Bedford College Boosts Business Links
14th Dec 2004
Business Personality of the Year* Martyn Price was the guest speaker at the Bedford College Achievements Evening. Martyn is a former Bedford College student from his days as an apprentice carpenter but today he heads CMC Ltd which employs 85 people To demonstrate links with the business community Martyn was invited to be the guest speaker for the evening staged at the Corn Exchange, Bedford before an audience of hundreds of parents, students and local employers. Martyn knows much about the importance of training: he is an ambassador for training and development in the East of England construction industry and is an official national industry champion. He said: “We employ 85 people including 26 apprentices most of whom study at Bedford College and as we go on in business so our links with the College are strengthened.” Martin Pryce added: “The College recognises the need to work more closely with employers, of all sizes and in all sectors. This is vital if our programmes are to remain relevant and to help employers compete. Tonight over 40 local organisations have sponsored our student awards - showing their support for the College and their keen interest in developing the skills and talents of local people. They know we don’t just need to hire talent, we need to grow it. Particularly in a fast moving global economy.” Bedford College ended the year on a high with an Achievements Evening which demonstrated world class achievements by world class students. Bedford College is now one of the top FE colleges 15% in the country and how a new Ofsted report recognised its fantastic achievement in taking pass rates to 91% from 42% seven years ago. The Further Education College has been recognised nationally for its pioneering work in providing vocational courses for 1,000 14 - 16 year olds, and has been consulted by the Cabinet on this agenda. It has been awarded four Centre of Vocational Excellence awards covering plumbing, house building, care and management - when on national averages FE colleges have 0.5 of a CoVE each. The College also shared an Outstanding Training Provider Award for construction. Bedford College students made up the Great Britain team in a recent Culinary Olympics in Germany and came home with a silver and bronze medal. The squad took part in a victory parade, with their medals, at the end of the show on Thursday November 18th. Another world class performances came from Kirsty Sherwood, a runner-up in the international Executive Secretary of the Year awards. Nationally Bea Beasford waved the flag for the College and hairdressing in Bedford when she won a National Student of the Year competition for the second year running. Bea was named as the College’s Outstanding Student of the Year. The College continues to send more students to University than any other sixth form in the area. These were just a few of the highlights from the College’s 17,000 students from: 104 countries who enjoy 700 Government-approved courses taught by 500 expert staff at 8 sites across the county Said Ian Pryce Principal: “College is not an easy option - awards are hard-earned and well deserved. Bedford College has risen to the challenge in another excellent year.”
For further information:
www.bedford.ac.uk
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