A new college expected to host up to 500 students a day has opened its doors in Salford.
A range of degree-level courses aimed at equipping pupils with the skills to forge a successful career in the business, management and marketing sectors will be taught at UK Management College’s newly unveiled campus on Carolina Way.
The college is a partner of the University of Wolverhampton, meaning all students who attend and complete their course in Salford will be awarded a degree.
UK Management College said the launch of the new campus has created jobs for over 300 members of staff in the past 18 months and hopes that many of their students will progress into meaningful academic and professional work after graduation.
Zahidul Islam, CEO and Founder of UK Management College, explained that opening the Salford Campus was a “significant step in our mission to make education accessible to all,” as they aim to draw in students who previously felt college was out of reach.
The opening was also endorsed by the Deputy Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Robin Garrido.
He said: “We are always very pleased to welcome those people to support a college such as this.
“It is going to help with learning opportunities and help establish a career.”
UKMC Salford becomes the third branch to open its doors in Greater Manchester, as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Jason Powell, spoke about expanding the range of educational opportunities:
“One of the continuities that we’ve heard today is about making sure that anyone of any age, any social characteristics, should never be denied access to higher education.’
He added: “We’ve been employing a whole range of different people from the local community to this campus.
“It’s important that we create job creation. We enhance skills, self-confidence, and we give people the knowledge so that they can turn from today’s student into tomorrow’s stakeholder.”
Lancashire High Sheriff Martin Ainscough has supported the move to open the college in Salford, feeling that it would help boost local employment prospects and benefit society.
“Most of the trouble is caused (in society), sadly, by people who haven’t had the opportunities, who haven’t managed to hold down a job.
“I’m certain that this type of education, an opportunity for people, will definitely lead us to having a more peaceful society.”
The graduating students will gain their degrees from the University of Wolverhampton. Dr Pete Cross from the University of Wolverhampton suggested the good health of the relationship between them and UKMC in Salford.
He said: “We’ve got some very strong values, strong relationships, and I think the partnership is just growing.”
Prospective students can attend open days before the beginning of each semester in October, March and June. Students can also enroll via social media, online or in person at the UK Management College offices. More information is available here.
