New Telford principal says job is a "privilege"
The new boss of Telford College of Arts and Technology has described his appointment to the top job as a "privilege", and vowed to continue to build links with the local business community.
Chris Scott was handed the reins earlier this year, after 19 years with the Wellington-based college which began with him playing the role of its accountant.
Now the 51-year-old, who comes from Shrewsbury and now lives just south of the town, says he hopes to build on the work of his predecessor Janet Ellis.
"It's privilege to be in this role," he said. "Being principal, I'm thrilled to be in a position to take the vision of the college further.
"We have invested significantly over the last two to three years in the college's estate, and almost all our accommodation is now at the highest level.
"Now we need to be providing a service where everybody that comes to the college knows the opportunities for them in their careers and in their lives are significantly enhanced."
Work is still continuing on the site to further develop TCAT's estate, with plans in place for a new centre for students with learning disabilities.
An old building beside the modern refectory is also being removed at the moment, stripping out some of the older classrooms that were no longer fit for purpose in the process.
"We must have invested more than £10 million over the last couple of years in the college to give us the facilities we have," Mr Scott added.
"We have a brand new teaching restaurant with two state-of-the-art teaching kitchens, and that cost £1.5 million.
"The developments have been financed through our own funds but also capital grants from central government.
"The block that's being removed is an old teaching block, and by refurbishing the old workshops we have increased our classroom capacity. The old one was cold in the winter and hot in the summer, had rooms that weren't the right size, and was well past its sell-by date.
"The centre for learning disabilities, the building contract will start on September 22 and it should be completed in March or April next year."
The college has worked with businesses over the years to maintain a vocational element in its teaching, and to match graduates to careers that are demanding a skilled young workforce.
Mr Scott added: "We are always trying to engage with local businesses. We need to give young people the skills to enhance those businesses, to become more productive."
