Bury College welcomes Chinese education partners and University of Salford guests for curriculum showcase visit

On Thursday 12th February 2026, Bury College welcomed a delegation of students and staff from two education providers in China, Caofeidian College of Technology and Tangshan Maritime College, for a two-hour visit focused on vocational education and technical skills in practice.

The international delegation was joined by official guests from the University of Salford, alongside the College’s Vice Chair of Governors, Naomi Sharples. The experience provided an opportunity for guests to experience first-hand how vocational and technical education is delivered at Bury College, and how programmes are designed to prepare students for employment, further study, and progression into industry.

Showcasing vocational education and curriculum design

The afternoon began with a welcome from the College’s Principal and Deputy Principal, with the use of interpreters to support clear communication throughout the morning.

Following a presentation outlining the College’s Skills Strategy, guests were introduced to the vocational curriculum areas, showcasing the range of technical and professional pathways available to students. Staff explained the typical learner profile of a student at the College, the entry routes into courses, and ways that the College values of employment readiness support students in developing industry skills and progression to higher levels of study.

A key focus of the day was how labour market intelligence and employer insight shape curriculum design at Bury College. Heads of Curriculum shared how feedback from employers, regional and national skills priorities, and industry standards inform course content, assessment approaches and the skills students develop, ensuring programmes remain responsive to emerging technologies and changes within industry practice.

The delegation also learned about the College’s strong engagement with stakeholders, including employers, professional bodies and awarding organisations. Guests heard how these partnerships presented opportunities to positively influence curriculum content, provide facilities and equipment to enhance learning, and improve connections with the industry providing guest lectures, live briefs, and work placements for students.

Examples were shown of applied learning and the methods used such as project-based learning, real-world simulations, and more to support student confidence, engagement, and employability.

Innovation, professional practice, and student development

Innovation within teaching and learning was a key focus of the event, demonstrated through a presentation on learning technologies and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Guests heard how digital platforms, simulations and AI tools are used to support research, feedback, and skills practice, while helping students to develop the digital capabilities required for modern workplaces.

The presentation also explained how teaching staff combine current industry expertise with formal teaching qualifications to maintain up-to-date professional knowledge through continued professional development, industry engagement, and employer partnerships.

Beyond technical skills, the session demonstrated how the College supports students to become responsible citizens. Heads of Curriculum explained how tutorials and personal development programmes promote wellbeing, professional behaviours, equality, diversity and inclusion, and wider social responsibility.

Visitors learned about progression pathways and how students can move through vocational programmes into higher-level study, apprenticeships, employment and where appropriate, higher education, supported by careers guidance and employer input.

Finishing with a tour of the College’s specialist learning spaces, allowed the guests to view and experience industry standard facilities, observe examples of student work, followed by a question-and-answer session, supported by the interpreters.

Strengthening international partnerships

Naomi Sharples, Associate Dean for Academic Development & International at the University of Salford and Vice Chair of Governors at Bury College, had this to say about the visit:

“The School of Health and Society welcome colleagues from Caofeidian Vocational and Technical College and Tangshan Maritime College each year to explore vocational education, skills education, and workforce planning. As part of the 2026 programme, we were delighted to be able to take colleagues to visit Bury College. The visit was an important element of our knowledge exchange, providing an opportunity to share practical approaches to vocational education, employer engagement, digital education approaches, and skills development in education that meets the workforce needs.

The exchange of information was extremely valuable on both sides and helps to strengthen international partnerships in ways that support staff, students, and regional economies. China colleagues expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome, and admiration for the college leaders, tutors, and especially enjoyed meeting Bury College learners.”

The collaboration marked an important opportunity to strengthen international links and showcase Bury College’s approach to vocational education, employer engagement, and student development to partners from China and colleagues from the University of Salford.