Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, the Rt Hon Anne Milton MP, arrived at Loughborough College today to congratulate students and staff following their recent Good with Outstanding for Apprenticeships rating by education watchdog Ofsted.
The Minister was welcomed by the College’s Chief Executive John Doherty, Chair of Governors Audrey Traynor and Director of Business Development Gemma Knott and was joined by Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough before meeting apprentices and students in action across the campus.
Ms Milton was introduced to students from the College’s unique 16+ Space Engineering programme, launched in association with the National Space Academy, and talked to JTL and RWE npower apprentices working on lighting simulations and machine servicing about their training for careers in domestic and industrial engineering.
The College works with more than 600 employers from the region and the Minister was introduced to just some of them, including Polypipe, Charnwood Borough Council and Adey Steel before going on to spend time at some of the world class sporting facilities. The College produced 32 of the athletes competing at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games who brought home 14 medals between them – with four students and alumni receiving MBEs this year for services to athletics.
Loughborough is a leading college for the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) and the Minister dropped in on training sessions to meet players from the pioneering Women’ s Rugby Football Union and Volleyball England programmes - who have both recently celebrated selections for national sides – and for Midlands Hurricanes Rugby Football League, who have seen many players go on to sign Super League and Championship contracts.
The College also delivers sport apprentice programmes for Premiership football clubs, motorsport, hockey, netball, tennis - student Katie Boulter made her Wimbledon debut this year - and athletics - 2017 World Para Athletics Championship Gold medallists and Paralympians Sophie Hahn MBE and Olivia Breen and Paralympic double gold medallist and World champion cyclist Sophie Thornhill are all current students.
The Minister rounded off her visit with Sport apprentices from the award-winning Coaching in Schools initiative, which provides valuable roles in primary and secondary schools across Leicestershire and Rutland and has been praised for its impact on inspiring and motivating young people in sport and in the classroom – with many schools so happy they’ve taken on two apprentices and give them jobs.
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton said: “ It was fantastic to visit Loughborough College and see for myself the outstanding apprenticeship provision they are offering their learners. I want to congratulate them on their achievement.
“Having met a number of their talented apprentices and listened to their ambitions, it reinforced to me that apprenticeships do offer a great route into skilled employment for people of all ages and backgrounds. I’m sure each of these learners will go on to fantastic careers. Well done to everyone for their hard work and efforts in all they do.”
Chief Executive John Doherty said: “We were delighted to welcome Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Anne Milton, to Loughborough College today.
“Following our Outstanding rating for Apprenticeships from Ofsted, it was wonderful to offer the Minister the opportunity to spend time with our apprentices and see them in action and for us to introduce just some of the wonderful employers we work with.
“Our programmes and apprentices break new ground and achieve success on the national and often international stage and it was fantastic to share that with the Minister.”
Nicky Morgan commented: "Loughborough College is a great success story locally and provides so many people with the right skills, training and confidence to take them to the next level. I am delighted that our Skills Minister, Anne Milton, has been able to visit to see the College for herself."
Pictured: Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Anne Milton meets students on the unique Space Engineering programme during her visit to Loughborough College – from left Abigail Burton, Katie West, Anne Milton, Space Engineering lead Dr Zoe Washington, Nicky Morgan MP, Electrical, Engineering and Motor Vehicle curriculum manager Ndusimo Nsingo, Chief Executive John Doherty and Hannah Coleman