Harrogate College was honoured to welcome Harrogate Mayor Chris Aldred for a special Remembrance Day assembly that brought students, staff and visitors together in reflection and respect.

During his visit, the Mayor was given a campus tour by the Students’ Union, meeting learners and staff from a range of departments. He took time to chat with students about their studies and future ambitions, praising the Union for their warm welcome and hospitality throughout.

The assembly itself began with a poem read by Mayor Aldred, setting a poignant tone before the two-minute silence observed by the entire college community. Adding to the moment, children and staff from Nature’s Little Learners Nursery at Hornbeam Park joined everyone in marking the silence together.

Ahead of the assembly, our Uniformed Public Services (UPS) students demonstrated their discipline and teamwork by leading a march, organised by Electrical tutor and former Army officer Sean O’Connell.

The Mayor commended the college community for coming together in such a respectful and inclusive way, highlighting the importance of remembrance and shared reflection.

It was a moving occasion that showcased the college’s community spirit and the pride our students takes in representing Harrogate College.

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, recently toured Harrogate College to see early progress on our campus redevelopment.

The redevelopment, which was backed by £20 million in funding from the Department for Education, is on course to deliver a modern, purpose-built learning environment for students that will expand the range of courses the college course can offer and allow us to better meet the future skills needs of employers.

Plans to redevelop Harrogate College encountered significant delays last year. As a result of these delays, we faced a real possibility of not being able to go ahead with the project altogether. Tom Gordon was a valuable ally during this period, raising the issue in Parliament, writing to the relevant Minister and keeping the issue on the Government’s agenda. 

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said: ‘When I was elected, the project was under real threat. I made it my top priority to secure an extension to the £20 million commitment – and after sustained pressure, I’m pleased the extension was agreed and work is now underway.’  

During his visit, Tom Gordon heard how the redevelopment will expand the college’s provision in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, health sciences, retrofit, sustainable energy and hospitality, creating more opportunities for people to gain the skills they need to succeed.  

Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said: ‘This rebuild will provide a significant and much-needed upgrade that will enable us to build on the good work we’re doing to equip our students with the skills they, and the region’s employers, really need.  

‘The new purpose-built facility will allow us to expand the breadth and quality of our curriculum, so we can continue to provide high-quality vocational and technical education as well as apprenticeships for many years to come. I am grateful for Tom’s support in helping get this rebuild over the line and underway.’ 

The rebuild is being carried out by Caddick Construction and is expected to ready for students in January 2027.

Harrogate College Level 2 Community Interpreting student Elina Kyrychok is using her skills to make a real difference in the community.

On 27 November, Elina supported North Yorkshire Police by providing Ukrainian interpreting services at a local community group talk, helping officers communicate clearly with Ukrainian residents. Her involvement ensured important messages about safety, support, and reporting concerns were fully understood by everyone in the room.

Creating a safe space for conversation

Reflecting on the event, Elina said: “It was emotional and powerful to see people come together and share their concerns. I felt proud and grateful to support the community and help create a space for honest conversation.”

“I think this kind of event is important because it gives the Ukrainian community a safe space to be heard, understood and supported, especially while many people are far from home. The event helped to build trust and understanding and it reminded Ukrainians that they are not alone.”

Nigel Collins, Hate Crime Sergeant for North Yorkshire Police, explained why Elina’s role was vital:

“It is so important to have a trusted community member in Elina who can be a pivotal link to the local Ukrainian community with her interpreting skills.”

Developing skills with real-world impact

Elina’s contribution highlights how skilled interpreters can help build trust, improve access to public services, and empower communities to feel safe and supported. It also showcases the real-world impact that learners on our Level 2 Community Interpreting course can have – both during their studies and beyond.

Elina, added: “I chose the interpreting course because language can be a bridge and it can connect communities and reduce misunderstanding.

Working with the Ukrainian community has been a meaningful and rewarding experience. It is helping me understand my role as an interpreter better and act professionally, while also allowing me to feel more confident in a variety of sensitive situations. I find it extremely rewarding to support people who may be facing challenging circumstances.”

