National honour for college

Staff and students are celebrating today after it was announced a Shropshire college has been awarded a prestigious national award.

Telford College of Arts and Technology (TCAT) has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for its work in “delivering economically important skills on employers’ premises”.

The announcement was made at a reception at St James’s Palace yesterday.

College chiefs will travel to Buckingham Palace in February to receive the award from Her Majesty.

Doug Boynton, college principal, said the honour was the most prestigious award any university or college can receive.He said: “The college and all its governors, staff, students and partners are justifiably proud of this achievement.”

TCAT, in Haybridge Road, Wellington, plays a major part in upskilling staff in more than 800 companies nationwide and has trained more than 51,000 employees.

Ann Griffiths, of the college’s commercial development and training arm, said: “I feel this most prestigious award has recognised the strong and vital links which have been forged with, not only our local industries, but large and small businesses nationally.”

The announcement has come in the same week Mr Boynton was awarded the coveted annual FEAlliance principals award for excellence.