Telford College is the largest further education centre in the county and is situated in Wellington, Telford in Shropshire. The college was founded in 1892 by Charles Walker and is now recognised as a major training hub for local employers, delivering a broad range of courses, including A Levels, T Levels, technical and vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and degree-level higher education programmes. The college has invested millions of pounds to create an innovative, technology-led, university standard learning environment. Telford College has also created a series of sector-specific specialist training hubs designed to work closely with employers to help fill skills gaps in areas such as health, engineering, digital skills and apprenticeships. Engaging with over 700 businesses and building closer links with the local business community is a pivotal part of the college’s mission.
In its 2022 Ofsted inspection, Telford College was recognised as a ‘Good’ provider, and its financial health status has been officially judged as ‘Outstanding’. Its vision is to become an ‘ethical skills eco- system’ for the Marches and West Midlands, working in close partnership with stakeholders, partners, and local businesses. The college is a one-stop shop for academic, vocational and apprenticeship studies, with a wide-ranging curriculum which is constantly evolving to meet the needs of Shropshire businesses, including apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with RAF Cosford, where students can experience all the latest innovations in aerospace technology. Telford College is also the first in the UK to implement a new apprentice assessment programme for road surfacing, with 100% pass rate achieved. The Telford College Employability Team offer a wide range of SWAP (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes) to the unemployed and those on a low income. HGV and Forklift are very popular having trained 568 candidates in 21/22 academic year, working in collaboration with the Road Haulage Association.
Huge investment in university-standard facilities means the college offers courses which pave the way for careers in more than 70 different industries. Telford College is growing the curriculum and expanding its facilities, including a suite of T Level courses, Future IV programme for green sciences and sustainability and setting up a new base in Telford town centre’s Station Quarter, focused around maths and digital skills. Ofsted has praised the college for adapting its curriculum to meet changing skills needs, and for helping students to boost confidence and self-belief in a safe and stimulating learning environment.
Advanced and Higher Technical Specialisms
Electronics, machinery and parts
- Electronic engineering, general engineering
Digital, technology and computer services
Health and Care Sector
- Early years, supporting children in primary education and health & social care
- CIPD (HR)
- Accounting (AAT)
Key Facts 2020/21
Turnover 2021 | £22,811,000 |
Staff employed | 412 |
ESFA financial health rating | Outstanding |
Current Ofsted grade | Good |