Shipley College Principal Diana Bird has been recognised for her hard work and dedication to education at an event in Downing Street.
More than 100 people attended the Local Skills Champion reception hosted by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, after being chosen from hundreds of nominations.
Ms Bird was nominated by Shipley MP Philip Davies because of her commitment to the College as well as her work in the local community.
Mr Davies said: “Shipley College was one of the first colleges in the country to offer Technical Level Qualifications for 16 to 18 year olds and also works closely with local businesses who offer apprenticeships. The work Diana and her team do is outstanding and it is clear how committed they are to ensuring young people succeed whatever their chosen path.”
Ms Bird also is involved in the local community and is a member of the Shipley Towns Fund Board and is now overseeing how the £25 million government levelling up money for Shipley is being used.
Ms Bird said: “I was delighted to be invited to the Local Skills Champion reception at number 10 Downing Street hosted by the Rt Hon. Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education and am grateful to MP Philip Davies for the nomination.
“Shipley College has excellent relationships with local employers and it is these strong partnerships that enable us to deliver against the current and future skills needs of the district and support local businesses to thrive. I was delighted to be accompanied to the event by ex-student Nathan Hannah. Nathan achieved a distinction in his digital T level at the College in 2022 and is now studying Computer Science at Newcastle University. Nathan completed his placement at Bradford based Exa Networks who have been and continue to be incredibly supportive of the T-level programme.”
T-levels were developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education. They offer students practical and knowledge based learning at a school or school and on the job experience through industry placements.
