National LSC chairman Chris Banks visited Coventry to see how
two of the city's colleges are creating new learning
opportunities.
Mr Banks first visited Coventry City College's new £52
million Swanswell site, which became fully operational for 12,000
students in January 2009. The LSC contributed £22 million to
the total cost of the state-of-the-art development.
Mr Banks also visited Henley College Coventry to see how the
college is serving the needs of a socially disadvantaged community
by developing strong links with employers and working closely with
Sector Skills Councils to ensure qualifications respond to
employers' needs.
Mr Banks said: "I have strong ties with the West Midlands, not
least as a member of Council at the University of Birmingham where
I was a student and, of course, Coventry is home to the national
office of the LSC.
"It has been a real pleasure to be here to witness first hand
the commitment to learning of both staff and students at City
College and Henley College in Coventry and to see another example
of the positive difference our highly successful programme of
capital investment in college buildings is making up and down the
country."
"Colleges are the incubators of the skills and knowledge that
employers need to maximise their competitiveness. The LSC is
committed to providing the opportunities for all, regardless of
background, to fulfil their potential through learning."
Paul Taylor, Principal at City College Coventry said: "We are
exceptionally proud of our new college, the building of which has
been made possible with the Learning and Skills Council's support
and commitment. Our move into the heart of the Hillfields community
has been a tremendous success and we look forward to continuing to
create new learning opportunities for all."
Ray Goy, Principal at Henley College Coventry said: "Colleges
such as ours play a vital role in the heart of the community, not
only by improving employment prospects of local people but also
promoting social cohesion and regeneration."