Telford College of Arts and Technology

For the similarly named college in Edinburgh, Scotland, see Edinburgh's Telford College.

Coordinates: 52°41′49″N 2°29′53″W / 52.697°N 2.498°W / 52.697; -2.498

Telford College of Arts and Technology
Motto Where great futures begin and every learner matters
Established 1892
Type Further education college
Interm Principal Jo Lomax
Founder Charles Clement Walker
Location Haybridge Road, Wellington
Telford
Shropshire
TF1 2NP
England
Local authority Telford and Wrekin
Students 1,200 (full time) and 15,000 (part time)
Ages 16+
Telephone 01952 642200
Fax 01952 642293
Website www.tcat.ac.uk

Telford College of Arts and Technology (TCAT) is a further education college in Telford, Shropshire, England. It operates from one main site and many in-company training sites and community-based courses spread out across Shropshire and the whole of the United Kingdom. It is sometimes known as "Telford College" but should not be confused with Telford College in Edinburgh.

History

The college was founded in 1892 by Charles Walker as the Centre for Art and Science Classes and was originally based in Oakengates, Shropshire. From 1913 until the Second World War it was based in the former Coffee House and Recreation Centre in Market Street which was since demolished by the New Town Corporation.[1] The college moved to a new site, built in 1926, down Hartsbridge Road becoming the Walker Technical College. In the 1960s it opened a larger campus on Haybridge Road in Wellington which became the part of new town of Telford. By the 1980s the college adopted its current name.

The old Oakengates Site (now closed) on Hartsbridge Road in March 2010. The building has since been sold and converted into apartments.

On 12 November 2004 W Block (Charles Walker Building) Centre of Vocational Excellence was officially opened by Mr Michael Beasley CBE.

On 31 October 2005 E Block and S Block (sports and hairdressing) were officially opened by HRH the Princess Royal.

In 2006 it received very good grades after an OFSTED inspection.[2]

In 2008 the college celebrated the Queens Anniversary Award with a visit to Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh.

In May 2013 the Discovery and Oakdene Centres opened.[3][4]

In September 2014 the Automotive Engineering centre opened.[5] The official opening was performed on 7 November 2014 by British touring car champion Matt Neal.[6]

On 17 October 2015 the colleges Willow Tree Centre was officially opened by Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people and families in the Telford and Wrekin Council.[7]

Student numbers

It has over 16,000 students: 1200 full-time, 15,000 part-time. Students at present include school leavers, individuals taking a second chance at education, employees of multi-national companies and overseas students.

Course provision

The college offers a wide range of vocational courses including NVQs, professional, preparatory degree and tailor-made programmes. Courses combine practical skills with theoretical studies and prepare students over 16 for employment and higher education.

References

  1. ↑ Oakengates in the words of Oakengates People. Telford Community Arts. 1987. p. 84. ISBN 0946076022.
  2. ↑ http://www.tcat.ac.uk/pdf/OFSTED2006.pdf
  3. ↑ "Oakdene Centre opening". Shropshire Star. 18 May 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  4. ↑ "Discovery Centre opening". Shropshire Star. 16 May 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  5. ↑ "BBC article on the opening of the Automotive Engineering centre". BBC. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  6. ↑ "Article on the official opening of Automotive Engineering". Shropshire Live. 7 November 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  7. ↑ "New £1.8m centre opens doors in Telford". Shropshire Star. 17 October 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.


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