To mark Colleges Week 2024, West of England Mayor Dan Norris visited City of Bristol College, highlighting his commitment to the vital role of further education colleges in the region.
Curated by the Association of Colleges, Colleges Week is an initiative that provides the perfect opportunity to promote the value and importance of further education colleges.
Welcomed by Joanne Ward, Vice Principal of Corporate Services & External Relations at the college, Mr Norris embarked on a comprehensive tour of the college’s facilities, engaging directly with students and staff to understand the transformative impact that further education has.
On Wednesday 28 February, the tour commenced at the South Bristol Skills Academy and the Advanced Skills Construction Centre, where Mr Norris witnessed first-hand the dedication and prowess of adult learners funded through the West of England Combined Authority he leads.
At the Advanced Skills Construction Centre, demonstrations showcased the learners’ proficiency in essential skills for the local construction industry, igniting conversations surrounding the college’s initiatives in green skills and its future ambitions in sustainable construction.
The tour continued in the Hospitality and Catering training kitchen, where Mr Norris met with a group of Foundation Learners, including young individuals overcoming special educational needs and learning barriers and tasted the amazing dishes they had created.
Dan Norris said: “I learnt a great deal with these knowledgeable and passionate learners.
“I’m proud to be a Jobs First Mayor and I’m determined – through the funding provided to colleges through my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority – to help even more talented young people get the training they need to access good-quality, well-paid and secure jobs here in the West of England.
“Bravo to Bristol College for training up the next generation of sustainable construction professionals, chefs and other workers which are so vital for our West of England region.”
The engagement between the students and Mr Norris highlighted the significance of vocational training in nurturing talent and empowering individuals.
Joanne Ward, Vice Principal, Corporate Services & External Relations commented: “It’s great to welcome Mr Norris back to the Advanced Construction Skills Centre which he opened in September 2021 and to witness first-hand all of the good work that we, as well as other colleges, do.
“The visit to the Construction Centre was an opportunity for Mr Norris to meet 1st year plumbing apprentices, with conversations around the local construction industry taking place, we spoke about the college’s initiatives regarding green skills and the college’s future ambitions for sustainable construction.
“Mr Norris’ visit has provided the opportunity to showcase not only our current provision but also to strike up conversation surrounding the skills that we strive to deliver in the future.”
Gavin Whitworth, Member Services Manager at Association of Colleges, said: “Colleges Week is one of the highlights of my year: it’s always wonderful to see the spotlight firmly on the further education sector and the incredible work going on in colleges every single day.
“This year, our focus has been on influencing and engaging ahead of the elections, and it’s been great to have Dan Norris here today at City of Bristol College to see first-hand the impact the college has on its students and local community.”