In addition to her interpreting work, Elina is also the Ukrainian Support Coordinator based at Mind in Harrogate District, which is funded by Homes for Ukraine. Elina provides practical, social, and integration support to members of the Ukrainian community across North Yorkshire which includes one-to-one casework, community activities, partnership working, and ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality support.

Are you interested in becoming a community interpreter? Harrogate College’s Level 2 Community Interpreting course equips students with the practical skills and confidence to interpret in public service settings, including healthcare, education, charities, and the police.

Find out more by clicking here here

(L-R) Elina Kyrychok (Level 2 Community Interpreting student), Nigel Collins (Hate Crime Sergeant for North Yorkshire Police), Matthew Hanson (Programme Manager, Harrogate College), Svitlana Sokolova (Level 2 Community Interpreting student)

Twenty of our art students have seen their artwork installed at a new mental health building in Harrogate following a collaboration with local child and adolescent mental health services.

The students spent eight months developing the pieces now displayed throughout Hummingbird House, a new child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) facility in Harrogate.

The pieces were developed specifically for the new clinical space, with the aim of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for young people and families.

Gillian Gentle, a team manager at Harrogate child and adolescent mental health services, said:

“We wanted to make sure the building featured artwork created by young people, for young people.

“The pieces are designed to create a welcoming environment with positive messages for the children, young people and families who use our services. They took creative inspiration from our CHIME framework – connection, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment.

“Staff met with the students at several stages during the creation of the artwork to review ideas and support the development of the final pieces. The completed artworks are now on display across Hummingbird House, including in waiting areas, corridors and clinic rooms.”

Students visited the building to see their work installed and to mark the completion of the project.

The students used a range of techniques including drawing, watercolours, digital print and photography, with many pieces inspired by nature such as parks, rivers and flowers. One artwork also includes an original poem written by a student.

Bethany, a level 3 art student at the college, said: “To actually be able to come in and see our work up on a wall, it’s a nice experience. It’s not just like we’ve done it and it’s left in our sketchbooks. Other people can enjoy the work that we’ve produced.”

Emily, another student involved in the project, said: “We chose to do a playground because it reminds us of our childhood and a place where we feel safe and happy. It was a very stressful process, it took some time, but to see it up after all the hard work, it’s nice!”

Jason, curriculum manager for creative practice and creative media at Harrogate College, said:

“It’s a really important project undertaken by our college students. I think the emphasis around mental health and raising awareness around it is synonymous with art students in the way they express themselves.

“We’re really pleased and to have their work visible shows that real link between what we’re doing at the college and the mental health services in our local area.”

Lynn, performance and projects co-ordinator, added:

“We are really proud of our students for getting involved with this project. Connecting with local community is very crucial. This valuable experience not only gives our students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills beyond the classroom but also provides a platform for them to make a positive impact on the local community. We welcome more opportunities like this from all employers and community groups.”

Brian Cranna, care group director of operations and transformation at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We want people from our local communities to be involved in our services. This is more than just a building – it should feel like part of the community and that means, just like with Harrogate College, people coming in to help us shape it, to help us make it feel friendly and welcoming.

“We value the involvement of the very talented young people at the college, and we look forward to continuing working together into the future.”

Our digital era – where technology is ubiquitous, at home and at work – is widely regarded as being the world’s fourth industrial revolution. While the first revolution involved a rapid transition from rural, labour-intensive modes of working to steam power and factory-based production, our age has seen emerging technologies like AI, robotics, genome editing and cloud computing have profound impacts on nearly every facet of our lives.

Like all such periods of transition, this time offers both opportunities and risks, particularly in the workplace. Chief among the opportunities is the scope to land a rewarding and well-paid career in a fascinating, fast-evolving field; while the downsides, of course, include the loss of ‘traditional’ jobs and of people getting left behind as innovation sweeps away what came before.

It is our task, as education and training providers, to ensure as many people as possible reap the benefits – and that no-one gets left out. So when we began designing our new £22m Harrogate College campus, which opens later this year, the digital sector – and the facilities we would need to train people for it – was among our foremost priorities.

