A NEWTON Abbot college recently welcomed Martin Wrigley MP for a special visit to tour its state-of-the-art facilities and meet with staff and students.

The MP was joined by Claire Plumb, headteacher of South Devon University Technical College, Education South West Deputy CEO Rob Coles, and a representative from the Baker Dearing Trust, a charity that supports University Technical Colleges (UTCs) across the UK.

The visit highlighted the innovative educational model that South Devon UTC offers, providing students with specialised courses in engineering, technology, and digital industries, in collaboration with local employers to equip students with real-world skills, Education South West says.

Martin Wrigley MP, who represents the Newton Abbot constituency, is passionate about supporting local education and ensuring that young people are well-prepared for the future job market.

He took the opportunity to meet with students from a range of courses, discussing their academic progress and future aspirations.

Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:"’t was a pleasure to welcome Martin Wrigley MP to South Devon UTC.

‘Our students are gaining invaluable skills that will open doors to a wide range of careers, and we are excited about the opportunities they are experiencing here.

‘It was great to have a chance to share this excitement with Mr Wrigley.

Martin Wrigley, MP for Newton Abbot, said:‘South Devon UTC is doing a fantastic job in preparing students for the future.

‘The facilities here are impressive, and it's clear that students are benefiting from a curriculum that is directly aligned with the skills needed by industries today.’

Education South West is a trust of eight primary schools, four secondary schools, one all through school and a university technical college all based in Devon.