Milton Keynes MPs Iain Stewart and Ben Everitt have shared their delight after MK College was successful in its £3.5m application to the Skills Accelerator programme.
The scheme is part of the Government’s plan to build back better and level up the country by ensuring learners are able to develop the skills that enable them to get a well-paid and secure job, no matter where they come from.
The Milton Keynes College Skills Accelerator development fund pilot will include the South Central Institute of Technology, Learning 2050, South East Midlands LEP, Cranfield University and MK Council Community Learning.
Members of the strategic development fund collaboration will deliver their proposals, which will enable and enhance strategic partnerships between employers and post-16 providers, and test how these alliances will help shape future technical skills provision, including through the establishment of a College Business Centre.
Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, said: “This is brilliant news for Milton Keynes College and our city as a whole and is down to the continued dedicated hard work of Julie Mills and MK College.
“The pilot will play a huge role in building back better after the pandemic and ensuring learners have the skills and connections they need to go onto have a great career.”
Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, added: “I’m absolutely delighted MK College has been awarded this new funding to trial the Skills Accelerator programme.
“MK College can be at the heart of our levelling up agenda at a time when digital skills are going more important than ever to our local employers’ needs.
“I want to congratulate Julie Mills and the entire team at MK College for the fantastic work they continue to do to support young people from education and into work.”