SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS
CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH becomes South West’s first Google Reference College City College Plymouth is the first college in the South West to be awarded the prestigious Google Reference College status, which celebrates its innovative approach to digital learning. In March, City College Plymouth became the first college in the South West to be awarded the prestigious Google Reference College status. ‘Google Reference’ status is awarded for the outstanding use of technology to drive positive learning outcomes and recognises the College’s use of G Suite for Education. City College joins just eight other FE institutions in the
UK to be awarded this status, firmly positioning it as a leading further education college with technology at the heart of learning. The new status means the College will act as a reference point for other education providers, sharing best practice and offering advice and guidance, and hosting events. The College is described as ‘Google First’ in its work and learning, with 160+ staff trained as Google Educators (Level 1/2) and six classed as Certified Trainers. Since becoming part of the South West Institute of Technology, which seeks to provide students and employers
with the digital skills to drive growth, the College has been fully committed to digital transformation. By building new facilities and investing in cutting-edge equipment, the College has been able to develop a highly innovative curriculum that is demand-led and supports the South West’s priority sectors, including the marine, engineering, manufacturing and digital sectors. However, the College fully recognises the power strong digital skills can offer any industry, which is why digital training is threaded throughout the entire College curriculum for the benefit of all
Chief Executive of City College, Jackie Grubb; Paul Fanshawe, Director of Business Intelligence; and Mark Trewin, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, are joined by students and staff to celebrate becoming the first FE college in the South West to be awarded Google Reference College status.
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Summer 2022 Chamber Profile
students. Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive and Principal of City College Plymouth, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first Google Reference College in the South West. It firmly positions us as a college of the future, successfully embedding technology into our strategy and operations. “Google Reference status recognises our innovative work in technology and our commitment to provide students with the best opportunities to work and learn, making them better prepared for employment in the 21st century. It acknowledges the dedication of our people and this is a real achievement for the whole team. “Our aim is to create a learning environment and organisational culture that benefits the health, wellbeing and sustainability of our community, and our focus on digital learning underpins this. “Adopting digital learning throughout the College has had a tangible impact on our students and staff. It has allowed us to maximise technology to make people’s lives better, to keep us safe and better connected, and to be more efficient and productive. “This is also fantastic news for the city of Plymouth and the wider area, offering enhanced digital capability and better equipping students for the world of work.” Jess Marsh, Google for Education Adoption Programme
