Middlesbrough College is set to play a leading role in shaping vocational and technical skills across the North East after being named the area’s Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hub by the Association of Colleges (AoC).
The prestigious appointment puts the college at the centre of a major national programmedesigned to support teachers, lecturers and education leaders as new technical and vocational qualifications are introduced across England.
As one of only nine TVE Hubs nationwide, Middlesbrough will help drive improvements in technical education across the region, working closely with schools, colleges, training providers, employers and industry partners to ensure learners develop the skills local businesses need now and in the future.
The hubs form a key part of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme (TVPD), funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the AoC. The programme is being designed by the sector for the sector, and it will help educators prepare for the continued expansion of T Levels, the introduction of new V Levels and revised Level 2 qualifications, ensuring students benefit from high-quality pathways that reflect the latest industry standards and workforce requirements.
In this new role, Middlesbrough College will lead collaboration across the region, sharing expertise and best practice while strengthening links between education providers and employers. The appointment recognises the college’s longstanding commitment to technical and vocational education and its track record of working with employers to equip learners with the skills needed for successful careers.
Jessica Barwell, Vice Principal Curriculum of Middlesbrough College, said: ” We are proud to have been selected as a TVE Hub and look forward to working with partners across the region to share best practice, strengthen technical education, and support high-quality professional development that benefits both educators and learners”.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “The Technical and Vocational Hubs will sit at the heart of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme, helping to build capacity from within the sector and supporting providers to deliver high-quality technical education.
“We are pleased to welcome Middlesbrough College as one of our regional hub partners. The new role is expected to bring together education providers and employers from across the North East, helping to strengthen skills development, support economic growth and ensure the region is well placed to meet future workforce demands.”
As the North East’s TVE Hub, Middlesbrough College will now work with education and industry partners across the region to develop and deliver professional development, share expertise and support the successful introduction of new technical qualifications. The work will help ensure teaching keeps pace with changing industry needs and that learners across the North East have access to high-quality technical education and clear routes into skilled employment.
