MP Cheryl Gillan gets a grilling over HS2 at Amersham & Wycombe College

Media student Lauren Rooney, 18, from Amersham & Wycombe College questioned Amersham's MP, Cheryl Gillan about the controversial HS2 rail project during a visit last week.

"She was very open during her radio interview," said Gill Clipson, the college's principal. "It was conducted as one of many exercises we organise to ensure students get a very direct experience of the real world in the careers for which they are training.

"Everyone enjoyed the visit immensely. Cheryl spent a lot of time with everyone she met, hearing about their experience of college." 

The Amersham campus, which Mrs Gillan visited on Friday, is experiencing a huge surge in demand for its A-levels and vocational courses, preparing people for a range of careers including business, broadcast, art, design, acting and dance. 

Mrs Gillan said: "I really enjoy visiting the college, with which I've had many dealings with over the years. 

"Vocational education is so important to us all. It's important to those who take part because they will have the skills which greatly improve their prospects in life and it's important to the rest of us because a well-trained workforce is one of the vital ingredients of economic recovery." 

The Amersham and Chesham MP saw some of the skills and technology used by students, including motion capture and filming equipment in the media department, as well dropping in on the college's theatre, which is used for performances open to the general public.

She also enjoyed a tour of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, where the college is nurturing some of the business leaders of tomorrow.

A copy of Cheryl Gillan's interview was unavailable at the time of uploading.

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