A SENIOR Government politician today said the fight to cut the number of people not in education, employment or training is being won thanks to institutions like Keighley College.

Secretary of State for Education MP Nicky Morgan paid the compliment during a visit to the college this afternoon.

She was given a tour of its innovative Fab Lab facility and admired eye-catching demonstrations of students' work in the main atrium.

Mrs Morgan, who is MP for Loughborough, was even presented with a 3D printed bracelet produced by the college's Fab Lab.

Citing the example of one Keighley College student who immediately got a job because of technical experience he gained at this college, Mrs Morgan said it clearly showed why this type of education is so valuable.

"They work with local employers here at Keighley College to make sure young people get practical, vocational experience" she added.

"And the work they do with local schools is very impressive. I'm keen to see young people getting the right kind of education and training so employers are happy with the skills that their employees have.

"We now have fewer NEETS (not in education, employment of training) since records began, and that's due to the hard work of college's like Keighley's."

Mrs Morgan's tour allowed the college to showcase a variety of subject areas, including construction, engineering, English language learning, craft work, hair and beauty and child care.

Among the items on display were a functioning jet engine, a mobile beer festival bar which was constructed for local brewery Timothy Taylor and a wooden trade and demonstration stand, designed to enable students to show of their craft skills.

Chris Stott, head of employer engagement at the college, said: "This is all about making our students more employable and giving them a better understanding of how business and enterprise works."

Colin Booth, principal and chief executive officer of Leeds City College, said: "It was great to have time to meet the Secretary of State and a great opportunity for our students as well."

He stressed the importance of post 14 and post 16 careers advice for students, to ensure they take courses which are right for them so do not lose precious time having to switch courses once they enter further education.

Heather Whitehead, curriculum and operations director for Keighley College, said: "We bring learning to life here by working with local companies.

"Our students get a lot out of that as it helps them become more responsive to what kinds of jobs are out there at the moment.

"The Secretary of State's visit was an excellent chance for our students to display their work both to other people and to each other – as they don't often get to see what other students are doing."