College to open region’s first Industrial Centre of Excellence

The facility, which is Yorkshire’s first ICE, will focus on business service and financial skills.

It is being run by a partnership between Bradford Council, Titus Salt School in Baildon and Shipley College.

The ICE provides work-based learning for students and will also have a base in Saltaire, the world heritage site near Shipley.

The pilot scheme has seen 16 college students and six school pupils carry out work-based learning with two days a week paid work placements over 15 weeks alongside their classroom studies.

The new ICE will open in September with around 90 pupils studying qualifications in IT, business and creative digital media.

Shipley College principal Nav Chohan said: “The impact of the learners can be measured by a marked difference in confidence and attitude. Anecdotal evidence from students and employers proves that the centre of excellence does what it’s designed for – better preparing young people for the future jobs market through direct business involvement in curriculum design, work experience and careers support ensuring that the learning provision is relevant for business needs.”

The target is for 200 students to be based at the ICE in Saltaire by 2015.

James Kaleda, a talent advisor for Yorkshire Water who took part in the pilot project, said: “I think the centre of excellence is a fantastic idea and all the hands-on experience that is offered is so relevant to prepare students for the world of work.

“Industry is able to go to them directly at the centre of excellence to teach them the skills needed to increase their employability.”

One of the first students to take part in the pilot was Haseena Khan who is studying for a Btec national extended diploma in business. The 17-year-old said: I enjoyed the mix of having classes in college in accounting and business administration and my role with Bradford Council working on the Step Up Market challenge which aims to teach young people business and marketing skills.

“I am really grateful for the opportunity which crucially looks great on my CV.”