Construction, planning and the built environment vocational courses in Peterborough are bridging the skills gap to meet industry needs.

Peterborough Regional College's post-16 construction, planning and the built environment vocational courses are providing students with the relevant skills to meet industry needs according to Ofsted's post-16 good practice survey reports.

The development of effective links with employers and manufacturers through the Construction Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) were considered to be outstanding; these links enhance the curriculum by providing opportunities for students to visit working sites and use industry standard materials and equipment in training and assessment.


Principal Don Lawson, said: "The skills levels reached by our Construction students at all levels make a very significant contribution to the local and regional economy. This reflects the dedication of our excellent team of staff who ensure all our students work within the most realistic environment so they are all prepared for jobs with employers.

"As a result many of them return to us further enhance their skills and maximise their career."

Inspectors made over 100 visits to colleges to identify good practice in vocational education and training. The vocational areas that were surveyed comprised business; administration and law; science; engineering and manufacturing technologies; construction, planning and the built environment; and agriculture; horticulture and animal care.

(JM)