2018-03-07 |
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Skills Minister Visits Askham Bryan College
The Rt Hon Anne Milton, Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills was given a hands on tour of Askham Bryan College on Tuesday 6th March demonstrating the value of land-based education and learning.
The Minister was shown around the York campus by Chief Executive Catherine Dixon and chatted to students, apprentices and staff. Her visit coincided with National Apprenticeship Week.
left to right students Harrison Hampshire, Minister Anne Milton with a two day old Beltex lamb, and student Becky Collins and Chief Executive, Catherine Dixon during the Minister's visit to Askham Bryan College
The College, which specialises in land-based education, has more than 800 apprentices studying a range of subjects including veterinary nursing, agriculture and land-based engineering.
The College farm was the Minister's first stop where she saw students and staff busy with lambing; a visit to the Agri-Tech building followed where she met engineering students and then to the state-of-the-art Animal Management Centre to see a range of species studied and cared for by students, and open to the public as part of the College's Wildlife Park.
Commenting on her visit the Minister
said:
“I had a fantastic time at Askham
Bryan College speaking
to their brilliant apprentices and celebrating National Apprenticeship
Week. This week is all about hearing how apprenticeships work and
promoting the opportunities they bring.
“The college provides excellent, hands on training and offers a range of exciting courses from Level 1 to 6. The apprentices clearly felt real enthusiasm for what they are doing and it gives them access to a huge variety of careers.”
Chief Executive, Catherine Dixon added:
“We were delighted to welcome the Minister, particularly during National
Apprenticeship Week. It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the
benefits of land-based learning, not only for our students but also
to the local, regional and national economy. Apprentices and staff
talked about the advantages of this type of learning which is a key
strength of the College. We also showcased our further and higher education
provision, demonstrating the range of opportunities for students, from
foundation learning to degrees, all of which widens participation and
enables young people to succeed irrespective of their background.”
She continued: “At a time of significant skill shortages and low productivity, technical education, particularly in land based subjects, is ever more relevant, and I am sure it was helpful for the Minister to see for herself the benefits of the education and learning we provide.”
