Local businesses and dignitaries have turned out in force to help us toast our 200th anniversary.

The college, which began as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute on February 14, 1825 is holding events throughout the year to mark the occasion.

In February we hosted our big celebratory meal for current and former members of staff, students, business partners and civic dignitaries.

The guests included the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Beverley Mullaney, Keighley Town Mayor Councillor Gulfraz Hussain, and Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe.

They were entertained by student Leonardo Balaz who played piano throughout the evening, while attendees shared memories and left messages of congratulations.

A distinguished past, an exciting future

Cllr Hussain summed up the mood on the night. He said: “I would like to say ‘happy birthday’ to Keighley College! It’s a great honour for me to be here to celebrate.”

Reflecting on a memorable evening, Principal Kevin O’Hare said: “We’ve come such a long way since starting, as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute back on Valentine’s Day, 1825 – so it was fantastic to mark the college’s anniversary in style with friends past and present.

“I really enjoyed welcoming, and chatting to, so many of our industry partners along with former members of staff and alumni. The fact they made time to come along and help us celebrate this historic milestone 

“Our commitment to helping the community and its businesses prosper is as strong as ever going forward, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the first students into our new Engineering hub, as well as holding more anniversary activities, later this year.”

Warm words for a proud training legacy

Representatives from some of the district’s key manufacturers, including Acorn Stairlifts, Fives Landis, Spooners, Byworth Boilers, Airedale Springs and Expressed Steel Panels, attended the anniversary meal.

Many have had strong links with us that stretch back years. In the case of Fives Landis, that relationship has included many of its senior leadership team being trained there.

Speaking before the meal, HSE & Training manager John Harrison said: “Keighley College was integral to training future engineers for what was then Landis Lund Ltd.

“While apprentices once had to travel elsewhere for training, we’ve now returned to our roots, with Keighley College as our main apprenticeship provider.”

Shaping careers and inspiring change

Mechanical Engineering Administrator Amanda Dowden credits the college with giving her the confidence to succeed in a male-dominated field.

Amanda, who started as an apprentice at Fives Landis in 1978, said: “Studying at Keighley College has shaped my career, and it helped give me the confidence to do something I enjoyed in an area that was not seen as something a woman would do in those days.

“The college has been an integral part of training future engineers. I hope it continues for another 200 years, inspiring generations to come.”

Guests from the wider community who attended included Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, headteachers from many local schools, Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, Tim Rogers and Gemma Hobbs, Bradford 2025’s Community Connector for Keighley and Ilkley.

Building work on our brand-new manufacturing and engineering hub has been completed.

The project is part of the wider, £12 million creation of Providence Park, a new industrial site being built on the corner of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road.

Providence Park is being part-funded, to the tune of £6.5 million, through the Government’s Keighley Towns Fund – and £3 million of that was used to produce Keighley College Engineering Hub.

The facility has been designed to take the training of local apprentices and students to the next level, so it can meet the rapidly evolving skills needs of local employers.

We are now busy kitting out the building with cutting-edge equipment – including a future technologies lab and engineering workshop – ahead of welcoming the first students in September.

Building on the district’s proud heritage

Principal Kevin O’Hare said: “This is a major milestone for the college, Providence Park and Keighley – and could be a real game-changer for our district and its economy.

“We are privileged to be based in an industrial heartland that continues to build on its proud history, with many of our employers forging ahead into exciting new areas of manufacturing, engineering and technology, including robotics.

“For those businesses to flourish, though, they need a steady stream of apprentices and students who have industry experience and the up-to-date skills needed to join and strengthen their workforce.

“That’s exactly what the engineering hub has been created to help us deliver – and we’ll be strengthening our already deep bonds with the district’s businesses as we develop our offering there, and work together on apprenticeships along with industry placements for our vocational students.

“We can’t wait to show employers, and our learners, around these cutting-edge new facilities which we are delighted to be opening this year, as the college celebrates its 200th anniversary.”

Employment and skills boost

Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, was keen to point out the wider benefits.

He said: “Alongside the new state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering hub, Providence Place is also home to five new buildings housing 23 industrial units. We expect about 100 jobs will be created in total across the whole site.

“Keighley has always had a proud manufacturing and engineering heritage. Its Engineering Hub will enable local people to learn highly-specialised skills and create employment opportunities for the future.”

