Wigan & Leigh College chosen to lead technical education excellence across North-West 

Just 12 months on from receiving national recognition as the North-West Construction Technical Excellence College, Wigan & Leigh College is set to play another leading role in shaping vocational and technical skills across the North-West after being named the area’s Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hub by the Association of Colleges (AoC).  

The prestigious appointment puts the college at the centre of a major national programme designed to support teachers, lecturers and education leaders as new technical and vocational qualifications are introduced across England.  

As one of only nine TVE Hubs nationwide, Wigan & Leigh College will help drive improvements in technical education across the region, working closely with schools, colleges, training providers, employers and industry partners to ensure learners develop the skills local businesses need now and in the future.  

The hubs form a key part of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme (TVPD), funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the AoC.  

Deputy Principal Anne -Marie Francis alongside other FE College executives

The programme is being designed by the sector for the sector, and it will help educators prepare for the continued expansion of T Levels, the introduction of new V Levels and revised Level 2 qualifications, ensuring students benefit from high-quality pathways that reflect the latest industry standards and workforce requirements.  

Through its new role, Wigan & Leigh College will lead collaboration across the region, sharing expertise and best practice while helping to strengthen links between education providers and employers. The appointment recognises the college’s longstanding commitment to technical and vocational education and its track record of working with employers to equip learners with the skills needed for successful careers.  

Anne-Marie Francis, Deputy Principal of Wigan & Leigh College, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub for the North-West. This is a fantastic opportunity to build on our proven track record of supporting technical and vocational education alongside an outstanding partnership of providers, employers and sector organisations, whose collective expertise will be central to the success of the Hub.

“Together, we look forward to strengthening the further education workforce by developing the skills, knowledge and confidence of teachers and trainers, helping to deliver outstanding technical education that benefits learners, employers and communities across the region.” 

With a proud history of technical training at the heart of the college, its commitment to high-quality, industry-focused education has supported the local community for more than 160 years. Being awarded Technical Hub status is a powerful recognition of that heritage, while also reflecting the college’s continued ambition to put technical excellence, skills and innovation at the heart of the region’s future.

That commitment was strengthened in 2025 when the College was selected by the Department for Education as The North-West Construction Excellence College (CTEC) – one of just ten colleges nationally chosen to help transform construction training in the UK.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, added: “The Technical and Vocational Hubs will sit at the heart of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme, helping to build capacity from within the sector and supporting providers to deliver high-quality technical education. We are pleased to welcome Wigan & Leigh College as one of our regional hub partners.

“The new role is expected to bring together education providers and employers from across the North-West helping to strengthen skills development, support economic growth and ensure the region is well placed to meet future workforce demands.”