College can help region's prosperity, says new head

Paul Padda has been appointed principal and CEO of East Coast College

Linking up lessons, skilled people and job opportunities will boost the local economy, the new head of a college has said.

Paul Padda, 46, has been appointed as principal and CEO at East Coast College, which has campuses in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

Both towns "face a common challenge", but the college that has specialist maritime, energy and offshore training centres can develop "economic prosperity" for the area, Mr Padda said.

The college can act as a catalyst to "connect the curriculum and the experiences and the opportunities of the people to the place".

"I am excited to continue working and developing our college,” Mr Padda said

David Blake, chair of East Coast College corporation, said: “Paul’s passion for the college and education shone through" during the interview process.

Mr Padda, who said he was "honoured and thrilled to have been appointed", has worked at the college since 2013 and has held the role of interim CEO for the past few months.

He paid tribute to former principal Stuart Rimmer, saying he had "done so much for the college".