Introduction

Stoke on Trent College is an ambitious organisation. We play a vital role in enabling social mobility and supporting businesses and employers to drive up productivity.

I am delighted to present the next stage of our journey as we look ahead to 2026 and beyond. Our strategy will achieve ambitious outcomes and progression for all learners and will help grow a diverse and sustainable economy. Through this strategy and by working collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders, our College will continue to create local impact and deliver on its important role in the social well-being and prosperity of our communities.

The College prides itself on putting the learner at the heart of all we do. Our mission is focused on the progression of our learners, both young people and adults, no matter their background or starting point. Our team of skilled and professional colleagues are dedicated to providing excellent and inspired teaching and learning in the classroom, in the workplace side-by-side with employers, throughout the community, on-line and through our growing cadre of apprentices across the City and County.

The College prides itself on putting the learner at the heart of all we do. Our mission is focused on the progression of our learners, both young people and adults, no matter their background or starting point. Our team of skilled and professional colleagues are dedicated to providing excellent and inspired teaching and learning in the classroom, in the workplace side-by-side with employers, throughout the community, on-line and through our growing cadre of apprentices across the City and County.

Our Skills Hubs have a focused curriculum to drive opportunities in the priority sectors of Construction and Green Technologies, Engineering and STEM, Health and Social Care, and Digital and Creative Industries. Our Specialist Academies in service industries play a vital part in growing the talent to meet local and regional workforce demand. Partnerships with the Institute of Technology and two leading universities in the area ensure that progression routes to higher skills are supported.

In this strategy we have set out our vision, focused on the opportunities presented for growing the local and regional economy. Working with employers and businesses we want to support inward investment through creating a pipeline of skills, and fulfil our shared social mission to eradicate poverty and worklessness as described in local skills plans set out by Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Chambers of Commerce in their first Local Skills Improvement Plan. Through our commitment to Lifelong Learning, we will tackle local inequalities, offer better life and work opportunities, and support a digitised and greener future, helping to bring about the skills revolution.

I hope that by viewing this strategy, you will be inspired to join us on our journey.

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal