West Herts College visit with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills

West Herts College welcomed the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan. The visit showcased the college's commitment to advanced education practices and developing strong partnerships with key local employers in the area. 
 
Dean has been a staunch supporter of West Herts College, understanding the institution's vital role in providing first class further education opportunities. The college is known and respected for pushing the boundaries of education, turning aspirations into accomplishments. 
 
The itinerary included a roundtable introductory discussion, where the College Principal and CEO, along with two senior leaders, engaged with the Secretary of State. Shortly after, the college discussed policy in practice, emphasising the collaborative approach to curriculum development and skills delivery in partnership with employers. A specific focus was placed on the West Herts Hospital Trust, aligning with Local Skills Employment Plans. 
 
During a previous visit, Dean discussed the demonstration of extended reality techniques, which were made possible by the government's Strategic Development Fund. This showcased the college's commitment to equipping students with both technical and soft skills essential for today's job market. Additionally, there were strategies for supporting positive mental health.  
 
Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan MP said: 
 
‘Dean has continuously campaigned for investment in skills to create opportunities for young people across Watford. It was fantastic to visit West Herts College to see the state-of-the-art facilities that are delivering for people across the area.  
 
The college is working to unlock the potential of young people and ensure the next generation have the skills they need to get ahead in life.  
 
I am hugely grateful to Dean for inviting me and to Gill and her wonderful team for all their incredible work at the West Herts college’. 
 
Gill Worgan, Principal and Chief Executive, West Herts College Group commented, 
 
‘We were delighted to welcome Gillian Keegan Secretary of State for Education and Dean Russell MP to West Herts College, the visit highlighted how FE colleges are vital partners for the government to deliver on its key priorities for the country. Our conversations reinforced how collaborations between leading businesses and colleges can serve as a driver for regional growth and provide opportunities for skills development. 
  
It was a great opportunity to showcase how investment from government has been utilised to enhance teaching and learning through virtual reality technology, as well as supporting our partnership with the West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust which will provide new training opportunities to create routes into work for local people. 
Our students were able to speak with the Minister and Secretary of State about their experience at West Herts College and how it has opened exciting opportunities for their progression’. 
  
Following the visit, Dean said, ‘I was pleased to welcome the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan to West Herts College in Watford. The college showcased their commitment to ground-breaking education practices and strong partnerships with local employers. As the local MP, I've long been a supporter of the college, recognising its vital role in providing excellent further education opportunities. West Herts College is renowned for pushing the boundaries of education and for supporting pupils from education into employment.  
 
The visit included meeting groups of students that took part in my initiative to train a thousand people in mental health first aid awareness. The feedback was inspiring and showed the West Herts College’s commitment to mental health. The training was delivered by the Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce and was supported by Camelot with the College helping us reach our target by encouraging students to take part, for which I am incredibly grateful’.