KIDDERMINSTER College has officially joined a large education and training group.

Following months of work and planning the college has joined expanding national educational charity NCG.

The college announced earlier this year it was seeking a suitable partner, evaluating each one before deciding on NCG. The proposals were said to have received widespread support during public consultation.

Kidderminster College principal, Andy Dobson, said: “I am delighted that the process we started many months ago has come to a very successful conclusion as we aim to become the natural college of choice for everyone in Kidderminster and Wyre Forest.

“It was clear from the start that NCG shared our vision of providing the best possible education and training for this area so we are confident that this will secure our future and help us expand the choice we offer to local people and employers.

“The Kidderminster College brand will not only continue but be strengthened. We will retain our well-known and respected local identity but get the benefits of the support, expertise and resources of being part of a national group.”

NCG already works extensively across the Midlands. It has a nationwide network of colleges and training organisations and will look to invest in developing facilities to further improve the college’s ability to meet the needs of local people and businesses.

Chief executive of NCG, Joe Docherty, said: “This is an exciting time for us, having Kidderminster College on board as part of NCG. We already have a strong presence in the West Midlands and this will complement that superbly.

“Kidderminster College will continue to do all the things it is known for and it is our clear goal to help expand and diversify the current offer for the benefit of the learners we serve and the business community which relies on us to provide excellent training.”

Kidderminster College, a general further education college, has a turnover of £9 million and provides vocational education and training in Wyre Forest and more widely across the Midlands, as well as small amounts of specialist training at centres in the north of England.

With a turnover of £179 million, NCG is one of the largest education, training and employability organisations in the UK.