Theo Clarke MP invited the Education Secretary to tour Stafford College’s new Skills and Innovation Centre and meet the principal, staff and students.
Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan spent the afternoon at the £28 million facility that is close to completion later this year.
The Secretary was shown around the three-storey, 8,000sq metre development consisting of construction, engineering and hybrid vehicle technology workshops, a sports hall, gym and 300-seat auditorium by the principal Craig Hodgson.
Mrs Clarke worked hard with ministers and officials in 2020/21 to secure the money and spoke with the then education secretary on behalf of the college.
The Secretary of State and the MP spent time talking with students taking T Levels and apprenticeships at the college. Areas discussed included adult education.
“I was really pleased the Secretary of State came to Stafford to see this major investment in our young people’s education,” Mrs Clarke said.
“I am proud I was able to work with the government and the college to secure the money needed to build this new centre and I will be thrilled when it opens and is being used.
“Thank you to the college for all it is doing to help train young people in the skills they need for well-paid careers.
“I invited the education secretary so she could see this good work in action and speak to young people whose lives are improved by this government’s focus on further education.”
Mrs Keegan said: “It’s been fantastic to visit Stafford College to see their very impressive skills and innovation centre. I am extremely grateful to local MP Theo Clarke for inviting me to see this brilliant college.
“Nothing demonstrates the government’s commitment to equipping young people with the skills they need more than this brand-new building.
“Further education in Stafford will be transformed by this £28 million development.
“I would also like to thank the students who took the time to speak to me about their apprenticeships and T Levels and give their views on what works well and what could be improved.
“It was a really inspiring visit.”
