Alex Burghart, Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Education, visited the £100 million pound Campus on Thursday to see how Burnley College achieves its Number 1 College in the country* status and impacts the lives of learners in so many positive ways.
This is the latest in a line of Government visits to the College – including Minister Gillian Keegan who took a virtual tour of our Themis Apprenticeship Facilities during the pandemic and praised the College for “leading the way in making sure people across the region gain the skills they need to progress.”
Minister Burghart spent time talking to Apprentices, T Level Students, Adult Learners and Burnley College University Courses undergraduates during his visit – and discussed how the College’s close links with employers are vital to secure the North West’s future business prosperity.
The visit, hosted by Principal of Burnley College Karen Buchanan and Director of Themis (Burnley College’s successful Apprenticeship training arm) Neil Burrows, spotlighted how the College is constantly adapting to the industrial environment and developments in the field of education.
During the visit the Minister:
– Was inspired by the stories from students, Katy Higginson, Sarah Buck and Jack Nuttall about how our Access To Higher Education courses are helping them fulfil their career dreams in the health sector
– Spoke to T Level students about how the brand new qualifications fitted around their lifestyles – inviting students to contact his office if they had any suggestions as to how the new qualifications could be improved
– Saw how Themis Apprentices employed by leading businesses were using the cutting-edge technology in our industry-leading Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence to design a revolutionary eco-drone for film and television industry and discussed their career plans
– Learned about the multi-million pound expansion to our Sport and Fitness facilities from learners Caitlin Iannelli and Josh Butterworth, including a state-of-the-art Thermal Spa, Cryotherapy Suite, Environment Chamber and Strength and Conditioning Facilities
Adult Learner Sarah Buck is studying Access To University: Nursing, Midwifery and Health Professions. She told the Minister how the pandemic made her rethink her priorities:
“I was working as a cake decorator but I really wanted a career change.
“Since being a child, I’d always wanted to work in healthcare – particularly the world of mental health.
“I didn’t have the confidence to put myself forward though. During lockdown I realised how much I wanted to give something back.
“A friend of mine was on this course and she spoke really highly of the Tutors, the facilities and the course so I made my decision.”
Karen Buchanan said:
“We are immensely proud of all we do here at Burnley College to Build Futures and Change Lives. It has been a privilege to showcase our amazing achievements and innovation to the Minister.
“To be able to demonstrate how our learners have continued to excel, to achieve their goals and be the very best they can be has been incredibly rewarding. To see our Tutors speak with pride about their work, showing their passion for their specialisms and to see how they challenge and motivate learners showcases everything that Burnley College is about.
“We believe our role at the very heart of the business community in the North West is integral to the region’s economy.”
Minister for Skills Alex Burghart said:
“It was truly inspiring to visit Burnley College, which is opening doors for young people across the region to gain the skills they need to get good jobs, and meet with T Level students and apprentices benefitting from state-of-the-art equipment and outstanding teaching.”
Discover how you can be part of Burnley College’s success story – through A Levels, T-Levels, Vocational study or a Themis Apprenticeship. Be part of the supportive, empowering and caring community where we are focussed on your individual success. Be part of the number one College in England for student achievement. Visit burnley.ac.uk; email s.services@burnley.ac.uk or call 01282 733373 now.
