Telford College logo, white text stating Telford College with blue partly closed circle icon.

September 2021 Principal’s Column

Sept2021

As a further education college, we have a responsibility to respond quickly and effectively to the changing needs of the local business community.

And right now, it’s clear that some sectors are suffering skills shortages which could have serious repercussions for us all.

The lack of qualified delivery drivers is fuelling fears of a shortage of supplies in our supermarkets, and on our petrol station forecourts.

Employers are desperate to fast-track new staff into the industry – and that’s why we have launched a new series of HGV driver training programmes, working in collaboration with employers and driver trainers.

These ‘Sector-based Work Academies’ are specifically designed to provide jobseekers with the skills required for driving goods vehicles.

The free courses are available to anyone over the age of 19 who is actively seeking employment, and in receipt of either universal credit or jobseekers’ allowance.

With the demand for licensed drivers so high, it’s a great time to join the industry – with many organisations offering some very attractive salary packages. You’ll find all the details here.

We are also running a series of other free and fully-funded courses, across a wide range of specialisms, through the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee for adults aged 19 and over who don’t already have an A level equivalent qualification.

They are a fantastic opportunity to enhance your CV – or to help people who have found themselves needing to re-skill or upskill as a result of the Covid-19 fallout.

These schemes are just the tip of the iceberg, though. If you’d like to find out more about what Telford College is currently offering in the fields of vocational, academic or apprenticeship studies, why not come and visit us at our next open event?

After so many months of being unable to welcome people to our campus in person, we are delighted to be opening our doors once more on October 13 from 5pm to 7.30pm.

It’s chance to look round our university-standard facilities, get some bite-sized tasters of our courses, and chat to staff and students to for a flavour of college life. We’d love to help you achieve your career dreams – check out our open events here.