As was the need to form even closer alliances with the rapidly increasing number of local employers who rely on technology and suitably trained workers, to make sure we are meeting current, and anticipating future, needs.

Meeting local and regional skills needs

This sector has huge potential but we know from working closely with local businesses, and from recent research including a 2025 Labour Market Report commissioned by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, that our area is suffering from a significant skills shortfall.

The report notes that there is currently a 15 per cent skills gap, representing around 6,000 employees who need additional training, with the problem most acute in digital and analytical skills.

At the same time, local employers in general are struggling to find suitably skilled recruits to fill 25 per cent of vacancies, especially in technical, professional and trade occupations, even as national unemployment rates are rising. The Office for National Statistics figures show this is particularly affecting younger people – with the number of unemployed 18 to 24 year olds increasing to 85,000 in the three months to October 2025.

There is therefore a major job to be done across several fronts for colleges like ourselves and fellow members of the York and North Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF): to deliver more ‘work ready’, appropriately skilled students; to help businesses train up their existing employees; and, in doing so, create the conditions for more jobs to be created.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith publicly recognised the importance of the technology sector to the local economy when he unveiled his £2.4m Skills Innovation Fund in 2025.

Announcing the money, he said the programmes it will support – which includes a partnership of all of the area’s further education colleges – would “not only address skills needs for the tech jobs of the future, but…also ensure that opportunity will reach people from all walks of life”.

That is a goal which we, as a college committed to helping people flourish regardless of background or age, are naturally aligned to.

Investing in facilities, courses and future talent

To help achieve it, we will need cutting-edge facilities that can keep up with advancements in technology – which is why our new building will include eight digital suites and a Virtual Reality studio. But we, and our fellow FE colleges, will also need to tailor our courses and teaching to ensure they give our students the targeted knowledge and real-world experience they need to be of most value.

That is why we will be expanding our digital courses, which already cover Creative Digital and Multimedia Production & Design, Creative Media and Digital Functional Skills (for adults), to include Digital Software Development and Digital Support and Security T Levels from 2027.

T Levels, which are equivalent to three A levels, represent the gold standard when it comes to technical education. By blending classroom-learning with industry work placements, these qualifications ensure that students have got some quality experience under their belt – and formed relationships with local employers – by the time they complete their studies.

We know from the work our students are already doing with so many businesses how valuable such experience can be.

That is something we are looking forward to taking to a whole other level through our brand new campus. The state-of-the-art facilities that are being created for it (which will also include a replica hospital ward, advanced construction centre and a renewable energy technology base) have been designed to ensure we can produce the skilled workers North Yorkshire needs and deserves, now and in the future.

Principal of Harrogate College, Danny Wild

David Skaith has been given a first look at work to create Harrogate College’s £22m new campus. 

The Mayor for York and North Yorkshire inspected the groundworks for the development, which will involve replacing the main teaching building and creating a new technology centre, during a visit to the Hornbeam Park site. 

The new-look college will include a full digital technology suite, including a VR (Virtual Reality) room, a replica mock hospital ward, an electric vehicle workshop, an advanced construction centre, and a standalone renewable energy technology centre. 

David Skaith said: “Harrogate College plays a crucial role in giving our young people the skills they need to stay and thrive in York and North Yorkshire. So, when the college’s £22 million rebuild project was threatened by a legal challenge, I brought together local politicians and organisations to push for an extension to the funding.” 

The Mayor, alongside other local stakeholders, supported Harrogate College in securing an extension to the funding necessary to complete the rebuild when the project faced planning delays last year. 

 “It was great to see the work take shape. This will mean that Harrogate College will have the best facilities to deliver the education and training that students and businesses need for years to come.” 

Based at Hornbeam Park, the college already provides training aligned to many of the region’s priority sectors, including creative, digital, hospitality, health, construction, professional services, and renewable energy. 

He was welcomed by Harrogate College Principal, Danny Wild, who outlined how the new industry-standard facilities will strengthen skills provision across the region and support local employers in key growth sectors. 

Danny Wild said: “I’m extremely grateful for the support shown by the mayor in securing this vital rebuild that will benefit young people across the region. These purpose-built facilities will enable us to expand the breadth and quality of our provision, support new and growing industries, and continue working closely with employers to deliver the skills York and North Yorkshire need for the future.” 

