Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard has vowed to fight alongside a Telford College principal to save staff jobs and student places following threats of funding cuts.
A government funding programme that’s planned to nationally boost skills funding for adults and young people could see allocation reduced to TCAT’s Adult Learner Budget.
Three sources of funding to TCAT’s 16-18, part-time adults and employer based programmes could be slashed.
Janet Ellis, TCAT Principal, said: “What we are doing is fighting very hard on behalf of our students and local community to make the government aware of the local importance of the college.
“They need to give good colleges, and TCAT is a good college, the freedom to manage their budget more freely. At the moment we are working very hard with all government agencies to put this allocation right.”
Mr Pritchard said he will take up TCAT’s position with education ministers: “TCAT does a vital job in providing excellent part time and further education courses for over 20,000 students,” he said. “The government must recognise this – especially at this time of fewer jobs. Funding must meet rising demands – not be reduced.”
A spokesperson for the Learning & Skills Council said: “The provisional funds allocated to TCAT show there will be a reduction in the Adult Learner Budget but priority provision will be protected ensuring support is directed to learners with the most need.
“This will mean programmes for the unemployed, for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and vocational learning such as Apprenticeships will be maintained.
“The allocation of funds is targeted at priorities for the economy.”