Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, has visited Kensington and Chelsea College to see first-hand their excellent fashion, millinery, photography and fine arts teaching facilities.
Together with RBKC Mayor, Cllr. Maighread Condon-Simmonds, Greg was led by the Chief Executive and Principal (Mark Brickley), governors and staff of the College on a tour of buildings and to a range of classes in fashion, millinery, fine arts, photography and etching and engraving facilities. Katie McIntyre, Performance Manager of Fashion & Millinery, and Matthew Kolakowski, Performance Manager of Fine Arts, introduced the MP to students who spoke about their subjects and experiences at the college.
Greg saw at close hand hat-making, the sewing of theatrical costumes, dark room work and much more and talked to a great many of the students, some of them adult learners.
Greg Hands said “I was extremely impressed by the College, and the wide range of skills, some of them in very niche and traditional crafts. Every single pupil and student I met was clearly highly motivated and enjoying the professional environment. By working through colleges like these, and as part of our long-term economic plan, we can deliver the best education and skills for young people, so they can have a brighter, more secure future ahead of them.”
As well as academic and vocational qualifications, Kensington and Chelsea College is one of several local apprenticeship providers. It runs courses at both levels 2 and 3 in Business and Administration, Cultural & Heritage Venue Operations, Design, and Music Business.
The College has strong links and partnerships to many of the world-class organisations surrounding it which has led to some amazing opportunities for our students including jobs at Hemingway Design, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum, among others.
Greg added, “Kensington and Chelsea College is a great local provider of apprenticeships, and it runs courses in partnership with local businesses. We will only succeed as a country if everyone is given the chance to reach their full potential.”
The Government has also created 2 million apprenticeships in this Parliament, giving young people the skills they need to succeed in the global race – and get on in life. If re-elected, David Cameron plans on unveiling a new law in his first week of government to pay for 3 million apprenticeships by lowering the benefit cap.