Southwark College was honoured to host Howard Dawber, the Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, who visited the college yesterday as part of a week-long initiative celebrating vocational education. His visit aimed to support London’s growth and enhance career opportunities for local residents.
During his time at the college, Deputy Mayor Dawber joined principals from Southwark College and Lewisham College for an insightful tour of the campus. He engaged with T Levels students who are preparing for promising careers and took the opportunity to share his own career journey, motivating the next generation to seize the vibrant job market in London.
The visit coincided with Colleges Week 2025, themed “Kickstart the Economy,” which highlights the pivotal role of vocational education in transforming lives and driving economic growth.
Throughout the visit, Deputy Mayor Dawber participated in roundtable discussions with key stakeholders, including local employers and representatives from Southwark Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The discussions focused on essential topics such as unlocking job opportunities for local people and fostering inclusive talent strategies crucial for preparing the workforce for a net-zero economy.
Councillor Jasmine Ali, the Deputy Leader of Southwark Council, and Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member, participated in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among education providers, employers, and local authorities to ensure that Londoners have access to the skills required for in-demand jobs.
The Deputy Mayor’s visit underscored the recent launch of the London Growth Plan, an ambitious blueprint designed to revitalize the capital’s economy and improve the lives of its residents. As integral components of this vision, London’s colleges provide the education and training that empower individuals to achieve career success.
This visit marked a significant moment in furthering the partnership between education and local industry, shining a light on the essential role of colleges in securing positive job outcomes for young people and adults across London.
