Update: Future Skills Centre 2024/2025
Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) today announced the relocation of its construction courses currently offered at the Future Skills Centre (FSC) in Bordon.
The decision comes after declining student enrolment and rising operational costs at the FSC made continuing BCoT's presence financially unsustainable. BCoT has exercised a break clause in its lease with Hampshire County Council, meaning the college will no longer operate from the FSC after the current academic year (23/24).
BCoT acknowledges the impact this may have and assures ongoing support throughout the transition. Current students enrolled at the FSC will be offered continued studies at BCoT's main campus in Basingstoke from September 2024. The Basingstoke campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Green Energy Technology Centre, providing advanced training in renewable technologies.
BCoT emphasises that there are no course closures. All currently enrolled students will finish their courses. The relocation only impacts new course offerings at the FSC and applicants for September 2024 have been contacted about the change. Additionally, there will be no compulsory redundancies. Affected staff will be offered positions at the Basingstoke campus.
The decision to relocate our construction courses from the Future Skills Centre was incredibly difficult," Anthony Bravo, Principal and Chief Executive of BCoT, said:. "We understand the FSC has been a familiar and valuable learning environment for many. However, its financial unsustainability necessitates a strategic move to ensure we can continue providing our students with the highest quality education and resources available at the Basingstoke campus.
The Future Skills Centre is owned and managed by Hampshire County Council, who will decide the future of the building.
Future Skills Centre decision Q&As
Why are you withdrawing courses from the Future Skills Centre (FSC) in Bordon?
The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is leased by Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) from Hampshire County Council (HCC). Due to declining numbers of students and rising running costs for the courses delivered at FSC, it is now not financially viable to remain at the site. We have therefore regrettably decided to exercise a break clause in the lease which means the FSC will not host BCoT courses beyond the end of the current academic year (23/24). This decision has not been made lightly and we will do everything we can to support staff and students during this change.
What courses do you currently run at the FSC?
- Future Pathways
- Level 2 Construction Multi-Skills Certificate
- Level 2 Site Carpentry Technical Certificate
Where will the courses be delivered?
From September 2024, progression students from the FSC will be able to continue their studies at BCoT’s campus in Basingstoke. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities for construction students, including the new Green Energy Technology Centre, which allows students and local businesses to become equipped with the knowledge and skills in renewable technologies such as air or ground source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and cavity wall insulation.
How many staff are affected?
There are four members of staff based at the FSC. From September 2024, they will be offered the opportunity to work from the College’s campus in Basingstoke.
How many students are affected?
There are 29 students currently based at FSC and all will be finishing their course this year.. Students who have applied for courses to start in September 2024 will be contacted to discuss the change in location and will be signposted to other providers for their consideration.
Are you making staff redundant?
No, there are no compulsory redundancies, all staff affected will have jobs at the Basingstoke campus if they wish.
Are you closing courses?
All students currently studying will finish their course. We will not be starting any new courses at the FSC.
What will happen to the building?
The Future Skills Centre is leased by BCoT from Hampshire County Council (HCC). HCC decides about the future of the building.
What is the FSC?
Opened in September 2017, the Future Skills Centre, is owned and managed by HCC. BCoT has leased the site to provide a range of specialist construction courses, designed to meet the needs of employers in the construction industry.
