A NEWLY-merged college in Worcester has been renamed as it looks to ‘win the hearts of learners’ across Worcestershire.
Worcester College of Technology on Deansway will now be called Heart of Worcestershire College after the Government gave its approval to the name change last week.
The move comes after it was announced the college would join forces with North East Worcestershire College, which has a campus in Redditch and Bromsgrove.
Recently-appointed principal Stuart Laverick said he believed the new name would reflect the values of the college, which will be fully operational from Friday (August 1).
“We are extremely pleased the new name ‘Heart of Worcestershire’ College has been approved,” Mr Laverick said.
“Although finding a suitable name has not been easy, we believe that this name truly reflects the values of the new organisation.
“We are fiercely loyal to the residents and businesses within Worcestershire and are dedicated to providing relevant education and training to meet their needs.
“We will become one of the largest employers in Worcestershire, and through our outstanding partnerships with local organisations such as the LEP, local councils and local businesses, we are in a prime position to support the growth of the local economy.”
Mr Laverick said the college, which will have about 10,000 students and 1,000 members of staff on its books, was also expecting to have a turnover of £40million.
“Over the next few years, we will work tirelessly to make Worcestershire proud of the standard of education and training provided by Heart of Worcestershire College,” he added.
“The OFSTED grading of ‘good’ is a key recognition of the high standard of work and positive progression opportunities that both North East Worcestershire College and Worcester College of Technology are currently providing students across the county.
“The merger is a key element in our drive to deliver outstanding qualifications and progression opportunities for a large number of students across many technical and vocational disciplines.”
