Sharp rise in applications for Telford College of Arts and Technology courses
The number of potential students applying for courses at Telford College of Arts and Technology is running at more than twice the levels of the last few years, new figures have revealed.
Applications for courses on the 2016/17 curriculum have been received from secondary school students across all corners of Shropshire, and beyond, since the turn of the year.
TCAT saw a sharp increase after its latest Information Evening earlier this month, with the most popular courses being in Computing, Engineering, Sport, Creative Studies, and Health & Early Years.
The applications figure is more than 150% up on the same time last year, and also around 145% higher than the equivalent periods in each of the previous two years.
There has been a particularly marked rise in applications from secondary school pupils in the Newport, Shifnal, Bridgnorth, and Much Wenlock areas.
Adrian Beckett, Director of Learner Services and Resources at TCAT, said: “We’re delighted to see such a large increase in the number of people applying for courses.
“Many of them made their applications after visiting our campus in Wellington for our Information Evening on February 2, where feedback was very positive.
“We asked all visitors to tell us how they had heard about our event, and it was rewarding to find that local schools and careers advisors are clearly spreading the word about what we have to offer.”
Mr Beckett added: “More than a dozen of our schools at TCAT are seeing application levels far ahead of the same time last year.
“They range from Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Engineering to Hair and Beauty, Travel and Tourism, and Public Uniform Services.”
Three more Information Sessions are planned at TCAT over the coming weeks – each spotlighting different specialisms, and running from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
On March 22, the focus will be on Engineering, Vehicle Technology and Construction, Health, Early Years, and Apprenticeships.
On April 18, the focus moves to Computing, Accounting, Creative Studies, Professional Studies and Apprenticeships.
And on May 10 Leisure and Higher Education will be the main specialist areas, alongside Apprenticeships once again.
For more details, contact TCAT Learner Services on 01952 642237, or see www.tcat.ac.uk
