Skills Minister visits NSCG to get insight into an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ and highly successful college

Minister Burghart visited the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ college during a visit to the area and on arrival, was greeted by NSCG Principal & Chief Executive, Karen Dobson OBE, before initially receiving a tour of the multi-million pound facilities at the Knutton Lane campus and then meeting a number of students, staff members and Aaron Bell MP, who also attended the visit.

As part of his role as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, Minister Burghart is responsible for further education providers including provider finances and workforce, T Levels, qualification reviews (Levels 3 and below), and apprenticeships including pre-apprenticeships.

Commenting on his visit to NSCG, Minister Burghart, said: “It was a pleasure to visit NSCG Newcastle College and see how students are getting on the path to a good career via our exciting vocational options."

T Levels and apprenticeships offer high-quality routes for young people to develop the skills and workplace experience employers say they need, so they can go on to build rewarding careers.”

Following the tour of key facilities including teaching spaces, socialising zones, sports facilities and the new Esports Hub, Minister Burghart met with students from various different course pathways and ages who all thoroughly enjoyed an informal Q&A session with the Minister for Skills, where a range of questions were asked about post-16 education options.

Attending the Q&A session, student Emily Landers, who is studying a T Level in Education & Childcare, said: “It was a great opportunity to meet Minister Burghart and to talk with him about T Levels. The qualifications have been developed with businesses so students like myself can be sure they are going to get the skills they need to succeed in their chosen industry. I know he is passionate about T Levels and it was great to be able to tell him how much I am enjoying my chosen pathway.”

Summarising the visit by Minister Burghart, Karen Dobson OBE, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Alex Burghart MP to NSCG Newcastle College and show him what makes NSCG such a special place to study at with a thriving college community.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed meeting with Minister Burghart where they got to ask him some questions about his role and his ambitions for the future landscape of further education.”