Two tutors from the College of North West London (part of United Colleges Group) have been selected to feature in a national campaign by Sky Sports and the Department for Education (DfE), highlighting the impact of further education (FE) teachers and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.
Bricklaying tutor Mitchell Roberts appears in a new Sky Sports digital episode in which former England footballer Theo Walcott and ex-England Lionesses midfielder Izzy Christiansen try their hand at learning a trade with a football-themed twist. In the video, Mitchell introduces the presenters to bricklaying techniques while sharing insight into the skills, precision and creativity involved in the construction trade.
The episode is part of the wider “Be a Teacher” campaign, which aims to encourage experienced professionals to consider teaching in further education and help address skills shortages across key industries.
Another College of North West London tutor, Stuart Lawless, a plumbing lecturer and former gas engineer, has also been featured in campaign coverage highlighting the pathway from industry to teaching. Stuart appeared in a dedicated Sky Sports episode on 6th April.
Speaking about his experience taking part in the campaign, Mitchell said the opportunity was a great way to showcase the value of vocational education: “”What really drives me is wanting to give something back.
“Seeing learners who start with little or no experience grow in confidence, build practical skills and realise they can make a solid, meaningful career in the trades is incredibly rewarding.
“Training others keeps you learning too, as you adapt your approach to different people, backgrounds and ways of learning.
“Being involved in a national campaign was great fun, but if it also encourages more experienced tradespeople to consider training others in FE, then it’s definitely worth it.”
Stuart Lawless also spoke about the importance of sharing industry experience with the next generation of learners: “There’s a real sense of achievement in guiding someone through those early stages and then seeing their confidence grow. If you’ve spent years in industry and are thinking about what’s next, FE is a great way to put your skills to use.”
The campaign appearance follows another recent national collaboration involving the college’s wider group, United Colleges Group (UCG), which was selected to feature in the Department for Education’s National Skills Campaign, highlighting the vital role further education colleges play in developing the UK’s workforce.
Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal, UCG said: “Mitchell and Stuart are an example of exceptional Further Education teachers bringing real-world industry experience into the classroom; they, and others like them across the country, play a crucial role in preparing students for rewarding careers. Having College of North West London selected for this Department for Education and Sky Sports campaign showcases the expertise and dedication of our teaching staff, as well as the outstanding vocational opportunities we offer across United Colleges Group.”
The campaign aims to shine a light on the inspiring professionals who choose to teach in further education, helping learners gain the practical skills needed to succeed in industries such as construction, engineering and plumbing.
Watch Mitchell’s Sky Sports episode Theo Walcott and Izzy Christiansen train in a new trade with a football twist! here.
Watch Stuart’s Sky Sports episode Theo Walcott vs Izzy Christiansen: Who will win the football trade challenge? here.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