An incredible opportunity

Keighley Towns Fund Chair, Tim Rogers added: “The creation of the Engineering Hub, in partnership with Keighley College, represents an incredible skills and training opportunity for the town.

“We are proud of what is being achieved at Providence Park, which is a really exciting commercial development for Keighley, and the opportunities it will create for generations to come.”

The hub will be able to train up to 120 students or apprentices, plus staff, at any one time. The building’s lower floor will include a fully kitted-out engineering workshop, complete with lathes and milling machines.

The upper level, meanwhile, will have a future technologies lab fitted out with a laser cutter, printing machines and testing equipment, along with two IT rooms and a teaching space.

We’ve embraced some cutting-edge technology to help us train students in one of the most traditional of trades – welding.

Our virtual welder machine helps new learners get used to welding techniques, risk-free and without the need for protective gear, before they try the real thing.

Teachers are also finding that the equipment, which gives users a score based on their performance, is a useful way of adding some lighthearted competition to classes.

And, by saving on materials, it offers sustainability benefits too.

A valuable teaching tool

Welding and Fabrication Course Leader, Simon Davison (pictured), said: “The Lincoln Electric Vrtex 360 virtual welder we use is pretty good for developing initial hand – eye coordination, and for practising travel speed, angle and torch distance away from the weld.

“The visuals are good, the sound is realistic and the choice of different work zones is cool.

“We can operate virtually in a typical welding bay, a large top-end auto shop, a military desert base or even a nuclear power plant. All the scenes and backdrops simulate real working environments.”

Adding fun and a hazard-free experience

The equipment, purchased a few years ago with government Levelling Up funding, is also a useful aid for logging students’ efforts and ranking them according to factors like travel speed, angle, and weld quality.

Each user is given a score and can replay a recording of their welding work to see what they did well, and where they could improve.

Simon said: “Overall it is a very good piece of kit and adds fun and provides a hands-on experience whilst eliminating all of the potential hazards or dangers of real welding.”

The human factor

As great as the virtual reality (VR) machine is though, particularly for beginner welders, it does have its limitations.

Simon said: “It is a good ice breaker and is popular with brand new welding students but once they get a taste for real welding there is no substitute for the real thing, as the temperature whilst welding cannot be simulated.

“And a real welding machine will always operate even when your parameters and settings are incorrect, though you’ll get a few weld defects or sparks. With the VR machine, unless you have set it up by the book, it will not work whatsoever so setting it up can be quite tricky.

“Other than that, it’s a great way to save money on metal and a good way to establish a positive relationship, with a fun competitive element, in class.”

A video of Simon demonstrating the virtual welder in action can be viewed here.

‘Proud and independent!’

That is how Dylan Worsnop is feeling after landing a full-time job with Acorn Stairlifts.

Dylan shone during his supported internship with the Steeton-based manufacturer, which has now taken him on as a Production Operative.

He relished the practical side of his internship and is delighted it has now led to a permanent position.

He said: “I really enjoyed being at work much better than the academic part of the course. I have a full-time job now so I would definitely recommend doing a supported internship!”

A fruitful partnership

We have been teaming up with Acorn Stairlifts on our supported internships for a number of years. These are work-based study programmes for 16-24 year olds with additional needs who have an Education, Health and Care plan.

By working with our industry partners closely we give our interns opportunities to gain valuable skills, experience and qualifications ‘on-the-job’ – often leading to paid employment.

This benefits the employers as well as the students, as Acorn Stairlifts’ Production Manager, Ryan Baron, explains. He said: “We get to see what the interns are like at work so we know they will be good workers.

“Dylan has been a great addition to the team. He’s performed really well and has a really good attitude and work ethic; he’s polite, a quick learner and is hard working with a great personality.

“He has picked up and learnt new tasks quickly, is good at hitting targets which keeps the factory flowing, and his timekeeping is excellent.”

Just rewards for outstanding commitment

Our Deputy Head of High Needs and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), Emma Rich, added: “We are incredibly proud to see Dylan reach this significant milestone. He has shown unwavering dedication and hard work, even through the holidays, and his determination has been recognised.

“We are thrilled that he has been offered a full-time role with Acorn Stairlifts. This achievement is a testament to his commitment and passion.

“Here’s to the power of supported internships and the incredible opportunities they create!”

