Employer Collaborations Secure Bradford STEM Assured

Bradford College is one of the largest further and higher education colleges in England to achieve the prestigious STEM Assured status. The college has a long-established history and tradition in scientific and technical education that dates back to its foundation year in 1832 as the Institute of Mechanics.  The college has made significant investments in its education and training infrastructure to invigorate and strengthen its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) provision in line with the current and future economic and employer needs, locally and regionally. The college’s newly introduced STEM strategy has highlighted a new direction of travel that reflects the growing skills needs in new and emerging technology areas and practices. 

Evaluation of learner journeys has led to new curriculum developments in the areas of electronics, advanced manufacturing and robotics; digital technologies and creative media; pharmacy, dentistry and clinical skills; and sustainable construction and smart infrastructure, amongst others, as well as strengthening students’ interpersonal and professional skills.

The college’s national and international partnerships with employers and other educational providers and stakeholders have been a central theme for the realisation of its ambition to serve the needs of its communities.

Andy Welsh, CEO of Bradford College Group said: “I'm delighted that Bradford College has been recognised for the great work we do supporting STEM. Education and employment are at the heart of what we do, so it is important that we can demonstrate just how well we prepare our students for careers with STEM employers. We employ STEM industry specialists as our teachers, and they do a great job of making their subjects come alive in a way that enthuses already interested students.

“Between the academic years 2014-15 and 2015-16 our overall STEM recruitment increased by nearly 20 per cent and that is an upward trend we are committed to maintaining.”

Prof Sa’ad Medhat, CEO of the STEM Foundation said, “STEM Assured has independently benchmarked the STEM capability of Bradford College and assessed its approach to delivering valuable STEM education and training programmes. Bradford College has demonstrated a clear commitment to investing in facilities and teaching staff, informed by an ongoing horizon-scanning of skills needs and emergence of new technologies and practices. The development and delivery of industry-relevant cross-curriculum STEM provision was reflected in the positive experience expressed by many of the students, teachers, employers and other external stakeholders that were interviewed during the STEM Assured validation process. This provided a strong indication that the college’s STEM strategy is heading in the right direction. So, many congratulations to Bradford College team on achieving the STEM Assured standard and award.”