Weston College is set to play a leading role in shaping vocational and technical skills across the South West after being named the area's Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hub by the Association of Colleges (AoC).
The prestigious appointment puts the college at the centre of a major national programme designed to support teachers, lecturers and education leaders as new technical and vocational qualifications are introduced across England.
As one of only nine TVE Hubs nationwide, Weston College will help drive improvements in technical education across the region, working closely with schools, colleges, training providers, employers and industry partners to ensure learners develop the skills local businesses need now and in the future.
The hubs form a key part of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development (TVPD) Programme, funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the AoC. The programme is being designed by the sector, for the sector and will help educators prepare for the continued expansion of T Levels, the introduction of new vocational pathways and revised Level 2 qualifications, ensuring students benefit from high-quality routes that reflect the latest industry standards and workforce requirements.
Through its new role, Weston College will lead collaboration across the South West, sharing expertise and best practice while helping to strengthen links between education providers and employers. The appointment recognises the College's longstanding commitment to technical and vocational education and its strong track record of working alongside employers to equip learners with the skills needed for successful careers.
Gary Durant, Deputy Principal at Weston College, said:
"We are delighted to have been selected as the South West Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub and to play a leading role in supporting the future of technical education across the region.
"This appointment recognises Weston College's strong track record of working with employers, industry partners and education providers to develop the skills that learners need to succeed in their careers and that businesses need to grow.
"Through the TVE Hub, we will work collaboratively with colleges, training providers and employers across the South West to share expertise, support professional development and help educators prepare for the introduction of new qualifications and pathways. By bringing together best practice from across the sector, we can help ensure learners benefit from high-quality, industry-relevant education that responds to the changing needs of the economy.
"We look forward to supporting providers throughout the region, strengthening partnerships and helping to shape the next generation of technical and vocational education."
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said:
"The Technical and Vocational Hubs will sit at the heart of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme, helping to build capacity from within the sector and supporting providers to deliver high-quality technical education. We are pleased to welcome Weston College as one of our regional hub partners."
The new role is expected to bring together education providers and employers from across the South West, helping to strengthen skills development, support economic growth and ensure the region is well placed to meet future workforce demands.
Over the coming years, Weston College will support the delivery of professional development opportunities for learning leads, educators and sector practitioners, helping providers prepare for evolving technical qualifications and ensuring learners receive industry-relevant education and training.
