County council leaders enjoy visit to college's Mansfield, Sutton and Kirkby sites
Nottinghamshire Council leader Coun Mick Barton (Ref), and several members of his cabinet enjoyed a visit to West Nottinghamshire College sites in Mansfield, Sutton and Kirkby.
Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley gave them a tour of the college’s sites at Derby Road, the town’s former brewery on Littleworth and Chesterfield Road in Mansfield, as well as the Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing at Oddicroft Lane, Sutton and the construction centre at Station Park, Kirkby.
They met with staff and students to find out more about how the college is helping to drive forward innovation to equip learners with the skills they need, as well as supporting local businesses to prosper and grow.
The visit was part of a new initiative by Coun Barton for him and his cabinet to visit businesses and organisations – including churches, community groups and schools – across the county.
Coun Barton said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Andrew and his team for their fantastic hospitality and warm welcome they gave to myself and my colleagues during a hugely enjoyable visit.
“We were given a fascinating insight into how the college is delivering innovative and pioneering courses for its students, with the aim of equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in the careers they want to pursue.
“I am proud of the brilliant work Andrew and the college are doing, not only in supporting its learners, but also for the hugely significant role they play in boosting investment opportunities in Mansfield and Ashfield as well as the wider Nottinghamshire area.”
Mr Cropley said it was a ‘real pleasure’ to host Coun Barton and his cabinet colleagues for a tour of five of the ‘fabulous’ college sites.
He said: “As ever, staff and students alike spoke with great passion about the experience that we are trying to offer here and the strategies we have in place to support our learners into work.
"We discussed the importance of technical and vocational training and how councillors might help us to do an even better job for our communities.
“It was obvious that we share the same ambitions for local people and I look forward to strengthening our already excellent partnerships with the council."
Any business which would like to host Coun Barton and his cabinet colleagues should email [email protected]