Barking and Dagenham College has been nationally recognised after it was awarded the highest industry recognition that is possible.

The college has been given STEM Assured status, the most prestigious accolade that can be given, for the quality of its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based education and training.

Awarded by NEF: The Innovation Institute, it’s the only educational standard that verifies and benchmarks the quality of education and training of STEM subjects.

The college has invested in a STEM investment programme including a Siemens Mechatronics Academy, which opened in February, and has developed partnerships with leading employers including the Green Technologies Centre, heating specialist Viessmann and formwork and scaffolding specialist PERI.

Furthermore, the college has worked with CNet Training to establish a national training hub on the college’s main campus.

NEF chief executive professor Sa’ad Medhat said: “Innovation and entrepreneurialism are thriving at Barking & Dagenham College.

“The College has developed powerful clusters of excellence across a range of sectors and we have been particularly impressed with its approach to new programme development, which is very much in tune with industry requirements, both locally and nationally.

“Congratulations to staff and students on reaching this major milestone.”