Telford College backs ‘Community Champion’ award

Telford College is sponsoring the ‘Community Champion’ prize at this year’s Shropshire Chamber Business Awards as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the local economy.

The award is aimed at businesses which believe in ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community by supporting local suppliers and fostering links with schools, colleges and community groups.

Lawrence Wood, the college’s principal and chief executive, spoke at the competition’s launch event about the importance of building strong links between education and business – and the college being a key community partner.

In an interview with the event’s master of ceremonies Ryan Kennedy, he said: “We are engaging with all sectors of the community, listening to their views and making sure we respond to their needs. 

“We are working in strong partnership with employers, and the local authority as well, to make sure we are really making a difference in the areas that need us.”

Telford College has been a supporter of the Chamber awards for many years. It is a previous winner of the Managing Change award, and a former Company of the Year finalist.

Mr Wood told the audience at Hencote vineyard in Shrewsbury about the college’s new sixth form building in the heart of Telford town centre’s Station Quarter, due to open in September, which he said would be ‘transformational’.

He added: “A college doesn’t function on its own, in isolation. We’re not just a qualification factory – we’re about supporting people of all ages to gain the skills they need, so they can be fantastic employees in the workplace.

“I’ve created a new department at the college that just focuses on engaging with employers that we need to serve.”

The Community champion award is one of 13 accolades due to be handed out at this year’s Shropshire Chamber Business Awards.

Entries are now open, and are free to all businesses with an operational base in either Telford & Wrekin or Shropshire.