Eastleigh College has appointed a new deputy principal who will be responsible for the delivery of a growing curriculum as well as spearheading the college’s digital development with learners and staff alike.

Thirty-nine year old Pete Joddrell has 15 years’ experience in the education sector including teaching and management roles at a school and colleges in Merseyside and Hampshire before joining an FE college in Swindon.

Pete leaves his role as Assistant Principal at New College Swindon to return to the south coast where he brings his digital expertise and dedication to teaching excellence to Eastleigh College.

He said: “I’ve been aware of Eastleigh College since I worked in the region at the start of my career. I’ve watched it grow and adapt and been impressed with the high levels of support it provides, as well as the range of industry-led courses, apprenticeships and other training it provides to learners of all ages.”

Pete first discovered his passion for teaching while providing PT and fitness training during his time at university, and has never looked back. He has always combined his interest in technology with improving the learning experience for students and strongly believes that if college courses equip learners with workplace digital skills they will gain an advantage and greater confidence in the work environment.

Pete continued: “It’s an exciting time to join such an established FE college. While Covid has brought many challenges, I feel it has also highlighted how essential FE is to teaching not only the next generation, but also retraining and upskilling adults who may be seeking jobs in new sectors or returning to jobs that now need new skills.

“Eastleigh is ambitious and has massive potential and I look forward to playing my part in delivering on the college’s vision and strategy with a focus on digital aspects of both teaching and learning.”

Eastleigh College’s Chief Executive and Principal, Paul Cox, added: “Peter is a welcome addition to the college’s senior leadership team. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience including the implementation plan for the introduction of T Levels which will be instrumental in our continued development of industry-led training and development.

“His arrival comes at a perfect time. The recent Skills for Jobs white paper and impact the pandemic has had on jobs means the spotlight is on FE colleges as businesses continue to pick up the pieces and rebuild our Covid-hit economy.”

Pete concludes: “The pandemic accelerated our use of online teaching. As restrictions continue to lift we’ll work to continue to retain the benefits of this, while ensuring we maximise time nsite to develop learners’ skills and practical experience.”