Ready to uncover a place of learning? Trafford College stands before us a beacon of education in Trafford Greater Manchester.
Trafford College was formed in 2007. It emerged from the merger of North Trafford College and South Trafford College. North Trafford College was formerly Stretford Technical College founded in 1974. South Trafford College was founded in 1951.
Trafford College has two main campuses. These are the Altrincham Campus and Stretford Campus. There is also a Skills Shop at the Trafford Centre. The Altrincham Campus offers A-Levels. It also provides vocational courses. These include Business and Accountancy, Childcare, and Creative Arts & Media.
The campus also offers courses in Foundation Learning, Hairdressing, Beauty & Spa Therapies, and Health & Social Care. There are also Hospitality, IT & Computing, Sport & Uniformed Services, and Tourism and Aviation. The Altrincham campus boasts a fitness suite called Strive. It also features the Enhance Salon & Spa and the Aspire Restaurant Bar.
The Skills Shop at the Trafford Centre provides training programs. These are aimed at young people in Retail, Hospitality, and Customer Service. It offers staff development and training for employers.
The Stretford Campus is STEM Assured. It has engineering and motor vehicle workshops. You’ll find an industrial robot and science labs here. It also houses AMC and AM2 training centers. This campus offers vocational courses. These include electrical installation, electronics, and engineering. There are also courses for engineering services for buildings, foundation learning, and gas. You can also study motor vehicles, plumbing, and science. The campus also offers A Levels. These include applied science, biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, and psychology.
Trafford College has invested heavily in its facilities. Over £50 million has been spent in recent years. This investment has created world-class buildings and resources for students. A £15 million STEM center opened in 2013. This center ensures Trafford and Greater Manchester remain at the forefront of science and technology innovation.
The STEM center features advanced engineering and motor vehicle workshops. It also has cutting-edge science laboratories and modern classrooms. A specialist Green Room is available. This is for renewable energy resources.
Trafford College has a large student body. It has approximately 11000 students. 3000 are young people aged 16 to 19. 8000 are adults studying full and part-time. Students can choose from A Levels or vocational courses like apprenticeships. Adults can enhance their careers with higher-level qualifications. These are delivered in partnership with local universities.
Sir Bill Moorcroft was appointed principal of the merged Trafford College in 2007. He received a Knighthood in 2008. This recognized his contributions to further education. Trafford College received an ‘outstanding’ rating. This was following its Ofsted inspection in 2009.
Jason Orange from Take That studied at Trafford College. Ian Brown of The Stone Roses also attended.
So as we stand here. Let us appreciate the opportunities that Trafford College gives.