

The latest visitor from government ranks was Minister for the Natural & Marine Environment Hew (check spelling) Irranca-Davies, who came to Tamworth campus at the invitation of local MP Brian Jenkins

Keynote topics for the day were apprenticeships and sustainability, matters not only high on the political agenda but subjects at the heart of South Staffordshire College's mission.

The fact-finding trip for the Minister also gave Chief Executive Principal Graham Morley the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by the FE and HE sectors and innovative ideas that the College has to ensure local people get the skills they need..  Chair of Governors Ray Faulkner and Vice Principal of Curriculum and Quality Mark Robertson were also on hand to greet the Minister and raise issues of mutual interest.

During the visit the Minister met and chatted to horticultural apprentices and two full-time agriculture students, one of whom has previously completed an apprenticeship.

He also took part in a radio interview in which he paid particular tribute to South Staffordshire College's record of innovation and continued "As Minister with responsibility for the natural and marine environment I was particularly interested in the horticulture and agriculture apprenticeships and the courses offered by the College.  I was greatly impressed by both the College and the apprentices I had the pleasure of meeting.  I am convinced that skills relating to "green" and environmental careers will be in much demand in the future and South Staffordshire College appears to be at the forefront in this field".

Local MP for Tamworth, Brian Jenkins, was complimentary about the work of the College, when commenting on the visit.  "I have known for some time the excellent work being undertaken in this area by South Staffordshire College; that is why I invited the Minister to see at first hand the progress that has been made".

Tamworth Borough Council representatives were also involved in the visit as the employer of the five horticulture students who met the Minister.  The Council has been successful in securing a grant from the Commission for Architecture and the Business Environment for two "green space" apprenticeships working towards a recognised NVQ2 qualification and Councillor Jeremy Oates commented "It's really satisfying to see how we are able to boost local job opportunities and offer hope to aspiring young people looking for work".