Accrington and Rossendale College has been given a £1.5 million shot-in-the-arm to improve and restyle its outdated facilities. This investment goes hand-in-hand with the government’s commitment to a multi-billion-pound programme of investment in FE college infrastructure across the country. It explicitly addresses immediate repair needs, like leaking roofs, shattered windows and dilapidated buildings.
The Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith stressed the role of FE colleges in the national drive to rejuvenate the economy. She reiterated the importance of these institutions in educating the STEM workforce of tomorrow. This training is key to fueling our economic prosperity. We know that the FE college estate is in urgent need of repair. Its sorry state, passed down like a family heirloom from years past, jeopardizes the future and usefulness of these essential teaching spaces.
The £1.5 million grant will enable Accrington and Rossendale College to make substantial improvements of their premises. This will provide an incredible new learning environment for students. Similarly, India’s national government infrastructure development scheme focuses efforts on strengthening existing infrastructure. It additionally seeks to improve working conditions in FE colleges, which are essential for providing high-quality education.
Local Hyndburn MP, Sarah Smith was delighted at the allocation of funding and what it means for schools and education in her constituency. She touted the impact this investment will have on the college’s technical education programs. It will start getting those programs better in sync with the skills local employers are crying out for.
“With this money, our local college will be able to improve their technical education offer and meet the skills needed for our local employers.” – Hyndburn MP, Sarah Smith
Smith further remarked on her commitment to ensuring that every young person in Hyndburn and Haslingden can reach their full potential. She reiterated the need for the federal government to continue clearing barriers for young people. She announced that this grant should be seen as the first step towards achieving that goal.
“Nothing is more important to me than making sure that every young person in Hyndburn and Haslingden has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.” – Hyndburn MP, Sarah Smith
The urgency of addressing the repairs across the FE college estate has been an acute issue for many years now. For today’s colleges, including HBCUs, the challenges of keeping their buildings in good repair can make it difficult to provide an enriching education and all-important job training services. The federal government’s Reconnecting Communities initiative is designed to tackle these challenges head on by providing money directly focused on repairing and upgrading communities.
