Bedford College

We’re at the cutting-edge of construction with our industry-class workshops and equipment. Our tutors have enjoyed successful careers in the industry and now take the lead in shaping the UK’s construction and building services sector, talking at high profile industry events such as Ecobuild, the leading event for sustainable design, construction, energy and the built environment.

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If you want to learn music production, live performance, sound design, music for media or studio techniques, you’ll learn cutting edge skills in our amazing facilities.

If you are passionate, committed and love making music or have the creativity and dedication that is required to develop your skills, then you will be successful in this industry. Creative talent is vital, but won’t be enough on its own. Determination and perseverance are key – as are having the facilities you need to hone your skills.

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To work in this sector it is essential to enjoy working with and supporting people. It will be challenging but if you have good listening skills, observational skills and the ability to relate to people without being judgmental you could enjoy a variety of roles in this sector.

You could go into healthcare or youth justice services. You could help children develop social and practical skills, make sure people get the medicines they need – the possibilities are endless.

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We ensure that you are at the cutting edge of this exciting subject by teaching you the latest skills and techniques accredited by the world’s leading IT organisations, including Oracle, CompTIA and Cisco.

Our tutors have worked in the IT industry in a wide range of roles including networking, programming, PC maintenance, website development and helpdesk support, so you will benefit greatly from their expertise and industry knowledge.

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Our Engineering study programmes enable you to choose an area to specialise in and you will gain transferable skills, such as problem solving and project management, making you particularly attractive to potential employers. We have excellent links with industry, working with high technology companies such as Vauxhall, Lockheed Martin and Millbrook Proving Ground, so you will always be up to date with industry changes and developments – something that employers will be looking for.

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Every business organisation needs people who can set and meet objectives. Roles range from managers who devise policies and make decisions, to clerical workers, who collect, store, interpret and distribute information. In the business sector, you must make sure systems run smoothly and show a flair for organisation and communication.

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If you want to be part of an exciting, constantly changing industry that enables you to travel, meet new people and develop transferable skills, then travel and tourism is for you. The sector covers a wide range of roles including holiday representatives, airline work, conferencing and events.

So if you’re an outgoing, friendly, people person and work well under pressure then we can help you get your career off to a flying start.

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If you love using your original ideas to create something, then working in the creative sector will be a fun and rewarding experience that enables you to demonstrate your artistic flair. It’s a competitive industry but one the UK currently excels in. Creative people are highly sought after by many employers, including large organisations and design companies.

You could be animating video games, designing your own line of clothes or seeing the artwork you’ve produced in a national publication. The only limit is your creativity.

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Performing Arts is a huge and exciting industry but it is also very competitive so you will need to be passionate and committed.

Creative talent is vital, but won’t be enough on it its own. Determination and the ability to cope with rejection are key to thriving in the industry. Those with experience of performing or helping in school or college productions, local workshops, events and festivals will almost certainly be at an advantage.

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Take a lead role in developing your media career by choosing Bedford College. You will need natural talent, dedication, determination and resilience and we will help you build confidence in areas such as expression, team work and communication.

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Working in the sport industry means you will always be part of a huge team effort. Not only will you learn key skills that employers demand, such as team work, time management, leadership and communication but you will benefit from some of the best facilities around.

If you are highly motivated, energetic and dynamic, our Sport & Fitness courses will enable you to study and specialise areas such as, outdoor leisure, development and fitness, sport and personal training.

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The Public Service courses at Bedford College will help you develop the skills, fitness and determination to put yourself ahead of the rest. If you are highly motivated, energetic and dynamic – you’ll flourish – specialising towards career paths which include the armed forces, emergency, paramedical or prison services. You’ll be working towards nationally recognised qualifications to give you the skills to progress on to further education or careers in the private and public sectors.

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Does working in the electrical technology field spark your interest? Our comprehensive courses offer practical learning in the College’s workshops that will prepare you for success in this hands-on career.

Our part-time courses in electrical installation will provide you with the nationally-recognised skills and qualifications you need to carry out a range of electrical installation work in the industry.

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The Foundation Skills Programme (FSP) is aimed at young people with identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The programme aims to develop your independence skills and help you to progress within a supported environment. You will take part in a range of subjects, which will include independent living skills, work preparation, community skills, English and maths.

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To work in this industry you will need creative flair, teamwork and communications skills and there are many different career paths to suit your specific interests.

As well as hair styling, there’s a growing demand for spa therapists and alternative practitioners. Working hours and conditions will vary, from local salons to large multi-specialist spas, and many people in the health and beauty industry go on to run their own businesses.

Our commercial studio, Brooks, is located just a short walk along the High St from our Cauldwell campus.

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• Brooks Hair & Beauty

If you are considering a career in teaching post-16 learners or if you are currently working as a verifier or assessor, our courses are designed to help you improve your knowledge of working in education. We have course options including the PGCE/Cert Ed, the DET, the AET (formerly known as PTLLS, which is ideal if you are looking to work in this area) and TAQA qualifications. Our Social Studies area offer courses in Psychology & Crime, Child & Family Studies and Educational Practice where you can gain the experience to enhance your skills, knowledge and understanding.

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If you are an international student visiting England, our ESOL courses will enable you to develop your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and extend your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary.

When you have reached the required level, you can take one or more of the nationally recognised English Speaking Board ESOL Skills for Life examinations.

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Our dedicated Vehicle Technology Centre and Plumbing Centre are located at our Kempston campus, just over three miles from our Cauldwell campus.

The Vehicle Technology Centre is fully kitted out with engine and repair bays, paint mix and spray rooms and a body repair area – perfect for all budding mechanics. We offer a wide-range of full-time and part-time courses, with qualifications at a variety of levels – including apprenticeships – and many of our courses are run by the Institute of the Motor Industry.

Approved by industry bodies including City & Guilds and the British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC), our Plumbing Centre facilities and study programmes provide the very latest knowledge of traditional gas and plumbing techniques and state-of-the-art renewable technologies.

• Motor Vehicle
• Plumbing & Gas