Yvette Cooper (left) with Sam Wright (middle) and Steve Harrison (right)

Secretary of State for the Home Department and Member of Parliament (MP) for Pontefract, Castleford, Knottingley and Altofts, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, visited Castleford College last week to see the progress of its brand-new construction facilities.

Principal and Chief Executive, Sam Wright and Local College Director, Steve Harrison, provided the Home Secretary with a tour of the development, which aims to provide a large space for students from a range of construction disciplines to enhance their learning using new innovative technologies.

The development is an expansion of the College’s existing construction facilities that feature state-of-the-art brickwork, carpentry and electrical workshops, which Yvette also visited.

The Home Secretary spoke to learners about their experience at the College and how their qualifications are preparing them for a range of careers in construction.

The Home Secretary meeting with learners on the College’s Electrical Installation programme

Yvette Cooper said:

“Castleford College’s new building dedicated to training and apprenticeships is a great opportunity for local young people. The College is becoming a real centre for excellence for construction skills at a time when we need more young people starting apprenticeships. It’s great to see the college going from strength to strength and supporting good quality local jobs.”

During her tour, the Home Secretary also stopped by the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Curriculum Stakeholder Event which invites local and national employers and partners to help shape the Group’s curriculum strategy.

Fruitful discussions were had with employers such as Ardagh Group, Crompton Controls, His Majesty’s Prison Service and more, about how the Group can align its curriculum with industry demands - helping to meet local, regional and national skills needs.

Sam Wright said:

“Developing an education offer which is responsive to the skills needs of our region is incredibly important to us at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. That is why we regularly engage with external stakeholders to help shape our curriculum and continuously invest in our facilities to create realistic and immersive learning environments for our students. It was a pleasure to be able to demonstrate this to the Home Secretary and to further discuss how the College can support skills development in our district.”

With strong ties to the College, Yvette officiated the launch of Castleford College in November 2022 after it was granted official College status in March earlier that year, following the formation of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.