Russian teachers travel over 2000 miles to see Hopwood Hall College

Korolev College for Building and Construction lecturers pose with Hopwood Hall College Senior Managers

Teaching staff and Curriculum Managers from the ‘Korolev College for Building and Construction’ in Korolev, Moscow, travelled to Hopwood Hall College whilst researching the UK’s top technology courses

The trip, along with stops at three other UK colleges, served as an educational trip to gather a better understanding of trade-based vocational training and education in the UK. The only other Northern College to be chosen by the Russian team was the Leeds College of Building.

Specifically, the group wanted to learn how UK colleges work with government bodies, funding schemes, how classes are structured and how digital learning departments operate.

With Hopwood Hall using trade facilities at an industry standard and above, the delegation also reviewed the practical equipment and classrooms students train with on a daily basis.

Their tour included sample tours of the brickwork, painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, plastering and plumbing course areas.

Hopwood Hall College’s Principal, Derek O’Toole, said: “Hopwood Hall was honoured to host our Russian colleagues this week. It’s given us a great opportunity to establish communication on future cooperation with overseas education providers and has been a really interesting insight into education on an international scale.

“For staff at the college, it is also very rewarding that a college from the other side of the world has recognised the level of quality our Technology Centre offers. We firmly believe that it offers a level of education that is difficult for other UK colleges to match.

“I’d like to thank the Korolev College staff for giving us a considerable amount of their time, they have been incredibly well mannered and receptive and we would welcome them back with open arms.”