Close business links pay off for college

With a 92.9 per cent overall success rate, B&FC tops the table of 218 other colleges and is significantly ahead of the 83.6 per cent national average in England.

The College’s career-focussed professional and vocational qualifications are actively supported by industry and business partners can be equally proud of their contribution to the success its students have achieved.

Bev Robinson, principal and chief executive at Blackpool and The Fylde College, welcomed the news.

She said: “We are delighted to be named as the highest performing GFEC in England for student success.

“At B&FC, quality is at the heart of everything we do.

“Our exceptional success, retention and achievement rates mean we can supply high-achieving, work-ready, motivated students who will have a positive impact on businesses.

“Employer partners are also invaluable in ensuring that the provision which we offer directly meets the needs of industry.”

She said the college partnerships with employers are fundamental to shaping and delivering curriculum to develop home grown talents with the skills, knowledge and experience to drive forward the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s vision for the region.

More than 2,000 businesses chose B&FC to deliver education and training programmes to their staff including BAE Systems, Ford, DONG, The Wood Group, Morrison’s, Jaguar Land Rover, Merlin Entertainment, Rolls Royce and the NHS.

Mark Croasdale, from Whitehead and Howarth Chartered Accountants, said: “This results table does not come as a surprise to the business networks. B&FC works hard to create synergies with both industry and professionals across the region to ensure that courses it provides equip students with the necessary skills that employers are looking for.”