Bath College learners have demonstrated how their courses are preparing them for employment during a visit from EU Deputy Ambassador Isabell Poppelbaum.
The senior European Union delegation visited the college’s City Centre Campus on 10 July, hosted by Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin. The visit focused on strengthening links between education providers, employers and international partners.
Isabell Poppelbaum met learners, college staff and regional stakeholders to discuss future EU–UK cooperation, the potential opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and the college’s role in developing work-ready skills across the South West. The delegation spoke to T-Level students studying Education, Engineering and Digital Software, as well as apprentices completing training in construction and carpentry.
Learners explained how combining classroom education with employment experience had helped them gain practical skills, improve their confidence and prepare for the workplace. The discussions also considered how international programmes such as Erasmus+ could create additional opportunities for further education learners, including overseas experience and access to a wider range of career pathways.
Kevin Hamblin, Principal and CEO of Bath College, said, “We are proud to welcome international partners to Bath College and to show how we deliver real skills for real futures. Our students benefit from a blend of academic learning and practical experience, shaped in partnership with employers. Initiatives like Erasmus+ can also broaden their horizons.”
Isabell Poppelbaum said the visit had demonstrated the West of England’s commitment to developing stronger international relationships.
“Our mission to Bath highlighted the West of England’s strong European outlook and the enormous potential for even closer cooperation in education, research, innovation and business,” she said.
“Ultimately, the future of the EU–UK relationship will be built as much in places like Bath as in Brussels or London, strengthening the people-to-people ties at the heart of the EU–UK relationship.”
Bath College works closely with local employers and authorities to ensure its courses respond to the skills required by businesses across the West of England. Its curriculum places a strong emphasis on progression, employability and practical experience, supporting learners from a wide range of backgrounds as they prepare for further study or employment.
The visit highlighted the part colleges can play in supporting local economic growth while developing international relationships and creating new opportunities for young people.
