National Learning and Skills Council (LSC) chairman Chris Banks visited Coventry to see how two of the city's colleges are creating new learning opportunities.

Mr Banks first visited Coventry City College's new £52 million Swanswell site, which became fully operational for 12,000 students in January 2009. The LSC contributed £22 million to the total cost of the state-of-the-art development.

Mr Banks also visited Henley College Coventry to see how the college is serving the needs of a socially disadvantaged community by developing strong links with employers and working closely with Sector Skills Councils to ensure qualifications respond to employers' needs.

Mr Banks said: "I have strong ties with the West Midlands, not least as a member of Council at the University of Birmingham where I was a student and, of course, Coventry is home to the national office of the LSC.

"It has been a real pleasure to be here to witness first hand the commitment to learning of both staff and students at City College and Henley College in Coventry and to see another example of the positive difference our highly successful programme of capital investment in college buildings is making up and down the country."

"Colleges are the incubators of the skills and knowledge that employers need to maximise their competitiveness. The LSC is committed to providing the opportunities for all, regardless of background, to fulfil their potential through learning."

Paul Taylor, Principal at City College Coventry said: "We are exceptionally proud of our new college, the building of which has been made possible with the Learning and Skills Council's support and commitment. Our move into the heart of the Hillfields community has been a tremendous success and we look forward to continuing to create new learning opportunities for all."

Ray Goy, Principal at Henley College Coventry said: "Colleges such as ours play a vital role in the heart of the community, not only by improving employment prospects of local people but also promoting social cohesion and regeneration."