Harper Adams University and College Collaborate for Station Quarter Information Event in Telford

An exciting addition to Telford’s education offering is rapidly taking shape in the town’s new Station Quarter.

The Quad, which opens in September, will be home to a partnership of learning providers delivering a technology-led curriculum to bridge the gap between education and employment.

It will be much more than just a place of learning –  education pathways at Station Quarter will open doors to a range of incredible digital-focused career opportunities.

Telford College and Harper Adams University are the two education partners involved in the project, and they are joining forces to stage an information event on April 5 to explain more about the plans.

It is taking place at Meeting Point House in Southwater, from 10am to 2.30pm. No appointments are needed – you can drop by any time.

Telford College will be offering a range of digital skills programmes from entry to degree level at Station Quarter, including apprenticeships and T-Levels.

It has also collaborated with local IT giant Capgemini to create a six-week ‘Step Into IT’ programme, including a week of work placement, for people looking to take their first steps into a technology career.

Harper Adams will be providing future-thinking and industry-aligned degree programmes from applied data science to digital manufacturing, robotics, and business management.

And the common bond between all of these offerings is a focus on ‘digital first’ innovation, providing skills for some of the region’s fastest growing and best-paid business sectors.

Telford College deputy chief executive Janet Stephens said: “We see this as a unique and ambitious alliance between industry and education, which will raise everyone’s aspirations.

“It makes the college even more accessible to people across the borough, and builds on our collaborative work with local employers to develop the sort of skilled workforce they require.

“Telford is full of talented people, and we need to do everything we can to help retain these important skills in the town – because there are some fantastic, highly paid career opportunities right on our doorstep.”

Teresa Hughes, director of business, digital and professional studies, added: “The curriculum is targeted towards equipping people for careers in sectors such as cybersecurity, AI and robotics, virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, wireless technologies, 5G innovation, and much more.”

Professor Ken Sloan, vice-chancellor and CEO of Harper Adams University, said: “As a forward-thinking institution, Harper Adams University is thrilled to be part of The Quad.

“Our degree programmes in applied data science, robotics, automation & mechatronic engineering, and digital business management will align closely with industry needs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the digital landscape.

“The digital skills and enterprise hub at Station Quarter is poised to become a dynamic learning environment that nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and contributes to the growth of digital skills in Telford.”

Head of student recruitment at Harper Adams, Carl Mansell-Griffiths, said:  “We’ve got some great courses which will be ground-breaking for Telford and help equip people from across our region and beyond with the skills they need for a future-facing career.

“During the day, there’ll be a chance for prospective students to find out more about the courses at the Quad, meet with colleagues from admissions, finance and careers guidance, and as and talk to our colleagues to get all the questions they want answered.”

Station Quarter is a 14.5 acre site which sits alongside Telford’s landmark Plaza developments, between the shopping centre and Telford Central railway station.

Telford & Wrekin Council describes is as a ‘major new project in the transformation of Telford centre’. Future phases are also due to include apartments, townhouses, leisure and retail spaces, and Telford College will also be opening a new sixth form centre in 2025.