RuTC awarded Centre of Excellence status

Richmond upon Thames College, in partnership with Kingston College, has been awarded ‘Centre of Vocational Excellence’ (CoVE) status in Coaching, Leisure & Fitness in recognition of the outstanding quality of provision in this area. The award of CoVE status is worth £500,000 over the next three years and will enable the colleges to develop a demand led curriculum based on skills shortages in the key industries of coaching, fitness and leisure.

Richmond upon Thames College and Kingston College have worked collaboratively over the past 12 months to develop a comprehensive programme of courses that meets the needs of individuals and employers in the local area. New courses will start at both colleges in September 2005 and are suited to adults who are either new to the industry or who wish to develop their existing skills further. Many of the courses offered are recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) as providing credits towards the continuing professional development requirement.

All the courses will start in September 2005 and will lead to recognised industry qualifications. Courses on offer include coaching qualifications in athletics, basketball, football, netball and rugby. In addition, exciting new courses in fitness training, personal training and sports massage will be run at the colleges. Both Colleges are accredited by the major awarding bodies such as YMCA (CYQ), 1st For Sport and the British Sports Trust.

Richmond upon Thames College also aims to improve opportunities for younger students in the vocational area of sport and recreation over the next few months by developing new Apprenticeship programmes for young people between the ages of 16 to 24 years. Kevin Watson, Principal at Richmond upon Thames College commented, “The award of a Centre of Excellence reflects the superb provision of resources and teaching staff in a specific curriculum area and Richmond upon Thames College is proud to have achieved that recognition in the field of coaching, leisure and fitness. Many members of staff from both colleges have worked closely over the last few months to develop an innovative programme of courses.

We are looking forward to a productive working partnership with Kingston College which will benefit many individuals by providing real opportunities to acquire new skills and excellent career prospects for the future.” Dr Nick Sinnamon, Deputy Principal at Kingston College, remarked, “We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Richmond upon Thames College in developing this area of the curriculum, and the award of ‘Centre of Vocational Excellence’ status is a fitting acknowledgement of the terrific investment Kingston College has made in building the 'state of the art' sports and leisure facilities that now form part of our ‘Arena Complex’”.