Local businesses input into University Centre Telford provision at launch event

Developing skills and professional development for economic growth in Telford came under the spotlight at the business launch of University Centre Telford (UCT) at Southwater One.   

A partnership between the University of Wolverhampton and Telford College of Arts and Technology (TCAT), University Centre Telford has been supported by Telford and Wrekin Council and offers a variety of courses as well as an advice and information centre for potential students, and a business support function.

Members of the local ‌business community, including Telford Business Board, were welcomed to the event by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer, and invited to support, use and shape the Centre for the needs of industry and the region.

Professor Geoff Layer said: “The University of Wolverhampton is providing more opportunities for higher education in Shropshire through University Centre Telford, in partnership with TCAT. The input from local businesses into what courses the Centre should be offering to address professional skills development across the region is essential; we greatly value their support and views to develop the UCT into a leading higher education centre for Telford and Shropshire.‌

“The outcome is more courses will be developed and delivered in line with local need, and there will be tasters, events and engagement sessions at the Centre.”

Chris Scott, Principal, Telford College of Arts and Technology, said: “TCAT has a strong relationship with the University of Wolverhampton and now we’ve brought higher education right into the heart of Telford. Local data has shown a need for higher level skills in the workforce over many years and we can start to build those skills so that companies coming here can benefit and we can help the economic regeneration of the area.”

Courses currently delivered at University Centre Telford include Access to HE Diploma, HND Hospitality and Events Management, HND Business Management, Level 3 Counselling and Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management.

An official Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the event between the University of Wolverhampton and Telford & Wrekin Council to further recognise the relationship between the two institutions.

The Centre further reinforces the University’s presence in the town adding to the Telford Innovation Campus at Priorslee, which has just benefited from investment in its facilities including upgraded engineering labs.

Southwater is a £250m development made up of cultural, leisure, retail, events, homes and office facilities, creating a new heart for Telford Town Centre. University Centre Telford is based on the top floor of Southwater One.

For more information on University Centre Telford, please visit http://www.wlv.ac.uk/uctelford/

ENDS

For more information please contact Claire Tallentire in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736, email: C.Tallentire@wlv.ac.uk