Suffolk New College sets out strategy to 'solve skills dilemma' for local businesses

Why it matters: The strategic plan aligns with five key government priorities and aims to maximise student impact while addressing skills needs for local employers across Suffolk.

The big picture: The college is participating in the national Colleges Week campaign from 3 to 7 March 2025, under the theme 'Building Brighter Futures'.

What they're saying: "We are going to be brave, ambitious and innovative. We are playing a major part in helping people of all ages and backgrounds who will go on and shape the future of the town," said Terry Baxter, Chair of Governors for the college.

He added: "My message to everyone is to work with us, trust us and together we can solve skills dilemma for businesses in Ipswich, this region and ultimately, the country as a whole."

Behind the scenes: The college developed its strategy after engaging with third parties to create a vision that maximises student and community impact.

Nigel Duncan, deputy further education commissioner, who attended the Suffolk New College strategy day as a speaker, said: "This was my second visit since the Principal and CEO (Alan Pease) took over and I think the college is positioning itself extremely well. It's an anchor organisation for Ipswich and the wider area of Suffolk."

"What I really admire is the amount of effort and commitment that senior leaders and governors at Suffolk New College are putting in to getting it right for their learners, staff, employers and students, ensuring everything they do is of the highest possible quality, not just for now, but for the future."

The details: Activities taking place during Colleges Week at Suffolk New College include a forum with business students and local marketing agency Jacob Bailey to discuss the future of Ipswich, a charity music concert, and a collaboration between art and motor vehicle learners.

In their own words: Students shared their experiences of studying at the college:

Harnesh Rajasingham, studying level 3 Professional Cookery, said: "College is a great way to learn higher culinary skills, especially when you're coming into professional cookery. It's a really nice place. You have really nice people that you can talk to, people in the kitchens that are really helpful, really mixed skills and different culinary techniques."

Hannah Preyser-Thorpe, 23, from Ipswich on an 'introduction to college' land-based pathway at Suffolk Rural, said: "I enjoy the college because everyone is supportive and they make me feel happy and welcome. I want to run a farm and a garden centre in the future, and I think by coming here I can fulfil that dream."

Katie Whitehouse, 17, from Ipswich, studying level three equine management at Suffolk Rural, added: "I love my college because it is an incredible environment, I have been taught so much stuff and being around the animals is a really nice experience."

The bottom line: Principal Alan Pease  said: "We can't wait for people to see our strategy and we are delighted to be announcing it during Colleges Week. It is very much aligned to the five government priorities and it will help us continue to ensure that everything we do is outstanding."