We are pleased to share that we have been rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features following our recent Ofsted inspection. 

Our dedicated and highly skilled staff, along with our strong collaboration with regional stakeholders, were praised for designing education programmes that align with local employment needs.

We are especially proud of the report’s strong endorsement of our mission and positive influence within the college.

“Learners with high needs successfully develop the knowledge and skills that they need for adulthood and to lead more independent lives. Adult learners benefit from access to a wide range of courses that meet their learning needs and the needs of local employers and the communities in which they live.”

This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering consistently high-quality, inclusive education that transforms lives and enriches the communities we serve.

For more details, visit Ofsted to read the full report.

Some of our closest business partners have been sharing their memories of the college during our 200^th anniversary year.

We have established strong links with so many of the district’s companies over the past two centuries, not least through training their workforces.

In the case of Fives Landis, the relationship has involved training many apprentices who have gone on to become part of the firm’s senior leadership team – including Managing Director Phil Jenkins.

Engineering Director Ian Wellcock, who began his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship with the college in 1999, said: “All Landis apprentices went through the college, and we have many success stories.”

Inspiring future generations

Mechanical Engineering Administrator Amanda Dowden started as an apprentice at Fives Landis, which manufactures grinding equipment for the automotive industry, in 1978.

She said: “Studying at the college has shaped my career, and it helped give me the confidence to do something I enjoyed in an area that was not seen as something a woman would do in those days.

“The college has been an integral part of training future engineers. I hope it continues for another 200 years, inspiring generations to come.”

Meeting local demand

Apprenticeship manager John Harrison’s career at Fives Landis, meanwhile, spans four decades. He said: “The college was integral to training future engineers for what was then Landis Lund Ltd.

“While apprentices once had to travel elsewhere for training, we’ve now returned to our roots, with Keighley College as our main apprenticeship provider.”

A past to be proud of – and an exciting future

We are proud to have been able to help shape the careers of generations of residents, and provide them with more opportunities, for 200 years.

Originally established as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute on Valentine’s Day, 1825, the college has played a vital role in the community and continues to be a cornerstone of education and professional development.

We recently held a special evening meal for our partners, local dignitaries and past and present staff and students to celebrate the anniversary – and will be holding more events throughout the year.

Make sure you stay up to date with all the latest Keighley College news.

Subhan Mahmood has had more reason than most to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025.

The 19 year old has landed a full-time position with Acorn Stairlifts after impressing the Steeton business during his time there as one of our apprentices.

Subhan began his training with the stairlift manufacturer’s customer services team in August, 2023 and made an impact thanks to his enthusiasm, hard work and desire to learn new skills.

Those qualities convinced the business to offer him a permanent role, and Subhan – who previously worked in a fast-food restaurant – couldn’t be happier.

‘I’m on my way!’

He said: “It feels fantastic. I think my hard work has really paid off and I’m well on my way to achieving my goal of becoming a service engineer for Acorn.

“In customer service, I talk to customers on the phone, helping them if they have any problems with their stairlift, and book services for them.

“I had a good experience on my apprenticeship course. Every Monday I had sessions with my tutor, Sarah Barwell, who really helped me with my coursework. And my team leaders at college were very supportive if I needed extra help.

“I would recommend doing an apprenticeship to others. I have gained so much customer service experience through my apprenticeship, placement, and coursework and I’m comfortable now talking to different customers in a good manner.”

A reward for commitment and a positive attitude

Subhan’s Team Leader at Acorn Stairlifts, Bethany Berry, said: “The apprentices we take on from the college are always hard-working and add value to our business, but Subhan stood out.

“He showed that he was willing to try hard throughout his apprenticeship, and was always happy to take part in any training offered to help him gain further knowledge of Acorn and our stairlifts.

“He has also been working hard on improving his customer service soft skills, and as a result has one of our highest inbound call numbers.

“Subhan has aspirations of becoming a service engineer at Acorn, so we will help in every way that we can with that – at the moment he is working in our customer services faults team to build up his knowledge of the product.”

‘A brilliant option’ – apprenticeships unlock careers

Our college, which is preparing to open a dedicated new Engineering hub, has a longstanding working relationship with Acorn Stairlifts and regularly places apprentices, plus supported interns, with the firm.

Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Growth, Clare Fitzgerald, said: “We are delighted to see Subhan land this position which could be his first step into a rewarding career.

