• The Award for FE Team of the Year (sponsored by the Department for Education)
  • The Bedford College Group
  • Silver Winners
  • 2022
  • Bedford, Bedfordshire

The team have worked hard to redevelop a new Centre in Bedford offering cutting-edge training in electric vehicle maintenance. Using industry experience to keep students engaged during lockdowns through a YouTube channel, and opened the refurbished college building as a training centre for local school leavers, adults and employers. Redeveloped from an engineering training unit, the new centre houses electric vehicle and hybrid technology, enabling students to leave college with the skills needed for this growing industry.

Throughout the refurbishment, tutors kept in contact with many former students, with two now training to be lecturers in the team! Great relationships have inspired alumni to return for short day-courses to gain skills in electric and hybrid technology in response to the government initiatives to increase usage on UK roads. The team also developed long-term partnerships with large local employers such as BCA and The RAC to ensure that students can access apprenticeships, internships or full-time employment.