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Principal’s Blog: Upskilling, reskilling and new beginnings

Graham Guest

By Telford College principal and chief executive GRAHAM GUEST

It’s always good to learn something new. In fact, given the pace of change in our busy lives, for many people it’s essential.

Motor industry pioneer Henry Ford famously said: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” I couldn’t agree more.

One of the most rewarding aspects of life here at Telford College is that we’re helping to reskill and upskill people at all stages of their lives.

From teenagers to pensioners, and managers with decades of working experience, our curriculum has expanded and evolved to offer something for them all . . . A levels, T-Levels, apprenticeships, degree-level qualifications, and a range of short bootcamp-style programmes where current and aspiring workers can top up or refresh their skills.

And it’s not all about sitting in a classroom. We run everything from HGV driving sessions to electric vehicle charging tuition, construction training in a dedicated groundworks area, and all you need to know about manufacturing, engineering and motor maintenance in industry-standard workshops.

We’re also excited to be opening a new base at Telford’s Station Quarter in September, where the focus will be on equipping people with digital and IT skills for careers in sectors such as cybersecurity, AI and robotics, virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, and much more.

It will be a vibrant and innovative learning hub, also including Harper Adams University, the local authority, and incubator space for local businesses.

Being curious is one of the most valuable traits you can have; showing an interest in new and evolving products, processes or technologies, and how it can enrich your life.

Employers are looking for staff with a real knowledge of working in their chosen industry to stand out from the crowd.

We work closely with businesses to ensure our students are viewed are employable. They are involved in our growing range of employer hubs, helping us to shape our curriculum.

The future of education is about the development of well-rounded individuals with useable, transferable skills in keeping with the modern working world.

Balancing work and domestic responsibilities can be tricky, and that’s why we also run a comprehensive distance learning programme allowing you to study at home, in a manner to suit you.

Why not come along to our next open event on June 19 to tour the facilities, and have an informal chat to staff and students? Click here for more details

We’re also keen to hear from anyone who’d like to join our corporation as a governor, helping to shape the direction of the college. Find out more about our corporation here