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The Bedford College Group welcomes Universal to Bedford!

Group of students at Universal Studios office

Today (Wednesday 9 April 2025) staff, students and apprentices at The Bedford College Group are delighted to have been involved in a landmark announcement that Universal Destinations & Experiences will be establishing a world-class theme park and resort close to its Bedfordshire campuses by 2031.

Students and staff with British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer

This is incredibly exciting and strongly aligns with the core purpose of The Bedford College Group: to empower individuals, raise aspirations, and drive economic prosperity within our community.

Students from Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and Central Bedfordshire College, all part of The Bedford College Group, were invited to join the Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves this morning for the announcement alongside the Group’s Director of Employer Partnerships and Business Development, Gina Bubbins.

Yiannis Koursis OBE, Chief Executive of The Bedford College Group said:

“This landmark investment represents a significant opportunity to open up a wide spectrum of careers for our students, alumni, and the wider Bedfordshire region. From hospitality and entertainment to engineering technical and management roles, Universal Destinations & Experiences will offer pathways for individuals at all skill levels, fostering career growth and providing valuable experience.

Beyond employment, the arrival of such a renowned global brand will ignite ambition in our young people. Exposure to a world-class leisure and entertainment destination right on our doorstep will broaden horizons, and demonstrate the potential for large-scale economic success within our local communities. This can have a transformative effect on educational attainment and future career pathways.

We are proud to build on our established partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences by aligning our curriculum and training programmes with emerging industry needs. We will ensure that there will be a pipeline of skilled, motivated talented ready individuals ready to thrive in this exciting new chapter for Bedfordshire.”

The announcement of this project will bring 28,000 new direct and indirect jobs, generate billions in economic benefits, and attract millions of visitors to the area annually, a figure expected to rise to 12 million over time.