NEW courses have been added at BCoT as a response to a prediction that 60,000 new jobs will be created in Basingstoke by 2020.

Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, whose aim is to support and sustain economic growth in this area, is predicting what equates to a seven per cent increase in employment since 2010 by the end of the decade, nearly twice what other areas of the country are expected to experience.

The additional roles are likely to be generated in business and service industries, particularly at management and in professional positions, according to a government report.

In contrast, ‘blue collar’, manual jobs and administrative/secretarial roles are forecast to experience a small decline in numbers over same the period.

The impact of this is that higher levels of qualification will be required to fill these roles.

BCoT has reviewed the range of degree level and professional courses it has to offer and has added new courses to this range.

Principal Anthony Bravo said: “We are pleased to offer HNC, HND or Level 4 courses in almost every department across the college.

“These courses are usually designed for people thinking about going to university, and a course with us can often mean jumping straight into the second or third year of a degree course, particularly with one of our partner institutions, the University of Winchester or Southampton Solent University.

“In addition to these, we also offer a range of professional skills courses, many of which are written by the relevant professional body. For example, we are now pleased to be able to offer CILEX courses, approved by the Institute of Legal Executives.

“As Basingstoke’s technology college, we firmly believe that BCoT should be providing the appropriate skills and qualifications for everyone living in our area.

Looking at the Enterprise M3 forecasts, we felt it was important that we respond, so that the people of Basingstoke can find the skills and qualifications they will need for the future jobs market on their doorstep,” said Mr Bravo.

The range of higher level and professional courses at BCoT is now as follows:

• Accountancy (AAT, ACCA)

• Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics

• Business

• Computing and Systems Development

• Construction and the Built Environment

• Creative Media Production

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Fashion Retailing

• Hospitality Management

• Human Resources (CIPD)

• Legal Executive (CILEX)

• Management (CMI)

• Marketing (CIM)

• Mechanical Engineering

• Public Services

• Salon Management

• Sport (Health, Fitness and Exercise)

• Therapeutic Counselling

• Travel & Tourism Management

Dates for your diary

Wednesday 8th September, 4-8pm – Part Time Enrolment evening (for courses commencing this academic year)

Monday 19th October – 4-7.30pm – Open Evening, for courses commencing September 2016

Saturday 14th November – 10.30am – 1pm – Open Morning, for courses and degree level programmes starting from September 2016