“It is through our partnerships with prestigious local firms like Acorn Stairlifts that we secure quality placements for our apprentices and students that lead to opportunities like this.

“Apprenticeships are a brilliant option for anyone who wants to earn while they learn and gain a quick route into their chosen career path, as Subhan’s story – which we’re proud to share during National Apprenticeship Week – demonstrates.”

National Apprenticeship Week, which this year runs from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February, is a  week-long annual celebration that highlights the benefits of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses and the economy.

A group of our apprentices have just taken up positions at GP practices across West and North Yorkshire.

The move represents an exciting new stage in the college’s relationship with healthcare provider Modality Partnership.

Ten of our students will be putting their Level 3 Business Administration skills to good use at Modality-run GP surgeries in Keighley, Haworth, Crosshills, Skipton and more.

A great step into the world of work

Our Head of Business Engagement and Growth, Clare Fitzgerald, said: “We pride ourselves on working closely with the local community and respected organisations like Modality.

“This is a great opportunity for our apprentices to gain some invaluable, early real-world experience at a variety of GP surgeries in and around the district.”

Modality has previously teamed up with the college for a number of community health initiatives, including vaccination and health check clinics that were held on the campus. Speakers from the company have also given talks to our health and social care students as well as Access to Higher Education learners and staff.

An investment in young people

GP partner and Modality AWC Medical Director, Debbie Livesey, said: “It is fantastic to have ten apprentices from Keighley College with us this year and we look forward to helping them develop their careers in the health and care sector.

“We want to invest in local young people, give them the opportunity to build a career in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, and to inspire the next generation of healthcare employees.”

We’re committed to inspiring the next generation of future filmmakers, so when Northern Fortress Films owner, Louisa Mackleston, agreed to a session with our Foundation Studies Film Club, we jumped at the chance to give our students the opportunity to learn directly from an industry expert.

The session prompted our students to produce and enter a film in the We’re Rolling – Bradford Young Filmmakers Challenge competition – with exciting results!

Every Wednesday, like-minded students on our Foundation Studies programmes get together for an hour to immerse themselves in the gripping world of film.

The students, who all possess a love for film, use the club to produce films and explore different genres and techniques used by professional filmmakers.

Tips and advice from an industry expert

This is where Northern Fortress Films (NFF), a Keighley-based, award-winning, grassroots production company, came in – providing the students with real-world insights and practical  experience in the dynamic field of film and media.

Focused on telling socially conscious stories, the production company’s aim is to shine a spotlight on northern talent and give these voices the chance to share their experiences.

Diversity and representation are at the core of all NFF films and they aim to change the culture of the industry by keeping these values at the forefront of their filmmaking.

After an initial introduction about the different roles she undertakes in her organisation, owner Louisa shared her own career beginnings as an assistant director in TV and film, as well as her journey to establishing her own filming company.

Introducing Emerald Dreams

Louisa then tasked the students with producing a 10-minute film for the NFF Burgeoning Filmmakers competition on a topic of their choice, as long as it was based in the Bradford area.

“The students had full creative control,” she says. “It could be fictional, nonfictional, actual or animated.”

“I wanted them to think about how they could tell a story so it resonated with an audience. This might be an account of how life is right now, a tale from the past or their vision for Bradford in the future.”

The group created Emerald Dreams, a sci-fi comedy set at Keighley College featuring Mada – an alternate universe character based on student and cast member Adam.

As well as writing the script and deciding on the order of filming, the students developed their editing skills – both individually and as a group – while receiving additional support from Student Engagement Officer, Chris Nichols.

Louisa’s guidance not only provided a focus for the project, but also knowledge our students could immediately apply to their own filming. After Louisa’s visit, the students began re-scripting, re-filming, and adding sound and music to the edited footage.

Despite this being the students’ first submission, Emerald Dreams reached the final stages of the We’re Rolling Bradford Young Filmmakers Challenge. Staff, students and their families attended the awards ceremony in July.

Connecting with other industry professionals

Following submission of Emerald Dreams, the film club visited The Unit, a local organisation, sponsored by Channel 4, that focuses on introducing film to hard-to-reach communities. Meeting Director, Jordan Scott Kennedy, and being introduced to the organisation’s community work, enabled the students to learn how they could get involved in its activities.