A MINISTER at the heart of the Department for Education has paid a virtual visit to a college.

Themis apprentices, their industry-expert tutors and trainers at Burnley College were paid a virtual visit by Gillian Keegan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, to view the amazing facilities in the £100million town centre campus.

She discussed the impact of Covid-19 on the training sector and how Themis’s close links with employers in industries like pharmacy were vital.

The visit was hosted by principal of Burnley College Karen Buchanan, deputy principal Simon Jordan and director of Themis Neil Burrows.

Karen Buchanan said: “We are immensely proud of everything our Themis apprentices, their tutors and trainers have achieved, not just through the Covid-19 period but throughout the year and it has been a privilege to showcase our amazing achievements and innovation to the Minister.

The Minister said: “It was fantastic to virtually visit Burnley College today, which is leading the way in making sure people across the region gain the skills they need to progress, with outstanding teachers, working with local employers and state-of-the-art equipment."