Supported by £20m of Department for Education funding and £2m from Luminate Education Group, the rebuild is being delivered by Caddick Construction and is expected to be completed by the 2026/27 academic year. 

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director, Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, commented: “It was a privilege to join Harrogate College and Luminate Education Group in welcoming the Mayor to site to see the progress being made on the £22m rebuild. Following on from the success of the new Pudsey Sixth Form College, the investment at Harrogate will enhance the opportunity for students to learn vital new skills and explore exciting new career paths as the region’s future workforce. We’re very proud to be bringing this educational space to life and helping the college expand its support for young people’s education now and in the future.”

Harrogate College joined forces with local employers and community partners over the summer to shine a spotlight on apprenticeships and their power to strengthen local industries.

The Growing Ripon’s Future event, held earlier this year, brought together businesses, training providers and civic leaders to explore how apprenticeships can drive growth, boost skills and keep talent in the local area.

Supporting Local Opportunity

Lilla, Ripon BID Manager, emphasised how vital it is to create opportunities that help young people stay and thrive locally:

“At Ripon BID, it’s something we really encourage – young people having opportunities in Ripon. There’s a fantastic bus service to Harrogate, and we really want to see our young people given opportunities that keep them in the area and help our local economy thrive. Apprenticeships are a great way to do that – they’re flexible, open to adults as well, and they allow our independents to train up young people while managing costs.”

Building the Trades of Tomorrow

From the college side, staff and tutors shared their passion for apprenticeships and their impact on both learners and employers.

Electrical assessor Ben explained how the programme is designed to give apprentices vital, hands-on experience:

“We’re really building up our apprentices’ portfolios of evidence, helping them demonstrate their skills naturally in the workplace. My main passion is to build construction within the north and get people into trades – the apprentices of today will be the tradespeople of tomorrow.”

Louise Williams, Deputy Head of Apprenticeships, shared her personal connection:

“I was an apprentice 21 years ago. Sitting in a classroom wasn’t for me – I wanted to be hands-on and earn while I learned. That ethos hasn’t changed, even though we’re 20 years further down the line. Apprenticeships help businesses grow, whether by developing existing staff or bringing in new talent.”

Expanding Apprenticeships and Adult Learning

Nicola Nash, Deputy Director of Curriculum, highlighted how the college is expanding its apprenticeship and adult learning offer:

“We’ve been growing apprenticeships over the last few years and we’re adding even more, from pharmacy and accounting to property maintenance. Whether you’re leaving school or changing career as an adult, we’ve got a wide range of opportunities. We’ve also introduced short courses like community interpreting and social media marketing, running many of these right here in Ripon.”

Connecting Employers and Apprentices

Behind the scenes, Sue Roberts, Business Engagement and Work Placement Coordinator, connects learners and employers:

“I work with both employers and future apprentices – the goal is to bring the two together. We’ve introduced new courses like property maintenance and hairdressing, and we’re seeing lots of repeat business from employers who want to take on more apprentices after a successful first experience.”

And for learners who need extra support before moving into work or further study, course leader Robin spoke about the college’s Personal and Social Development course:

“It’s about enabling students who’ve had a difficult pathway through education to rebuild confidence and skills in a non-traditional way. Seeing them progress gives me so much joy – that’s why I’ve kept going.”

Looking ahead

With new apprenticeships launching this autumn and continued collaboration with local businesses, Growing Ripon’s Future showcased just how much potential there is when education and employers work hand-in-hand.

Harrogate College continues to support learners of all ages into skilled careers – building the workforce of tomorrow, right here in North Yorkshire.

To find out more about apprenticeships at Harrogate College, contact our team at apprenticeships@harrogate.ac.uk or call us on 01423 879 466

There was plenty of excitement at Harrogate College as our Level 3 vocational learners collected their results on Thursday 14 August.

The hard work and dedication of our students has paid off, with many securing top grades and preparing to take their next steps into university and the world of work.

