Somerset College this week signed an agreement to train staff at a local hospital in a deal that will give work placements and, potentially, jobs to students. The formal working partnership with Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton will see the college provide training for the hospital’s workforce of 4,000, as well as providing business development support to the hospital through the Somerset Centre for Enterprise.

Rachel Davies, the college principal, said: “We are delighted to be providing a full range of education and training for Musgrove, and I know our learners will gain great advantage from the supported placements.”

Jo Cubbon, chief executive of the hospital, said: “Since I arrived at Musgrove a year ago, I have been extremely impressed with the work that Somerset College does. This will benefit both of our organisations significantly.”