Nelson and Colne College has been awarded the highest level of accreditation for its work experience provision.

The college  has received gold level Work Experience Quality Standard accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to supporting young people into employment and training.

Developed by national charity Fair Train in association with the Department for Education and Ofsted, the national Work Experience Quality Standard accreditation independently verifies the quality of all types of work experience, from placements to Traineeships and Apprenticeships.

The accreditation complements Nelson and Colne College’s range of existing educational achievements – the college has been rated outstanding by Ofsted, is third in the country for its Apprenticeship success and has been named as the best provider of A Level and vocational qualifications in the local area in the latest Department for Education Performance Tables.

Principal of Nelson and Colne College, Amanda Melton, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the gold level Work Experience Quality Standard accreditation. Here at Nelson and Colne College, our staff are committed to helping students secure work placements in their chosen sector to prepare them for their dream career.

“This year we have launched NCC+ – a new careers zone – where all college students are able to benefit from personalised support to assist them with their future choices. We are very fortunate to have exceptionally strong links with the local community and employers, and are thrilled that so many of our students are able to embrace the world of work throughout their time here.”

Beth Gardner, CEO of Fair Train, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Nelson and Colne College; it is unusual for a college to become accredited at gold straight away which shows the fantastic work going on behind the scenes. This is a college which has vocational provision embedded into its core and has built extensive links with employers and the community to successfully achieve this.

The Work Experience Quality Standard recognises the difference a high quality placement can make to an individual’s employment prospects and life. Nelson and Colne College joins a growing number of organisations across the country who are leading the way in creating opportunities for young people. Congratulations!”

For more information about studying at NCC contact 01282 440272.