'Students can rise to the challenge on cultural exchange'

THIS year there has been so much to celebrate in Stoke-on-Trent due to the centenary taking place.

- Claire Oliver — Stoke-on-Trent College safeguarding and wellbeing manager

Just a couple of weeks ago, Stoke-on-Trent College hosted a special civic lunch, bringing together many local partners, including our three MPs, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, and many more recognisable faces.

To have such a significant role in Stoke-on-Trent Day on 5 June shows how much our college is one of the vital pillars of the community.

We've seen many milestones during 2025, including 20 years of delivering our flagship enrichment programme - Challenge South Africa.

Building on the success of Challenge South Africa, we are excited to introduce a new enrichment trip for 2025 - Challenge Erlangen.

This programme is designed to engage learners across a range of courses and interests, offering immersive, real-world experiences that prepare students for life and work.

As many keen Stokie historians know, the city has been twinned with Erlangen since 1989.

The relationship with the German city, rooted in post-war reconciliation and cultural exchange, provides a powerful backdrop for Challenge Erlangen.

Our recent visit to Erlangen was a vital step in laying the groundwork for this new chapter.