Burnley College recognises International Women’s Day 2021
Today, on International Women’s Day, Burnley College shines the spotlight on two of its inspirational females leaders, whose impact is felt in the wider community and within the business economy, as well as on Campus.
Karen Buchanan is the Principal of Burnley College and Chief Executive Officer of Themis, the College’s Apprenticeship and training arm.
Under Karen’s leadership, Burnley College has been named Number 1 College in England for students aged 16-18 in the Government’s national achievement tables, building futures and changing lives for the next industry leaders and innovators.
With a previously successful career in industry as a computer programmer and systems analyst, starting as an Apprentice, Karen brings a wealth of private sector drive and innovation to College. She has been instrumental in embedding skills valued by employers into learning for all Burnley College students and praised by industry leaders for her commitment to change the shape of the curriculum delivery/timetable to enable students to get out into industry.
A key driver of employer engagement, Karen’s unwavering vision is for effective and meaningful collaboration between industry and education to help shape the region’s economic prosperity and continued growth. She personally leads the Manufacturing Advisory Group, working with CEOs of businesses to ensure the College’s curriculum and training provision matches their needs.
During Covid-19, Karen has made available the College’s expertise in key areas – from enhancing IT systems to facilitate remote working to change management – to public and private sector organisations in a problem-solving capacity to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on public services and business alike.
Hannah Cutler
Hannah Cutler is Head of the Division of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics and Transport at Burnley College.
Hannah’s role is crucial in providing the engineers of tomorrow with the skills, knowledge and motivation to drive the region’s industry to even greater heights and secure our position as a centre of engineering excellence and innovation.
In post for 18 months, Hannah has used this time to further expand employer engagement in the successful division of Burnley College, which delivers vocational education to school leavers, Apprenticeship training, continuous professional development for engineers and degree-level qualifications.
A key member of the North West Engineering Advisory Board, recognised by the Association of Colleges for its ground-breaking work with industry, Hannah has led the development of the curriculum; facilities and staff recruitment to meet the needs of employers and learners alike.
A former Apprentice, Hannah uses her extensive private sector and self-employment experience, to ensure learners are ‘work ready’ with the skills and mindset to make a difference to their employer’s business from day one.
Hannah is committed to her own professional development and is currently studying for a degree in Chartered Management, to add to her existing high-level qualifications.
From the Burnley College Family, we wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day and hope you join us in celebrating the momentous achievements of women all around the globe.