Union calls on Government to act on promises to 'build back better' and stop closure of Goole College

A decision to shut a college serving a fast-growing East Riding town has been described as a “hammer blow”, leaving dozens of students and staff in the lurch at the end of thos academic year.
Goole College could close at the end of the academic yearGoole College could close at the end of the academic year
Goole College could close at the end of the academic year

The University and College Union (UCU) has vowed to fight the proposed closure of Goole College, which has 170 students and 22 staff, saying it is “exactly the sort of town that the Government should be investing in”.

Construction is underway on a new £200 million Siemens rail factory in Goole, which will employ 700 people when the first phase opens in 2023, and the UCU says the college’s courses, which include mechanical engineering and welding, should be used to train local people for high-skilled jobs in the area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a statement Hull College Group said it was “not in a position to best meet the future needs of learners” at the loss-making college.

UCU regional officer Julie KelleyUCU regional officer Julie Kelley
UCU regional officer Julie Kelley

UCU regional official Julie Kelley said: “It is shocking that the Government would sign off the closure of the college whilst also announcing reforms in further education.

“If the Government is serious about levelling up the nation’s skills and building back better then it must halt the plans.

“The campus needs investment and it should be used to train and prepare local people for the high-skilled jobs and opportunities that will be created in the local area.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Town councillor Keith Moore said there was a “sense of despair” that the college faced closure, on top of the difficulties in the high street and HSBC announcing it was closing a local branch.

There had been no consultation, he said, adding: “Education should be a service like the NHS and not run on profit and loss.”

Hull College Group claimed the decision “presents a significant opportunity to work with the people of Goole to repurpose the site and create a future asset for the wider community.”

It would work with East Riding Council and other local providers to ensure there were places for students to continue their studies.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.