WORKING with more than 1,000 employers has earned Middlesbrough College a place among the 157 Group – a cluster of elite colleges across the country that’s delivering a major boost to the UK’s economic regeneration.
It’s a real coup and will see the college play a key role in helping shape future policies including FE sector funding.
Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be selected to join the 157 Group.
“It’s recognition of the high quality training we provide and we look forward to working in collaboration with like-minded colleges to shape the future skills agenda and create a network of excellence across the country to support employers with their training needs.”
Middlesbrough College has become one of a 31-strong group that’s committed to improving the productive capacity of the UK economy through building high quality professional and technical skills programmes.
In addition to offering courses in almost every sector area and at every level, from entry level up to post graduate, Middlesbrough College is working with more than 1,000 apprentices and higher apprentices and is looking at ways it can support employers with the apprenticeship levy.
Ian Pretty, CEO of 157 Group, says: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the newest member of the 157 Group is Middlesbrough College.
“Middlesbrough College embodies the 157 Group mission; it is employer facing, it is entrepreneurial and it has a deep commitment to improving the employment prospects of its learners.
“Middlesbrough College gives the 157 Group a presence in the North East, they have shown they are dedicated to their community and their region, investing in the most disengaged young people to improve their life chances through the MC Academy and shifting their offer to meet local economic needs which enhance their region’s economic competitiveness.
“They work with over 1,000 employers and have over 1,000 apprentices and have exciting plans for the years ahead. We can’t wait to get started working with them.
“Membership of the 157 Group is now 31 full members and two corporate partners.
“With the addition of Middlesbrough College we now have a presence in the North East meaning our network stretches across every region of the UK with partnership from business as well.
“We are a strong voice for our members and the FE sector as we seek to transform the UK economy through the delivery of high quality technical and professional education.”
For more information about Middlesbrough College please visit mbro.ac.uk