BRIDGWATER and Taunton College (BTC) hosted a lunch in recognition of the dedication of everyone involved in achieving the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Education, writes Finley Vowles.

The award was given to BTC for its innovative approach to healthcare education, especially its efforts in tackling the shortage of qualified nurses in the region.

Through this approach, they have transformed career opportunities and healthcare provision in Somerset, cementing BTC as a leading factor in sector-specific education and workforce development.

The lunch allowed BTC to thank its partners for their support and collaboration.

The list of attendees includes the University of the West of England, Rebecca Pow MP, The Association of Colleges, St Margaret’s Hospice, and representatives of the Somerset Foundation Trust, who all played a role in the initiative's achievement.

Principal and CEO of Bridgwater and Taunton College, Andy Berry, reflected on the College's journey and said: “We are having a lunch to thank everyone involved in creating our award-winning nursing programme.

“This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our team at BTC.

“It’s a recognition of our collective efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the wider community.

“Today, we celebrate not just an award but the strong partnerships and the positive impact we have achieved together.”

Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow said: “Achieving a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Education is a tremendous achievement, and all involved should be congratulated.

“I am delighted that they have rightly been recognised for their ground-breaking work being the first college in the country to develop and deliver nursing degrees, and so have become a pioneering force in helping to address workforce challenges in Somerset.”

The event reinforced the ongoing commitment among all stakeholders to continue working together towards new and better solutions for workforce development.