KEIGHLEY College has received top-level parliamentary praise.

It has been recognised for its role in boosting education and skills across Keighley and beyond.

A glowing endorsement of its “great work” has been given by Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson.

And tribute is paid locally to the Bradford Road campus by Keighley’s MP, Robbie Moore.

He has spoken of the importance of plans to launch a ‘skills hub’ in the town – which would bring together businesses and education providers like the college to help deliver the talents needed in manufacturing, engineering and technology.

Keighley College principal, Steve Kelly, said he was delighted that the college’s work was being recognised both locally and nationally.

He added: “The college is at the heart of the community and we are already becoming a central driver for economic recovery in the district – particularly through our skills provision.

“We pride ourselves on developing outstanding industry links with agencies such as JobCentre Plus, the Department for Work and Pensions and SkillsHouse, while providing successful routes to employment. We’re excited to see this continue.

“There are numerous organisations and individuals across our district who are playing an instrumental role in driving the skills agenda, which will be key to our economy going forward.

“Adult education has been impacted very significantly across England over the past year.

“The combination of local restrictions last autumn, national lockdown and the reduced opening of services such as community hubs and job centres has had a particular impact on courses for those with lower skill levels or who are unemployed.

“This national recognition further highlights how crucial it is for us to continue engaging constructively with the business community.

“To be referenced by our local MP and to be endorsed by the Education Secretary is testament to the work that we are doing to boost education and skills in the district.”

The college is among several organisations in the Keighley and Ilkley parliamentary constituency to have been nominated by Mr Moore for an award for playing a leading role in ‘levelling-up’ across the area.

The Levelling Up Awards recognise people and organisations that are committed to boosting opportunities amid the pandemic.

The awards are part of the Levelling Up Goals initiative, launched by the Government earlier this year to drive equality of opportunity and overcome barriers.

Mr Moore is parliamentary chairman of Levelling Up Goals.

Businesses interested in partnering with the college should email clare.fitzgerald@keighleycollege.ac.uk.