In a bid to bridge the gap between academic university training and the realities of the commercial world, SkillsTrain has teamed up with the principal and professors at the University of Bedford and donated over £58,000 worth of advanced Dell computer equipment to the University’s Department of Computing and Information Systems.

The equipment comprises of thirty exceptionally highly specified computers, screens and accessories, and is being used to replace out of date equipment and train students in computer modelling and virtual reality technologies.

SkillsTrain said “Industry needs students who are trained using the best possible equipment. The better trained they are, the better the end result for industry. That’s why SkillsTrain has invested in our local students and why we will continue to support them”.

A reception is being held at the University to launch the opening of the new SkillsTrain sponsored computing centre, and longer term, SkillsTrain is planning to work on a joint venture with the University to develop teaching programmes in virtual instrumentation.

He said “One of the biggest problems for companies employing newly qualified science students is their lack of adeptness with scientific instrumentation. Virtual reality training courses in using the equipment will greatly assist in reducing expensive breakages and shorten the learning curve significantly”.

Dunstable College's Annual Awards Ceremony celebrated the successes and achievements of its students throughout 2006/7. The event was attended by the local Mayors, Councillors, representatives of schools, the Learning and Skills Council, employers and colleges and sponsored by SkillsTrain.

The first part of the ceremony honoured students who were the most outstanding in their curriculum area. These winning students were chosen for their hard work, determination and commitment to succeed. They are now progressing into diverse areas such as further and higher education at Dunstable College, universities and career advancement. After this part of the ceremony, proceedings moved on to celebrate the successes of the College's Higher Education achievers and those students who have won National Competitions.

The culmination of the event was the announcement of the "Principal's Award", presented to the single most outstanding student of the year. The winner of the Principal's award was announced on the day, with the identity of the winner kept a surprise until the climax of the ceremony.

This year's event was sponsored by SkillsTrain, the Luton based distance learning company. Jan Telensky, CEO of SkillsTrain, addressed all students and staff of the college during the Awards Ceremony and presented the awards.

He commented, "We applaud the work of Dunstable College and are pleased to recognise the achievements of the students who have taken advantage of the opportunities they've been given. We are proud to sponsor this event, as Dunstable College looks forward to its best ever results, in what has been the most successful year for the college to-date.

We are particularly impressed by Dunstable College's commitment to offering the part-time Increased Flexibility Programme for pupils aged 14-16 from schools in South Bedfordshire, who have found mainstream education was unable to meet all their needs. Much of the curriculum focuses on hands-on subjects, to prepare them for working life. Without the help and support of Dunstable College these pupils may not have had the opportunity to reach their full potential."

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