First students impressed by new college site

Aileen Jomon, Calix Alemonai, Dawid Sciborowski and Jesse Abdul Karim were among the students arriving on the first day

The first students to arrive at a new college site said they were impressed by the facilities and how easy it was to get to.

Telford and Wrekin Council said it hoped The Quad in Telford town centre would be more accessible than college campuses in Wellington and Newport for people living in the south of the borough.

It is based close to Telford Central railway station and is a collaboration between the council, Harper Adams University and Telford College.

About two dozen students arrived on the first day with 200 more expected by October and it will eventually host up to 300 a year, aged 16 to 18.

T-Level student Jesse Abdul Karim said: "It’s even nicer than I was expecting. I love how easy it is to travel to, and how it’s situated in the middle of town.”

Calix Alemonai, a former Madeley Academy student on a level three digital course, also liked the accessibility of the site and said: “The equipment is new, it’s fresh, it’s easier to use and it’s faster. I also like how close it is to the bus station and train station.”

Aileen Jomon, a former Telford Park School student, added: “The location makes it easier for me to travel and makes my journey to college faster.”

Many of the courses will involve the teaching of new digital technologies

Telford College is due to offer courses for up to 200 of the 300 learners aged 16 to 18, plus evening classes for adults.

Lawrence Wood, Telford College Principal and chief executive, said the curriculum would be "targeted towards careers in sectors such as cybersecurity, AI, virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, wireless technologies and 5G innovation".

Harper Adams University will also offer short courses and degrees, taught from The Quad.

Subjects would include applied data science, robotics, automation and mechatronics, engineering business management and digital manufacturing.

There will also be start up space for small businesses on the third floor of the building.

The council said The Quad would form part of a wider "Station Quarter" development which aims to regenerate the area around Telford Central railway station.

The authority also plans to turn its former headquarters at Addenbrooke House into a sixth form centre.