Holly Lynch, expressed her delight and support as Calderdale College unveiled its ambitious three-year strategy, which has garnered support from the local community, businesses, and organizations. The college held an event on Thursday, 6th July, which brought together nearly 50 businesses from across the district to endorse its plan for driving positive change in the region’s economy and empowering local people.

The Strategic Plan focuses on providing a high-quality and innovative learning experience while aligning with key skills priorities in sectors like Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing, Construction, Health, Life Science & Education, Creative Industries, Business & Professional Services, and Digital.

Businesses and organizations, including A-Safe, Halifax Renewable Energy, the Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Dean Clough, Northern, Halifax Minster, Healthy Minds, Halifax Panthers, FC Halifax Town, Denford Ltd, and Calderdale Council, have pledged their support to help the college invest in valuable skills.
Over the next three years, Calderdale College aims to foster industry partnerships, embrace new technologies, and establish a regional Industry 4.0 Hub in Brighouse, opening in September 2023.

At the event, David Malone, Principal, and Chief Executive of Calderdale College, expressed enthusiasm for the plan, noting the college’s commitment to being outward-facing and serving the district’s people, businesses, and community. He said: “We have the opportunity to grow the future workforce and we need to ensure what we deliver remains current. The funding in Further Education is limited, so the support of businesses is key. It could be helping design our curriculum, upskilling our staff or creating apprenticeship vacancies for our students.”

Holly Lynch also spoke at the event, urging businesses to support the college’s mission.  She remarked: “I have never been more excited and confident in the future of the College. We are all absolutely with you, and want to help you to achieve yours, and Calderdale’s, targets. If it goes right, we will be getting it right for our town, and our country.”