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 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

Manager, said: “We are very pleased to welcome another amazing Google Reference College to the programme. City College Plymouth has an innovative digital strategy and is an excellent example of a successful digital transformation model.”

Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Mark Trewin, said: “City College is here for the local community and to support local employers. We want to help both individuals and businesses to unlock the power of digital.

“From September, we will be offering new and revised courses that focus on digital skills, from one-day Google masterclasses to longer courses that will improve a business’s online presence. The College also has a number of level 2 and level 3 qualifications in IT and computing which, depending on your circumstances, could be free. For those who are unemployed or earning less than £18,525 a year, you can study a level 3 qualification in computing regardless of your age or previous qualifications.”

The College is pleased to support thousands of adult learners every year through its provision of more than 400 full- and part-time courses, Apprenticeships, higher education and bespoke training for businesses. It also supports hundreds of students to develop their English and maths skills and can work with employers to establish what training requirements their organisation would benefit from.

Stuart Elford, CEO, Devon & Plymouth Chamber, said: “I am delighted that City College is leading the way on digital learning not just in the city, but across the whole region.

“This will mean that our young people will have a digital head start as they lead the fourth industrial revolution.”

Chief Executive, Jackie Grubb, with Mark Trewin, Chief Digital Transformation Officer (left), and Paul Fanshawe, Director of Business Intelligence.

Clive Rowe and Sean Doogan utilising the Google Suite in the College’s Maths Centre for Excellence.