A fantastic achievement – more students to benefit from careers guidance at Stoke on Trent College following prestigious award
Stoke on Trent College and its partners are celebrating after being accredited to an international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and guidance – the Matrix Standard.
As one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, it is vital that we find the untapped talent and help individuals progress into skilled employment, higher-level skills or an apprenticeship. Working with a range of employers means the College has the best chance of ensuring the pipeline of skills that industries in the area need and to achieve ‘Levelling Up’ through skills.
Following a rigorous assessment, the College has been accredited to the prestigious Matrix Standard for the next three years. The Matrix Standard demonstrates the high quality of the information, advice and guidance it provides to students of all ages, including apprentices and adult learners, to ensure they have the confidence and skills to make choices for a lifetime of fulfilment.
The assessor met with over 70 students and staff across the week at both campuses to find out about how the College supports students at different stages of their learning and in accessing and achieving their career aspirations.
They also met with partners from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub, Jobcentre Plus and The Prince’s Trust to find out about how we work with them to develop a highly-trained and reliable workforce and the active role we play in the development of a vibrant local economy.
New Stoke on Trent College CEO & Principal Lisa Capper MBE is understandably delighted, she said
“I could not be more proud of our College and the outstanding work and contributions of our staff, colleagues, partners and Governors to ensure our students are supported, motivated and challenged to be their very best. Getting the right advice at the right time means many of our learners successfully progress into skilled employment, university or on to an apprenticeship.”
Commenting on the award, Dave Hopley, Executive Director of Student and Digital Services, said
“Our assessor was very thorough in questioning and worked across all areas of the College to observe the high importance the College places on the individual career journey and supportive offer of wellbeing, particularly post Covid-19. I am extremely happy with the result, and the impact this will make for the College and our city region.”
Stoke on Trent College is currently training 617 apprentices on their two Stoke campuses and with local employers, and 8,000 local people get qualifications every year through the College.
The next open evening at the two College sites is Thursday 23 June 5.30-7.30pm. Burslem offers Construction, Engineering, Science & Technology, and Cauldon has Health & Social Care, Digital and Creative, Pharmacy, Sports, Public Services and Hospitality & Catering.
