Skills England Visit Highlights The Bedford College Group’s Role in Regional Skills Growth

The Bedford College Group was pleased to welcome two representatives from Skills England for a day of discussion, collaboration and insight across its Bedford and Leighton Buzzard campuses in June.

Skills England, a national initiative led by the Department for Education, works to align post-16 technical education and skills training with the needs of employers, local economies and future industries. The visit formed part of their regional engagement to better understand local delivery and partnership working.

During the visit, Skills England explored the Group’s specialist facilities in Engineering, Construction and Digital, and engaged directly with apprentices, staff and employer partners in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. These conversations offered valuable insights into the Group’s work in addressing skills gaps, supporting economic growth and delivering high quality technical and vocational education.

Visits such as these help government to listen to the individuals within the FE sector, with ‘boots on the ground’ meaning direct in-person conversations offering key insights into studying and working within the Southeast Midlands.

The day also focused on the Group’s strong links with industry and success in developing curriculum and provision that respond to labour market needs.

The Bedford College Group continues to work closely with the Department for Education, Skills England and other regulatory bodies to showcase the skills training taking place across the region shaping a skilled, adaptable workforce in the area for the future.