Powering the South East Midlands Workforce

New CEO of The Bedford College Group, Yiannis Koursis OBE explains his vision for the future.

At the heart of the South East Midlands, the Group is more than an educational institution—we are a catalyst, igniting the region’s potential to thrive and transforming it into a dynamic powerhouse of talent and skill.

Providing an expertly trained workforce is crucial to the success of the region, government, regional partnerships, local authorities, employers, and businesses. Whether it’s school leavers seeking T levels, A-levels, Apprenticeships, or Higher-Level qualifications, such as Higher Technical Qualifications, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, or traditional paths to Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, the Group offers a comprehensive range of educational and skills pathways.

The Group’s reach extends to Corby, Kettering, Silverstone, Wellingborough, Leighton Buzzard and Luton, providing a steady stream of skilled candidates for organisations across the UK and abroad.

Our commitment to innovation is showcased in the newly opened eco-refurbished riverside campus in Bedford. The campus offers state-of-the-art training in health sciences, engineering, construction, and digital fields, alongside degree-level arts and care.  Bedford College also includes the Gas and Heating Centre, where recruits are trained in the green technologies of tomorrow. The Group’s Advanced Motor Vehicle department is also pioneering the way in educating car maintenance staff on handling electric cars.

Further South, in a recent development, Central Bedfordshire College was integrated into the University Centre provision for the Group, offering degree-level learning and pathways to university for learners of all ages.

In every location, we are leveraging our state-of-the-art assets to align, modernise and refresh our curriculum offer in a rapidly evolving world.