The Southend West representative had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education to South Essex College on Thursday.
Following the recently successful visit from the Minister for Employment who praised the college for its marrying of education with the local job market, Anna enjoyed touring the facilities with Robert Halfon MP and meeting with young people enrolled at the college.
South Essex College provides a broad range of vocational and academic courses for 16- to 18-year-olds, adults, and apprentices. From bricklaying to healthcare, the academic institution has been vital in arming people of all ages with the skills they need to seek employment.
Along with Anna, the Minister enjoyed a tour of the facilities with the Principal, Denise Brown. Witnessing first-hand the high-quality teaching and resources available, Robert Halfon MP was impressed by the amazing opportunities it is providing.
He specifically praised their 100% retention rate for T-Levels between first and second year of enrolment, which are designed by businesses and involve spending 20% of time in the workplace.
The Minister and Anna also had an opportunity to talk with young people about their bricklaying course, even having an opportunity to try it themselves (with mixed results)! The students praised the college for how much care it had for T-Levels and apprenticeships, giving them the skills they needed to thrive.
With tailored courses designed to enhance learning whilst providing solid career prospects, the Minister agreed with Anna that South Essex College is exactly the kind of educational model we should be championing.
Anna said,
“It was a real pleasure to welcome the Minister to Southend today. The fact we have had two visiting Ministers in two months is a clear indicator of the powerhouse city we have become.”
“South Essex College is serving up real opportunity for people of all ages by providing practical education. From bricklaying to healthcare, students are learning what they need to learn so they pursue the career of their dreams.”
“The T-Levels offered are particularly exciting, putting young people in the workplace so they pick skills quickly.”
“Robert Halfon MP is a fantastic advocate for Essex and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
Robert Halfon said,
“Anna was one of the first people to approach me in my new role and say – you have got to come to this amazing college!”
“My goodness am I glad I have done this. Meeting with the the principal, teachers and students was extraordinary.”
“This college is an exemplar demonstrator that T-Levels are the gold standard of teaching, providing great skills and jobs to get people on the ladder of opportunity.”
