MP Gillian Keegan visits HSDC South Downs campus

HSDC (@Be_HSDC) staff and students were excited to welcome Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills Gillian Keegan to the HSDC South Downs Campus on Monday 8 March 2021.

During the visit, Minister Keegan visited the COVID19 lateral flow test centre in the Sports Hall and spoke with students and staff about their experiences in taking and administering the tests. From there she visited the new T Level classroom area, where she met with chef Apprentices Will and Natalie and Fullers representative Craig Parsons, Apprenticeships Team members and T Level students and staff.

Minister Keegan said: “It was fantastic to visit HSDC South Downs campus and see how they have set up their testing centre as they welcome back all students.

“Seeing how excited the students are to get back in the classroom was testament to the hard work of staff to make this happen – I’m grateful to every member of staff who has helped make this transition smoother.

“I really enjoyed speaking to apprentices and T Level students about the innovative ways they have been supported to continue their studies during this difficult time. Their enthusiasm for the exciting range of career paths their training will take them was wonderful to hear.”

Macy Harris and Alisha Cobb, Level 2 Theatrical Hair and Make-up students, are excited to be returning to campus, “The tests make us feel safer to come back to College. We can’t wait to see our friends.”

HSDC Principal and CEO Mike Gaston commented, “‘We’re excited to be able to welcome students back to all campuses across HSDC today. It has been challenging putting the testing regime in place to accommodate the high volume of students but the end result of having them being back for face-to-face learning makes it all very worthwhile.

“That is very much down to the dedication of staff across the College and I would very much like to thank all of them.

“It was great that Minister Keegan visited our South Downs campus today and was able to speak with staff and students and indeed thank them for their efforts.”