Triple Distinctions for Business student

Among those delighted was Mansoor Dawoodzai, who achieved a Triple Distinction on the Level 3 Extended Business Diploma.

Mansoor said: “I’m feeling proud that all the hard work paid off. Next, I’m planning to go to university to study Business and Management.

“The course was good – I had teachers who supported me with my work, gave advice, and encouraged me to keep going. The support at college has been great and helped my confidence grow.

“If I had to describe Harrogate College in three words, I’d say: supportive, friendly and inspiring.”

Exploring new opportunities

Fellow Business student Jodie Parry also secured an impressive Triple Distinction on her Extended Diploma.

She said: “I’m feeling absolutely over the moon. I’m off to Sheffield Hallam University in September.

“The course was a rollercoaster – a few units were really interesting and a few were okay – but I always had my tutors supporting me and pushing me when I really needed it.”

“Keep your mind open and never close a door to one option. You’re always able to change your mind and staff are so supportive”

Looking to the future

With results now in, both Mansoor and Jodie are excited to take their next steps into higher education, where they’ll build on the strong foundation they developed at Harrogate College.

Principal Danny Wild said:

“We are so proud of our students for their hard work and achievements. These results reflect their commitment and the support of our staff, with all now progressing into university, apprenticeships and employment. We wish them every success in the future.”

Harrogate College has secured planning permission from the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Planning Committee to proceed with a £22 million campus rebuild. The plans were passed unopposed by councillors.

In addition to a new state-of-the-art main campus building, the planned facilities also include a renewable energy technology centre. Harrogate College is undertaking this rebuild to strengthen its ability to offer cutting-edge courses in priority growth sectors for Harrogate and the wider North Yorkshire region, including advanced manufacturing, low carbon construction, retrofit, sustainable energy, health science, and hospitality. 

The improved facilities that learners will benefit from include a mock hospital ward, a digital technology suite, an electric vehicle workshop, and a construction centre focused on modern building methods. 

Harrogate College are now awaiting written confirmation from the council before commencing the project.

Harrogate College’s Principal, Danny Wild, said: “It is immensely pleasing to have now secured planning permission to pursue this forward-looking, innovative and value for money investment into Harrogate’s educational infrastructure.

We are now awaiting written confirmation from the local authority to proceed with Harrogate College’s rebuild.

The new campus will enable increased breadth and quality within the curriculum on offer at the college, allowing us to better support local and regional skills needs. As the only general further education college in the area, I’m excited to see the benefits these new facilities will bring local young people, adults and the economy.” 

Primarily funded through £20m secured from the Department for Education, the project signals the Government’s recognition of the need for investment to improve further education provision in the local area. The additional £2m has been sourced through Luminate Education Group, of which Harrogate College is a member. 

Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Planning Committee’s decision to grant approval for the rebuild follows a protracted legal challenge caused by the launch of a judicial review that delayed the project.  

During this delay, the project received high profile support from both the local MP and the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire. Each made strong representations to the Department for Education to ensure the project’s funding remained available. 

Tom Gordon, Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said: “The Harrogate College rebuild represents an important opportunity to provide more young people with access to skills and training, while helping to build a workforce that meets the needs of local employers. As the town’s only general further education college, it has a key role in our community’s long-term future. Since my election, I’ve worked hard to push the Government to follow through with the funding commitment made by the previous government. This redevelopment will strengthen our local economy and open up more opportunities for people to gain the training they need to succeed.”

The key reason behind rebuilding Harrogate College’s current main building, which is an old office block that was never intended for educational purposes, is to meet growing student demand through closer alignment of the college’s curriculum with regional economic growth areas.

At present, there is significant unusable teaching space within the current building, which the college is now outgrowing. The new campus aims to better meet student demand for courses, with new purpose built buildings allowing for an overall growth in the number of learners at the college.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “Everyone in our region should have the chance to thrive – that means connecting our communities to the opportunities that matter. Harrogate College’s redevelopment marks a big investment for the future of our region, giving people the skills and training needed for tomorrow’s jobs and helping our local economy grow.”

Construction is due to begin on the rebuild in the coming months, with the new buildings set to open their doors to students in the 2026 academic year.