Telford College has been shortlisted for an innovation prize at this year’s Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
The college, which is currently expanding with the creation of a new sixth form centre in Telford town centre’s Station Quarter, is up for the ‘Trailblazer’ award.
Two adult learners who study at the college – Keely-Hill Harding and Kimberley Pearce – are also in the running for an ‘inspirational adult learner’ award.
The innovation entry was built around the college’s ground-breaking virtual reality training software which is being used to prepare health and social care students for the demands of the workplace by simulating real-world scenarios.
Representatives of the college have already jetted out to the United States to showcase the project and take part in a panel debate at the SXSW EDU Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas.
“We wanted to explore the use of immersive learning to rehearse challenging moments,” said Caroline Bastow, Telford College’s vice principal for support and performance.
“It gives students a safe place to enter a world with no distractions, where they can experience difficult emotions and discuss them with their tutors and peers. We are delighted to have been recognised and shortlisted for this fantastic award.”
The virtual reality software was created by Telford College in partnership with experience design experts Inizio Engage XD, working closely with senior officials from the NHS.
The winners of the 2025 Shropshire Chamber Business Awards will be announced in front of an audience of around 700 people on June 20 at Telford International Centre.
