Overseas education policy makers experience college life in Birmingham

The senior education policymakers from countries including Albania, India, Hong Kong and South Africa received a tour from students and staff, exploring the art and design studios, science and medical labs and IT and Samsung digital suites.

“The visit was part of a three-day programme led by the British Council to explore how the UK engages with learners and employers in vocational education,” explained Andrew Hall, Skills Advisor for the British Council UK. “The college’s learners and staff provided an excellent overview of the practical and technical qualifications available here and how the skills gained are transferred into the workplace.”

Head of Matthew Boulton College, Anthony Dennant added: “Birmingham has the youngest population in the UK and there are many education and training opportunities open to our diverse communities, which is something our learners were proud to demonstrate to our visitors.

“As part of BMet, we work closely with many local and global companies. The council members also saw examples of the many ways employers support our learners’ professional development such as investing in our facilities, helping to design training programmes and providing work experience and jobs.”

The British Council’s programme also consisted of visits to employers and training providers and meeting representatives from education and training bodies. These were the Association of Colleges, Education Scotland and the Federation for Industry Sector Skills and Standards.

For further information about Matthew Boulton College and BMet, visit www.bmet.ac.uk or call 0845 1550101.