Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, visited Harrogate College last week to celebrate Colleges Week and see first-hand the vital role further education plays in developing skills across the community.
Marking this year’s Colleges Week theme, “Skills for All,” Tom toured a number of classes focused on practical and career-focused training, including catering and community interpretation.
During the visit, Tom joined a session on the college’s community interpreter course. The course supports learners who speak other languages to develop the linguistic ability and professional skills needed to train as community interpreters, helping people in their communities access services and integrate into life in the UK. While visiting the class, Tom answered questions about the UK’s political system and how those who speak English as a second language can access democracy. He also heard from learners about the community initiatives they are involved in locally.
Since being elected, Tom has been a strong supporter of both the college and the wider further education sector. He helped secure the £20 million needed to redevelop the college after previously allocated funding lapsed, ensuring students will benefit from new, modern facilities. He has also raised concerns in the House of Commons about cuts to adult skills funding, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in training to support economic growth and opportunity.
Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said:
Tom’s visit during Colleges Week was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the breadth of learning taking place at Harrogate College. From our catering students developing the professional skills they’ll take into industry settings, to adult ESOL learners who are building new lives and careers in the UK, colleges play an important role in promoting opportunity and integration across society.
Tom Gordon MP said:
It is always a pleasure to visit Harrogate College. They provide a fantastic opportunity for learners across our local area to develop industry ready skills, making jobs more accessible and opening up new opportunities for people. I enjoyed speaking to students about the opportunities they are able to access through the college.
